{"product_id":"spalding-zi-o-excel-28-5-indoor-outdoor-basketball-foam-backed-composite-tacky-grip","title":"Spalding Zi\/O Excel 28.5\" Indoor-Outdoor Basketball — Foam-Backed Composite, Tacky Grip","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Spalding Zi\/O Excel 28.5\" is an intermediate-size indoor-outdoor basketball with a foam-backed composite cover for a soft, tacky feel and consistent bounce.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt for players who need a reliable ball that performs on gym floors and blacktop alike, the Spalding Zi\/O Excel blends a composite Zi\/O Tournament cover with foam backing to improve grip and cushioning. Shipped inflated and ready-to-use, this size 6 (28.5\") model suits youth and smaller adult hands, offering familiar weight and control for drills, pickup games, and practice sessions. The slightly tacky surface makes it easier to palm and control without feeling sticky, and the construction helps maintain predictable bounce across different surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does the Zi\/O Excel feel compared with a traditional leather game ball?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe foam-backed composite cover provides a softer touch than many rubber outdoor balls while remaining more durable than full-grain leather in rough conditions. You get a comfortable grip and responsive feedback on catches and shots without the strict break-in requirements of genuine leather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFoam-backed design for cushioned feel on impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSlightly tacky composite cover for easier ball control\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReady-to-play inflation mimics in-game bounce\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill this ball hold up outdoors and still perform indoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes—the Zi\/O Tournament composite material is designed to resist abrasion from outdoor courts while keeping good playability on indoor hardwood. The composite cover balances durability and grip so the ball remains reliable across different environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eComposite cover resists scuffs and wear on asphalt and concrete\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFoam backing preserves bounce consistency on gym floors\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eShipped inflated to game pressure for immediate use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the 28.5\" size appropriate for my player and training needs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 28.5 inches (Size 6), this ball is standard for intermediate players and many youth leagues. It offers the correct circumference and weight balance for developing shooting form, ball handling, and passing mechanics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSize 6 specification suits most teenagers and smaller adults\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUseful for skill development and transitional play\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA good bridge between junior and full adult-size basketballs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow should I care for the Zi\/O Excel to extend its life?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClean the ball with a damp cloth and mild soap when dirty, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and store it indoors or in a ventilated bag when not in use. Regularly check and maintain inflation to preserve playability and prevent seam stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWipe clean after outdoor sessions to remove grit\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eKeep at recommended inflation pressure; avoid overinflation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStore out of direct sunlight and away from sharp objects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho this is for: The Spalding Zi\/O Excel 28.5\" is ideal for youth players, coaches running drills, and recreational athletes who want a versatile ball that performs on both indoor hardwood and outdoor surfaces. If you need a game-ready basketball shipped inflated with a comfortable, slightly tacky grip and durable composite construction, this Size 6 option delivers consistent bounce and feel for practice sessions, pick-up games, and training routines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What size is the Spalding Zi\/O Excel?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: This model is Size 6 with a 28.5-inch circumference, suited for intermediate players.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Is the ball game-ready out of the box?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes, the Spalding Zi\/O Excel ships inflated and ready for play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Spalding","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59359759696220,"sku":"B08QJJPWKT","price":90.92,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1059\/5604\/9244\/files\/spalding-zio-excel-front-view.jpg?v=1791199771","url":"https:\/\/sportium.co.uk\/products\/spalding-zi-o-excel-28-5-indoor-outdoor-basketball-foam-backed-composite-tacky-grip","provider":"Sportium Sports And Outdoors","version":"1.0","type":"link"}