When playing basketball, volleyball or another sport that requires a ball, it is important to keep the ball properly inflated. An underinflated ball will not bounce properly, reducing the enjoyment of the game for the players.
Adding air to the ball requires use of a manual or electric pump with a needle that inserts air into the bladder of the ball. For the most accurate air pressure measurement in the ball, try the Pumteck&1&Kids Electric Ball Pump, which includes an LCD screen.
What to know before you buy a ball pump
Manual ball pump
A manual ball pump is the most common type of pump. The player repeatedly will pull upward and press downward on a handle to propel air into the ball.
The manual pump is not expensive, and it is easy to use. You can use a manual ball pump anywhere, including with your outdoor basketball at the local playground.
Electric ball pump
Some people prefer an electric pump that runs from a battery or cord that plugs into a 12-volt outlet in a vehicle or into a USB port.
The electric ball pump will eliminate the need to use any manual effort to add air. It also can inflate the ball faster than the manual pump.
Electric air compressor
Even though an air compressor does not have a specific design to inflate a ball, you can use it for this purpose. A large air compressor may be difficult to use for a ball, as it may add too much air too quickly. However, a battery-powered handheld air compressor may work nicely for adding air slowly.
Ball pump features
Needles
The ball pump should ship with at least one needle. These needles are a little flimsy, so they could break. It may be helpful to purchase a few extra needles, so you always have a usable one available.
The needle will attach securely to the hose on the ball pump. Nearly all ball pump needles will be the same size, so you should be able to connect any air pump needle you purchase to the hose on the ball pump.
The majority of ball pumps will have a small storage compartment inside the pump where you can store your needles so they’re always available for use.
Inflation measurement
An electric ball pump may have a display screen on it that shows the precise air pressure measurement currently in the ball. This ensures you won’t overinflate the ball inadvertently.
A few manual ball pumps may include an air pressure gauge to help you measure the air pressure inside the ball, but this feature is not common.
Portability
If you want to carry your ball pump with you, having a smaller pump may be beneficial. Some manual and electric ball pumps are as small as 6 inches in length.
Inflation time
For a manual pump, you should be able to inflate the ball within 30-60 seconds, depending on the level of deflation the ball has when you start to inflate it. An electric pump can inflate the ball in about 15-45 seconds.
Ball pump cost
A manual ball pump will cost $10-$20. For an electric ball pump, expect to pay $25-$50.
Ball pump FAQ
Are there any problems with an overinflated ball?
A. When adding air to a ball with the ball pump, do it slowly. Adding too much air too fast can cause a bubble in the bladder of the ball, which affects the integrity of the ball. If a significantly overinflated ball strikes an object or the ground too hard, it could burst. A slight overinflation likely won’t ruin the ball, though.
How do I know if the ball is properly inflated?
A. The ball often will have the recommended air pressure printed on it in pounds per square inch. You then can use a pressure gauge to measure the air pressure inside the ball. If you don’t have a gauge available, you can test the bounciness of the ball. For example, a basketball dropped from chest level should bounce back almost to the same level when properly inflated.
Which ball pump should I get?
Best of the best ball pump
Pumtek&1&Kids Electric Ball Pump: available at Amazon
Our take: Make the process of inflating basketballs and other balls a lot more fun with this electric ball pump with an LCD screen.
What we like: You can use the digital display to see the precise level of pressure in the ball. It runs from battery for convenience, or you can plug it into a USB port to provide power. It also includes a flashlight, so you can clearly see the inflation hole on the pump.
What we dislike: This is an expensive ball pump. The battery life does not last as long as most users like to see.
Best bang for your buck ball pump
Spalding 12-Inch Dual Action Ball Pump: available at Amazon
Our take: Inflate your sports balls faster with this dual-action ball pump, which inserts air into the ball on both the push and the pull of the pump.
What we like: The 12-inch long barrel on the manual pump will deliver quite a bit of air in a short amount of time. The hose extends several inches from the barrel of the pump, making it easy to adjust the position of the pump to the ball.
What we dislike: This ball pump seems a little flimsy, so it won’t stand up to rough treatment.
Honorable mention ball pump
Franklin 13.25-Inch Dual-Action Ball Pump: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Our take: This Franklin pump includes a needle that you’ll store inside the barrel, so you never have to worry about losing it.
What we like: At more than 13 inches in length, this manual pump delivers. The dual-action design will add air on both the push and the pull of the handle.
What we dislike: This is not the most durable ball pump available. The smallish handle of the pump may be difficult to grip tightly.
Kyle Schurman is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
