As someone who's bought multiple basketballs for my kids and their friends, the Longsail basketball stands out. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to inflate—the included pump and needles worked like a charm, and the ball held air perfectly even after weeks of rough outdoor play.

The grip on this ball is fantastic, especially for little hands. My 6-year-old niece, who usually struggles with slippery balls, could actually dribble and shoot with confidence. Even when we took it to the pool (yes, it floats!), the deep grooves kept it from slipping away.

What surprised me most was the durability. After two months of daily use on concrete and even some accidental kicks during soccer games, the graphics still look fresh with no peeling. The nylon yarn layer inside really prevents deformation—our old basketball would've been lopsided by now.

For parents wondering about sizing: We got size 5 for my tall 8-year-old nephew and size 3 for his 5-year-old sister. The smaller ball is light enough for her to shoot properly while still feeling like a 'real' basketball. Both sizes bounce consistently whether we're playing in the driveway or at the park.

The waterproof claim is no joke—we left it out in the rain twice by accident, and it dried without any damage or smell. At this price point with this quality, I'll definitely be buying more as birthday gifts for all the young athletes in our family.