$2,500 'airless' basketball has everyone saying the same thing

Wilson's 3D-printed basketball was first introduced at the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend and has been catching public attention ever since.

Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee posted a video showcasing the innovative airless basketball.

For the purpose of comparison, Brownlee tested the airless ball's mechanics against a regular NBA basketball.

The tech expert answered common queries about how the basketball can bounce.

'It feels different like it's got this slick texture to it,' Brownlee commented.

'It also smells very different. It kind of smells like a shoe.'

The limited edition ball hasn't impressed everyone / Marques Brownlee

Additionally, he pointed out that a lot of people who suffer from trypophobia might feel a little uneasy seeing the ball with many holes.

Demonstrating the difference in bounces between the balls, both seem to bounce almost exactly the same height off the floor.

The airless bounce was also notably quieter than the regular sports ball, however the performance of the airless ball is remarkably '90% of a regular ball' according to the popular YouTuber.

The review of the limited edition ball has everyone saying the same thing.

Despite how cool the unique sports ball looked, the majority of viewers weren't impressed by the design.

'Solving a problem that doesn't exist. Brilliant,' one respondent wrote.

Another comment read: 'The epitome of if it ain't broke don't fix it.'

The ball wasn't tried out for an actual game so it's uncertain what the actual ball plays like.

One commentator responded on the mechanics of the ball writing: 'The aerodynamics are guaranteed to be different.'

The 3D-printed ball would cost you $2,500 / Marques Brownlee

The printed ball contains a 'latticed pattern of hexagonal holes' and is the first commercial version of its kind. It first hit the shelves on February 16th earlier this year.

With no inflation required, the ball is able to bounce like any other.

If you want to get your hands on the limited edition Airless Gen1 Basketball costs around $2,500.

There are three colours available; black, broken leather hue and an off-white shade which is the natural colour of the polymer material used.

Despite the influx of negative comments, I'm sure there will be plenty more people wanting hoping to buy a copy of the ball - which could mean they will probably sell out fast.