11 Best Slam Balls: Build Power and Explosiveness

There’s something satisfying about raising a weighted ball over your head and slamming it into the ground. But beyond the stress-relieving benefits, ball slams are fantastic for increasing cardiovascular endurance and developing power and explosiveness.

Choosing the right equipment is essential if you want to incorporate ball slams into your routine. There are many types of fitness balls on the market, but each serves different purposes.

To help you determine which slam balls are ideal for ball slam exercises, I’ve compiled a list of the 11 best slam balls:

1. Living.Fit Slam Ball – Best Overall
2. RAGE Fitness Slam Ball – Best Budget Slam Ball
3. Rogue Fitness MK D-Ball – Most Versatile
4. TRX Slam Ball – Best Slam Ball for a Secure Grip
5. Fringe Sport Slam Ball – Best for Commercial Gym Use
6. American Barbell Slam Ball – Best for Weight Variety
7. REP Fitness Slam Balls – Best for Outdoor Workouts
8. RBX Weight Training Slam Ball – Best for Beginners
9. Rogue Fitness Rubber Medicine Ball – Best Medicine Ball for Slams
10. Titan Fitness Slam Balls – Best Slam Ball Set
11. Nordic Lifting Dead Weight Slam Ball – Most Durable

Featured Products

1. Living.Fit Slam Ball – Best Overall
2. RAGE Fitness Slam Ball – Best Budget Slam Ball
3. Titan Fitness Slam Balls – Best Slam Ball Set

Why You Should Trust Us

We’re a team of powerlifters, powerlifting coaches, and fitness enthusiasts with decades of experience in the fitness industry. We know what makes gym equipment great because we’ve spent years using various strength and cardio equipment ourselves.

How We Tested These Slam Balls

The products on this list include slam balls we’ve used in commercial or home gym settings. We used our first-hand experience to review them and evaluate how applicable they are to various use cases. We also considered our experiences purchasing from the featured brands to recommend items from companies we trust.

For the items we haven’t personally tested, we analyzed reviews on Amazon and/or the manufacturers’ websites to see what other users considered the biggest benefits and drawbacks.

11 Best Slam Balls

1. Living.Fit Slam Ball – Best Overall

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros

• Comes with a two-year warranty for home use and a one-year warranty for commercial use
• Available in an extensive range of weights
• Durable enough to be used outdoors
• Textured outer shell for a better grip

Cons

• Can be pricey, especially at higher weights
• Triangled pattern may feel rough on the hands

The Living.Fit slam ball is my pick for the best slam ball overall because of its durability, wide weight range, and excellent warranty (two years for home gym use and one year for commercial gym use). These features make it an ideal option for gym-goers of all experience levels and use in various gym environments.

It has a textured triangular pattern that provides a good grip, even when your hands get sweaty. However, the texture may be too rough for some people. You may want to wear gym gloves if you’re concerned about calluses or ripped skin.

This isn’t a cheap slam ball, but it has an ultra-durable rubber shell that can withstand slams on various surfaces. You can use it on concrete, turf, or rubber flooring without worrying about the seams bursting.

2. RAGE Fitness Slam Ball – Best Budget Slam Ball

Rating: 3.8/5

Pros

• Affordable price
• Features an air valve to prevent bursting and give you control of the firmness
• Grippy but comfortable texture

Cons

• May need to purchase an air pump separately to refill it with air as needed
• Shouldn’t be used on concrete or rough surfaces

The RAGE Fitness slam ball is best for anyone on a budget due to its affordable price, durable outer shell, and grippy texture.

This slam ball also comes with an air valve that serves two purposes. It prevents pressure from building up inside the ball, reducing the likelihood of bursting. It also lets you control the ball’s firmness based on your preferences.

However, this also means you may need to buy an air pump separately if you don’t already have one.

Another drawback is that using this slam ball on concrete or rough surfaces reduces its longevity. It’s best to use it on rubber gym flooring or a rubber mat.

3. Rogue Fitness MK D-Ball – Most Versatile

Rating: 4.7/5

Pros

• Suitable for a wide range of exercises
• Goes up to 150 lbs
• Durable

Cons

• Expensive

If you’re looking for a slam ball that suits various workout styles, the Rogue Fitness MK D-ball is a great choice. It has a larger diameter (14”) than other slam balls, making it possible to use them for multiple movements.

For example, you can use it for D-ball cleans, holds, or carries. You can use it for overhead ball slams. You can even use it in place of a medicine ball for wall balls.

This versatility makes the MK D-balls excellent slam balls for CrossFit, Strongman training, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

The outer shell features matte black rubber and raised circular lines to make it easy to hold. Like most Rogue products, the MK D-ball is known for its durability. It can withstand outdoor workouts and frequent use without bursting.

4. TRX Slam Ball – Best Slam Ball for a Secure Grip

Rating: 4.4/5

Pros

• Has a one-year warranty
• Comes with access to the TRX Training Club mobile app
• Affordable
• Good balance between being grippy and comfortable to hold

Cons

• May not be heavy enough for advanced individuals
• Should only be used on a rubber mat or soft surfaces

The TRX Slam Ball features durable, high-quality rubber and a tire tread pattern. It offers superb grip-ability while being comfortable to hold. You can use it repeatedly without worrying about it irritating your hands.

It’s available in weights from 6 to 40 lbs, so you can easily find a weight that suits your abilities, whether you’re a beginner or intermediate exerciser. However, you may find it too light if you’re more advanced or very strong.

While it’s durable when used on a rubber mat or soft surface like turf, it won’t withstand frequent use on concrete.

5. Fringe Sport Slam Ball – Best for Commercial Gym Use

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros

• Backed by a one-year warranty
• Maintains its shape even with heavy, frequent use
• Available in 12 different weights from 6 to 150 lbs

Cons

• Expensive

The Fringe Sport Slam Ball comes with a premium price tag, but it’s one of the best slam balls you can buy for commercial gym use. While you can’t use it for outdoor workouts on concrete or other abrasive surfaces, breaking it in indoor gym settings is nearly impossible.

This extreme durability means it can withstand heavy use, which is essential for commercial gyms or personal training studios where multiple members may use slam balls daily.

This slam ball is available in weights as small as 6 lbs. It’s hard to find slam balls this light. But it’s another benefit for commercial gyms where people of all experience levels will work out.

All that said, there’s no reason this slam ball wouldn’t work in a home gym, too. Many people who use it in garage gyms praise it for its ability to hold up in fluctuating temperatures. 

6. American Barbell Slam Ball – Best for Weight Variety

Rating: 4.7/5

Pros

• Tire tread for a secure grip
• Can be used on various surfaces
• Wide weight range
• Odor-free

Cons

• Expensive

While some slam balls are only available in weight increments of 10 lbs or only go up to 50 lbs, the American Barbell slam ball is available in a range of 10 lbs to 200 lbs. This means you can find a weight that suits your abilities, whether you’re a beginner who needs light slam balls or an experienced athlete looking for heavy slam balls.

The American Barbell slam ball features a sturdy rubber exterior and sand filling like most slam balls. These features give it a dead bounce and enhance its durability.

My favorite feature of this slam ball is the tire tread on the outer shell. It’s not too rough but allows you to get a good grip, so the ball won’t slip from your hands as you get sweaty.

Also, while many slam balls may have an odor when you first get them, the American Barbell slam balls are odor-free. You can start using them right away without airing them out first.

7. REP Fitness Slam Balls – Best for Outdoor Workouts

Rating: 4.6/5

Pros

• Reasonable price
• Double-thick exterior and reinforced air valve for extra durability
• Available in light weights that are ideal for beginners or children

Cons

• Only goes up to 70 lbs
• Only has a six-month warranty for commercial use

Many slam balls can be used indoors or outdoors, but the REP Fitness slam ball feels like it was designed specifically for outdoor use. According to many slam ball reviews, it’s nearly indestructible. It has a double-thick rubber shell and reinforced air valve to enhance its durability. 

This slam ball doesn’t have tire tread, but the rubber exterior is still plenty grippy. The lack of tread also means you’ll experience fewer skin abrasions during exercises like D-ball over the shoulder if you work out shirtless or in a tank top.

It only goes up to 70 lbs, so there may be better options for advanced or very strong exercisers. However, it’s available in 5 lbs, making it suitable for beginners or children.

8. RBX Weight Training Slam Ball – Best for Beginners

Rating: 4.2/5

Pros

• Affordable
• Flexible outer shell makes it easy to hold
• Contoured tread pattern for a better grip

Cons

• Doesn’t have a large weight selection

The RBX Weight Training Slam Ball is only available in 8 or 10 lbs. While these weights are too limiting for advanced exercises, they’re ideal for beginners building their strength and endurance.

The slam ball has a flexible but durable rubber shell that makes it easy to hold. The contoured tread pattern offers a secure grip even when your hands start to sweat.

This slam ball is also available for a reasonable price. If you’re new to slam ball exercises, you can gain experience without spending much money upfront. Then, as you get stronger, you can move on to a heavier slam ball.

9. Rogue Fitness Rubber Medicine Ball – Best Medicine Ball for Slams

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros

• Can be used for ball slams or ball-throwing exercises
• Comes with a one-year warranty
• Available in 2 to 5-lb increments, so you can get a weight that suits your abilities

Cons

• Only goes up to 30 lbs
• Expensive

If you don’t have room for medicine balls and slam balls in your home gym, the Rogue Fitness Rubber Medicine Ball is ideal.

While it’s not quite as versatile as the MK D-ball reviewed above, it’s one of the best medicine balls for slamming. It will rebound but not as much as a bouncier medicine ball. You can also use it for wall balls, and rotational med ball throws to improve your rotational strength for sports like baseball.

The only drawbacks of this slam ball are that it doesn’t go heavier than 30 lbs and it’s pricier than other options on the market. But it’s available in smaller 2 to 5-lb increments, making it easy to find a weight that suits your skill level.

The medicine ball slam is one of my favorite alternatives to wall balls if you work out in a gym with low ceilings.

10. Titan Fitness Slam Balls – Best Slam Ball Set

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros

• Affordable
• Available in 5-lb increments
• Rubber shell is burst-resistant

Cons

• Only goes up to 60 lbs

The Titan Fitness slam balls aren’t available in sets, per se. Still, they’re one of the most cost-efficient options if you want to buy multiple slam balls at once. If you catch them during a sale promotion or one-day flash deal, you can save even more money when buying in bulk.

They only go up to 60 lbs, so they’re best suited for beginners or intermediate athletes. But for the price, they’re surprisingly durable. The hard rubber shell is resistant to bursting, and you can use these slam balls indoors or outdoors.

This particular slam ball doesn’t have tread but has a textured surface for easy grip-ability. Titan sells rubber tread slam balls for those looking for an even more secure grip, but they’re more expensive.

11. Nordic Lifting Dead Weight Slam Ball – Most Durable

Rating: 4.7/5

Pros

• Impact-absorbing design enhances durability
• Reasonably priced compared to other options
• Comes with a one-year warranty and an exercise guide

Cons

• Only goes up to 45 lbs

The Nordic Lifting Dead Weight Slam Ball boasts a burst-proof design and thicker rubber than you’ll find on other gym slam balls. You can use it on rough surfaces without worrying about it breaking, giving you the flexibility to work out wherever you want.

Unlike lower-quality slam balls, the weight on the Nordic Lifting slam ball remains evenly distributed with frequent use.

This slam ball features a textured but smooth exterior tread, making it easy to maintain your grip without tearing or irritating your hands. It’s available in weights of 5 to 45 lbs, so it’s ideal for beginners, children, or intermediate athletes.

Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Slam Ball

Intended Use

The first thing to consider when buying a slam ball is the exercises you’ll do with it. Some slam balls, like the Rogue MK D-ball, are versatile enough for multiple activities. However, you can only use other slam balls for ball slams or exercises that don’t require throwing the ball against a wall.

If you plan on doing exercises like wall balls and ball slams frequently, I recommend buying balls specifically for each purpose. I compiled a list of my favorite wall balls in Best Wall Balls (7 Brands Tried & Tested) if you’re unsure where to look.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Workouts

Many slam balls are meant for indoor workouts only. Using them outdoors on pavement, concrete, or other abrasive surfaces can damage the shell and cause the slam ball to burst.

If you plan on using your slam ball outdoors, ensure you look for one you can use on various surfaces. The product descriptions on the manufacturer’s website will tell you whether or not you can use the slam ball on outdoor surfaces.

Exterior Tread and Quality of Materials

For the most part, slam balls consist of two primary materials: rubber for the exterior shell and sand for the filling. However, there are slight nuances beyond those two things that you should consider when shopping for a slam ball.

For example, does the exterior also have tread, or is the material smoother? This can affect your grip on the ball.

Does the rubber feel thick and sturdy, or is it thin and flimsy? And does it feel cheap or well-constructed? This can affect the slam ball’s durability.

Weight and Diameter

Slam balls are available in various weights. The most common ones are 5-100 lbs (increasing in 5 or 10-lb increments), though some go as high as 200 lbs.

The best slam ball weight for you will depend on your experience level, gender, and the type of training you do. For cardio-based workouts, lighter slam balls of 10-30 lbs are ideal. For power- or strength-based workouts, 20-40 lbs or higher is ideal.

Women and beginners should opt for weights on the lower end of those ranges. Men and experienced individuals should go for the higher end. If you’re more advanced, you may even want to look for slam balls that weigh at least 100 lbs.

Also, consider the slam ball’s diameter. The diameter will vary based on the weight and can range from nine to 14 inches. Some slam balls like the Rogue MK D-ball have the same diameter regardless of weight.

Slam balls with a smaller diameter are easier to control, especially if you have small hands. But slam balls with a larger diameter are easier to hold for exercises like D-ball carries.

Dead Bounce

Slam balls should have a dead bounce, meaning they shouldn’t rebound after you throw them into the ground. If it did bounce high enough and with enough force, it could hit you in the face on the rebound.

Some individuals criticize slam balls for their lack of rebound, but that’s the point of them! The fact that they remain on the ground after slams means you have to squat all the way down to pick them up again. As a result, you get a more challenging workout.

Slam Balls vs. Medicine Balls: What Are the Differences?

Outer Materials and Fillings

Slam balls have a sturdy but flexible outer rubber shell and sand or iron sand filling. They usually also have air valves to release pressure and prevent them from bursting when slammed into the ground.

Medicine balls have synthetic leather, vinyl, or kevlar (a synthetic fiber) exteriors. They contain a weightless filling like polypropylene cotton and a weighted filler like iron sand or rubber particles.

Exterior Tread

Many slam balls have tire-like tread on the exterior to make them easier to hold once you start sweating. Medicine balls don’t have this feature because there’s less of a chance of skin abrasions if you miss a catch during wall balls and the ball hits you in the face.

Malleability

Medicine balls retain their shape when thrown against a wall or another object. This is so you can catch them more easily without the material collapsing.

Slam balls are more pliable and will flatten slightly when stored or after you slam them into the ground.

Amount of Bounce

Medicine balls bounce back to you after you throw them against a wall or the floor, enabling you to do many reps of exercises like wall balls in quick succession.

On the other hand, slam balls should have very little to no bounce. They flatten slightly once they land on the floor, requiring you to squat all the way down to pick them up again.

Since you typically do ball slams with more force than you would use for wall balls, the lack of bounce in slam balls helps prevent injuries. The ball won’t rebound and hit you unexpectedly.

Price

Slam balls range in price from around $2-$4 per pound. Medicine balls range from $4-$10 per pound.

The price difference is due to the extra material and longer manufacturing process needed for medicine balls.

Weight and Diameter

Most medicine balls only go up to 30 lbs, although a few go up to 50 lbs. Slam balls can weigh up to 200 lbs.

Medicine balls also have a 14” diameter, while slam balls have a 9-12” diameter.

I cover the differences between slam balls and wall balls in more detail in Wall Balls vs. Slam Balls: Pros, Cons, Which Are Better? 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sort of Exercises Can I Do With Slam Balls?

The most common exercise gym-goers do with slam balls is the overhead slam. You can also use slam balls for weighted squats, weighted lunges, lunges with a twist, weighted crunches, partner throws, Russian twists, and shoulder presses.

How Much Do Slam Balls Normally Weigh?

Most slam balls are available in ranges of 10-100 lbs, going up in weight in 5 or 10-lb increments. However, some slam balls weigh as little as 5 lbs and as much as 200 lbs.

How Heavy of a Slam Ball Should I Get?

Your slam ball weight will depend on your experience level and your training type. If you’re a beginner or want to improve your cardio, try 10-30 lbs. If you’re advanced or want to improve your strength, try 20-50 lbs. Women should stay on the lower end of those ranges, and men should opt for the higher end.

Strong individuals should consider a slam ball weighing at least 100 lbs.

Do You Put Air in Slam Balls?

Most slam balls contain sand fillings but also have air valves for you to put air in them if they become deflated. However, slam balls should be malleable, so it’s important not to fill them too much. Filling them with too much air can increase the chances of them bursting.

Can You Break a Slam Ball?

It is possible to break a slam ball. Some slam balls can burst at the seams or develop small holes when used on concrete or rough surfaces. They can also burst if you fill them with too much air.

Can You Use a Slam Ball as a Medicine Ball?

You can use a slam ball as a medicine ball for exercises like Russian twists or weighted lunges. However, using a slam ball as a medicine ball for wall balls is not recommended. Slam balls won’t rebound once thrown against a wall, and the tread can hurt if the ball accidentally hits you in the face.

Final Verdict: What Is the Best Slam Ball?

Of the best slam balls on this list, my top pick is the Living.Fit slam ball due to its sturdiness, extensive weight range, and grippy exterior. While it comes at a higher price, it’s not something you’ll have to replace often.

If you’re looking for a slam ball that you can use for slams and other exercises like wall balls, consider the Rogue Fitness MK D-ball. It’s suitable for CrossFit, Strongman, and HIIT workouts.

A drawback of these two slam balls is their price, which may be too high for some individuals. For budget gym-goers, I recommend the RAGE Fitness slam ball. It’s not as durable, so you may have to replace it after a few months. But if you don’t want to make a significant upfront investment in a slam ball, RAGE Fitness is a suitable option.

About The Author

Amanda Dvorak is a freelance writer and powerlifting enthusiast. Amanda played softball for 12 years and discovered her passion for fitness when she was in college. It wasn’t until she started CrossFit in 2015 that she became interested in powerlifting and realized how much she loves lifting heavy weights. In addition to powerlifting, Amanda also enjoys running and cycling.