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A wall ball is a necessary piece of equipment for anyone who does CrossFit or functional fitness at home. However, nearly every fitness equipment brand sells wall balls, making it difficult to figure out which is best.
So what is the best wall ball? The best wall ball is the Rogue Fitness Medicine Ball because it has double-stitched seams and a rugged scuff-resistant shell, which makes it very durable, with evenly distributed weight, and easy to hold and catch during wall balls. It’s also made in the US and comes with a two-year warranty.
Regarding home gym equipment, a wall ball may not be as crucial as a squat rack or barbell. But it’s still important to ensure you purchase a high-quality wall ball that suits your needs and will last for a long time.
In this article, I’ll discuss:
- 3 factors to consider when buying a wall ball
- The 8 best wall balls on the market
- Features to look for when buying a wall ball
You may be wondering why you should do wall balls in the first place. I talk about why they’re a good exercise in my article What Are Wall Balls Good For? (And, Why Are They So Hard?).
What Are the Differences Between Wall Balls, Slam Balls, and Medicine Balls?
Before getting into the best wall balls on the market, you should understand the difference between wall balls, slam balls, and medicine balls. Many people incorrectly assume that these balls can all be used interchangeably, but they can’t.
Wall Balls
Wall balls are soft balls with a grippy outer layer and are designed to maintain their shape. They’re typically filled with a combination of weighted and unweighted materials that offer a balance between sturdiness and flexibility.
They need to be flexible enough to be comfortable to catch at high speeds but sturdy enough, so they don’t collapse when you catch them. Most wall balls are only designed to be thrown against a wall and shouldn’t be slammed into the ground from overhead, as the seams can burst.
Slam Balls
Slam balls are meant for slamming into the ground. They have a hard rubber exterior, sometimes with treads to allow for a better grip, and are typically filled with sand.
The filling gives the ball some pliability so the shape can become molded to whatever surface it lands on. They are designed to absorb impact and do not rebound when thrown against a wall, making them a poor choice for wall balls.
I discuss the differences between wall balls and slam balls in more detail in Wall Balls vs Slam Balls: Pros, Cons, & Which Are Better?
Medicine Balls
Many wall balls are listed as medicine balls, but there are some differences between wall balls and true medicine balls.
Medicine balls are similar to basketballs but weigh much more – a basketball weighs 22 ounces, but medicine calls can weigh up to 25lbs. They have hard rubber shells and are typically filled with air.
You can use medicine balls for wall balls, but they’re not really designed for that purpose. They’re better for exercises like partner throws, weighted sit-ups, or doing fast wall bounce passes.
You can also use them for exercises like mountain climbers or push-ups instead of putting your hands on the floor or off-set push-ups with one hand on the floor and one hand on the ball.
2 Factors to Consider When Buying a Wall Ball
Two factors to consider when buying a wall ball are:
- Budget
- Intended use
1. Budget
A wall ball likely won’t be the most expensive item you buy for your home gym, but budget is still important to consider. The cost of wall balls ranges from under $50 to over $100, so you have to decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
As with most products, inexpensive wall balls are more likely to be made out of low-quality materials and poorly constructed. If you buy a cheap wall ball and use it frequently, it may fall apart after just a couple of months. You’ll then spend more money replacing it than you would have if you bought a more expensive, higher-quality wall ball from the start.
2. Intended Use
Before purchasing a wall ball, you’ll need to consider what exercises you want to use it for. Some wall balls can only be used for the wall ball exercise, while others are more versatile.
Think about what you may want to use your wall ball before buying one to ensure you get one that suits your needs.
What Size Wall Ball Should You Get?
If you’re looking for a wall ball for CrossFit, I recommend a 20lb wall ball for men and a 14lb wall ball for women. These are the requirements in most workouts and competitions.
If you’re not a CrossFitter or you’re new to working out, you can choose any weight you’re comfortable with. But I recommend at least 14lbs for men and 8lbs for women. Anything below these weights will likely not provide a challenging enough stimulus for wall balls.
If possible, you may even want to consider buying wall balls in varying weights. For example, I use a 14lb wall ball most often, but I also like having a 12lb and a 16lb wall ball.
There’s not a large variation between these weights, but a small amount of weight makes a big difference in a movement like wall balls. The lighter wall ball is perfect for days when my shoulders are fatigued, or I don’t want to push the intensity as much, and the heavier one is great for when I’m looking for more of a challenge.
If you do a lot of CrossFit competitions, it also helps to have a heavier wall ball in your arsenal. Many competitions are starting to program wall balls with heavier weights now (i.e., 26lbs for men and 20lbs for women). You’ll want to be able to train with a heavier wall ball, so you’re prepared for it in competition.
7 Best Wall Balls
The 7 best wall balls are:
- Rogue Fitness Medicine Ball – Best Overall Wall Ball
- Fringe Sport Immortal Medicine Ball – Most Versatile Wall Ball
- Garage Fit Wall Ball – Best Wall Ball Available on Amazon
- JFIT Wall Medicine Ball – Best for General Fitness
- Dynamax Medicine Ball – Best for Commercial CrossFit Gyms
- ProsourceFit Medicine Ball – Best Budget Wall Ball
- Rep Fitness Medicine Ball – Best Mid-Tier Option
1. Rogue Fitness Medicine Ball – Best Overall Wall Ball
The Rogue Fitness Medicine Ball is the best wall ball because it’s made in the US, has a scuff-resistant vinyl shell, is double-stitched, and the weight remains evenly distributed after months of use. It’s also available in 11 different weights ranging from 4lbs to 30lbs.
I’ve used this wall ball in CrossFit boxes in the past, and it’s the same one used in most of the big CrossFit competitions. When I was searching for a wall ball for my home gym, this was the first one I looked at.
The shell has a shiny appearance, but it’s not slick when I’m catching and throwing the ball. I’ve heard some people complain about how the seams hurt their hands, but I haven’t had any issues with this.
I also like that the scuff-resistant shell has kept the wall ball looking pretty new despite my frequent use of it. I do wall balls outside, so the ball often gets dropped on concrete, but you can’t tell from looking at it.
The lack of versatility with this wall ball is one of its only major drawbacks. Rogue Fitness states that this wall ball is meant for wall balls only, and the brand doesn’t recommend using it for movements like overhead ball slams. Using it for anything other than wall balls will void the two-year warranty if it breaks.
This wall ball is also on the pricey side, but the cost is worth it if you’re looking for an American-made wall ball that can handle home or commercial gym use.
Pros
- Weight doesn’t become unbalanced after frequent use
- Reinforced double stitching for extra durability
- Scuff-resistant outer layer keeps the wall ball looking new
- Made in the US
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Price is on the expensive side
- Can’t be used for other exercises like ball slams
2. Fringe Sport Immortal Medicine Ball – Most Versatile Wall Ball
The Fringe Sport Immortal Medicine Ball is different than the other wall balls on this list in that it has a rubber outer shell. This gives the wall ball a lot of versatility, and you can use it for overhead slams, side-to-side medicine ball slams, and side medicine ball throws in addition to wall balls. It’s available in weights from 10lbs to 50lbs.
The texture of the wall ball is also comfortable to hold. It doesn’t slip even when I hold it on the smooth, non-grooved sections, and I find it easier to catch than other wall balls.
Calling this wall ball immortal may seem gimmicky, but I truly believe it is the most durable wall ball out there. It gets scuffed easily, and mine looks beat up after having it for six months. But despite the superficial flaws, this wall ball shows no signs of bursting.
This is a good thing because it’s also one of the most expensive. If I’m going to pay a lot of money for something like a wall ball, I want it to be a purchase I only have to make once.
One thing I don’t like about this wall ball is that it is bouncier than the others on this list. While that is necessary so you can use it for various exercises, it can catch you off guard. When I use this wall ball, I have to remember to watch for the rebound whenever I let it drop to the ground at the end of a wall ball set.
The only other minor drawback to this wall ball is that it rolls more easily than wall balls with more pliable fillings, even on a flat surface. I have to barricade it at the end of my wall ball sets to ensure it doesn’t get in my way while I’m doing the rest of my workout.
Pros
- Very durable
- Easy to grip
- Can be used for a variety of exercises
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Bouncier than other wall balls
- Rolls around a lot, even on flat surfaces
If you don’t have enough space to do wall balls in your home gym, try some of my favorite wall ball alternatives.
3. Garage Fit Wall Ball – Best Wall Ball Available on Amazon
The Garage Fit Wall Ball is a solid choice if you’re looking to get a wall ball quickly with the convenience of shopping on Amazon.
Of all the wall balls I tested, I liked the material on this one the best. The outer PVC layer has a matte finish that’s easy to grip, and it hasn’t gotten scuffed up much even though I use it outside.
This wall ball also has the least bounce of the ones on this list, which I like because I don’t have to worry about rebounding too quickly when I let it drop to the ground at the end of a wall ball set.
Unlike other wall balls that have their weight and logo printed on the outer shell, the weight and logo of the Garage Fit wall ball are stitched on. It enhances the appearance of the wall ball and makes it stand out from wall balls sold by other brands that screen print the logo and weight.
The only thing I don’t like about this wall ball is that the stitching doesn’t appear to be reinforced. It’s been holding up well in the six months I’ve had it, but I only use this particular wall ball once every few weeks. I’m not sure the seams would hold up if I used it more frequently.
This wall ball comes in weights from 4lbs to 20lbs and is also available with an Aramid outer shell. Aramid is a strong, heat-resistant material that’s often used for military equipment. The Aramid wall ball is more expensive, but the enhanced durability can provide extra piece of mind.
Pros
- Non-slippery PVC outer shell
- Low bounce
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Stitching isn’t reinforced
- Only available up to 20lbs
4. JFIT Wall Medicine Ball – Best for General Fitness
The JFIT Wall Medicine Ball is ideal for anyone who doesn’t do CrossFit and needs a wall ball for general fitness purposes.
I don’t recommend it for CrossFitters because it doesn’t come in some of the standard weights most often programmed in CrossFit.
For example, it doesn’t come in 14lbs, the most commonly programmed weight for women in regular workouts, or 26lbs, the suggested weight for men in some competitions.
But I do like that JFIT goes one step further than other brands and triple-stitches the seams to enhance this wall ball’s longevity. It’s surprisingly durable for a wall ball in this price range.
I also like that it comes in three different color patterns – blue and black, gray and black, and red and black – so you can liven up your gym space.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Available in three different colors
- Triple-stitched for durability
Cons
- Not available in weights often programmed in CrossFit
5. Dynamax Medicine Ball – Best for Commercial CrossFit Gyms
In addition to the Rogue Medicine Balls, the Dynamax Medicine Balls are also popular choices for CrossFit boxes and other commercial gyms. Dynamax was the first company to manufacture wall balls, and its medicine balls were frequently found in CrossFit gyms until other fitness equipment brands started making their own.
This wall ball is a great option if you’re not particularly loyal to a brand like Rogue Fitness and are simply looking for a high-quality product. The vinyl shell is not only resistant to scuffs but to moisture as well, and the seams are double-stitched. You can rest assured that this wall ball won’t get damaged easily, even with heavy use in a commercial gym.
It also has excellent shock-absorbing properties. If you miss a catch, the wall ball will absorb some of the force to prevent all of it from transferring to your body.
This provides some extra reassurance that you won’t get badly injured (aside from your ego being bruised) if a mishap occurs when you’re fatigued during a workout.
However, the high-quality craftsmanship and the fact that this wall ball is made in the US means that you’ll have to pay top dollar for it. It’s available in weights from 4lbs to 30lbs.
Pros
- Shock absorption capabilities prevent force from being transferred to your body if you miss a catch
- Scuff- and moisture-resistant outer shell
- Made in the US
- Double-stitched for extra durability
Cons
- Expensive
6. ProsourceFit Soft Medicine Ball – Best Budget Wall Ball
The ProsourceFit Soft Medicine Ball is one of the most affordable wall balls on the market, making it a great option for anyone who doesn’t do wall balls often or only works out at home occasionally and doesn’t want to spend a lot of money.
This wall ball maintains its shape very well, which is good to see because other wall balls in the same price range don’t. It also has a smooth but grippy outer synthetic shell.
I also like that it has loops on each end of the crisscrossed stitching for better grip. You wouldn’t want to put your fingers through them for wall balls because it would inhibit your ability to throw the ball. But you can use them for movements like Russian twists to prevent the ball from slipping out of your grip.
However, this wall ball is softer than more expensive options. It doesn’t completely collapse when you catch it, but there is a noticeable difference between this wall ball’s sturdiness and that of its higher-quality competitors.
It’s also only available in 4 weights – 6lbs, 10lbs, 14lbs, and 20lbs – so you’ll have to look at another product if you want weights outside of these options.
Pros
- Grippy vinyl shell
- Very affordable
- Comes with nylon loops to allow for a better grip
Cons
- Only available in four different weights
7. Rep Fitness Medicine Ball – Best Mid-Tier Wall Ball
The Rep Fitness Medicine Ball is a great option if you’re looking for a wall ball that is high quality but won’t break the bank. While it’s not the cheapest option on this list, it’s still an affordable product when compared to the wall balls from Rogue Fitness and Dynamax and comes in weights from 4lbs to 30lbs.
It has a textured surface that allows for a better grip but is not rough or uncomfortable to hold.
I also like that each weight is its own color. Not only do the colors add some style and personality to your gym, but they also make it easy to identify the weight of the wall ball you want to use if you have more than one.
The only drawback to this wall ball is that it is only meant to be used for wall balls. If you’re looking for a medicine ball that can be used for ball slams, you’ll need to consider another product.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Textured but smooth and comfortable shell allows for a good grip
- Reinforced stitching
Cons
- Not a lot of versatility
If you’re looking for more equipment to add to your home gym, check out my favorite home fitness equipment brands.
Wall Ball Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For in a Wall Ball
Five things you should look for when buying a wall ball are:
- Materials and construction
- Grip
- Balance
- Low bounce
- Impact absorption
1. Materials and Construction
When buying a wall ball, you should look for durable materials and ensure the wall ball is well-constructed so the seams won’t burst after a short time.
Most wall balls have an outer shell that’s made from PVC, nylon, leather/synthetic leather, or vinyl. These are all durable materials that don’t rip or tear easily. Most are also moisture-resistant, meaning sweat won’t permeate and build up inside the wall ball.
I recommend avoiding wall balls with a hard rubber shell or ones with treads on the outside. While it seems like these would be the most durable options and easier to grip, the material can leave abrasions if you miss the catch and the ball hits you in the face or chest.
Another thing to look for is how the wall ball is stitched together. Wall balls with double- or triple-enforced seams are least likely to burst and provide the most durability and longevity.
2. Grip
This goes hand-in-hand with the materials used, but a wall ball should be easy and comfortable to hold on to.
The outer shell should be grippy, so it doesn’t slide out of your hands if your hands get sweaty, and it should be easy to clean so dirt and dust don’t make it too slick.
3. Balance
The balance of a wall ball refers to how evenly distributed the filling is. This is important because you want the wall ball to maintain its shape, so it doesn’t collapse while holding, throwing, and catching it.
Evenly distributed weight also prevents one side of your body from doing most of the work when throwing the ball.
The filling should be both sturdy and flexible – sturdy, so the wall ball holds its shape, but flexible so it doesn’t place a lot of stress on your hands and wrists when you catch the ball at a high speed.
Look for wall balls that are filled with a combination of weighted and weightless materials like polypropylene cotton, iron sand, and rubber particles. These will maintain their shape while providing the flexibility you need to comfortably and safely perform multiple wall ball reps at a time.
4. Low Bounce
A wall ball should have some bounce to it, so it doesn’t just slide down the wall after you throw it or come to a dead stop if you’re doing an exercise like side-to-side medicine ball slams. It needs to be able to rebound back to you so you can catch it and immediately move into your next rep.
However, a wall ball shouldn’t be as bouncy as something like a basketball, as too much bounce can cause injuries if it comes back to you faster than you expect.
5. Impact Absorption
While a wall ball should have some bounce so it can rebound back to you, it should also have some shock-absorbent capabilities.
If the wall ball hits you in the face or chest or you catch it at a weird angle, you don’t want all of the force to transfer onto your body. If the wall ball can absorb some of the force, you’ll be less likely to suffer from an injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Good Weight for Wall Balls?
A good weight for wall balls is at least 8lbs for women and 14lbs for men. Anything less than these weights won’t provide enough of a challenge when doing wall balls. For CrossFit specifically, women should use at least 14lbs, and men should use at least 20lbs.
Can You Use Medicine Balls as Wall Balls?
You can use medicine balls as wall balls, but it’s not ideal. Medicine balls are bouncier than wall balls, which can result in them rebounding off the wall in unpredictable ways. Medicine balls are better suited for exercises like partner throws, weighted sit-ups, or offset push-ups.
About The Author
Amanda is a writer and editor in the fitness and nutrition industries. Growing up in a family that loved sports, she learned the importance of staying active from a young age. She started CrossFit in 2015, which led to her interest in powerlifting and weightlifting. She's passionate about helping women overcome their fear of lifting weights and teaching them how to fuel their bodies properly. When she's not training in her garage gym or working, you can find her drinking coffee, walking her dog, or indulging in one too many pieces of chocolate.
