Best slam balls for building functional fitness

Functional training is a term that has risen into the limelight in recent years. It appears to be in opposition to more bodybuilding focused gym routines, instead aiming to optimise physical fitness, strength and speed.

While not as high-tech as other modern gym equipment, the slam ball is a formidable companion to anyone looking to built explosive strength and muscular endurance. It offers a full-body workout, with enough versatility to be used in HIIT training, endurance, sports-specific or rehabilitation.

We’ve listed our top picks of slam balls below, with a few tips on how to use them at the bottom, so be sure to scroll all the way down.

Best slam balls in 2024

Mirafit Tyre Tread Slam Ball

Mirafit is a strength and conditioning manufacturer based in Norwich, UK. The brand is well-established in the fitness industry for its heavy-duty weights and machines.

This slam ball features a tyre tread, made from a patterned PVC material, which aims to provide improved grip for your workouts.

This can be helpful for swinging and rotating exercises, as well as ensuring you’re able to lift the ball when things get sweaty. The PVC is also said to provide improved durability.

The slam ball’s weight is provided by sand, which Mirafit says helps to prevent it from bouncing or rolling. It’s available in 14 different weights, ranging from two to 30 kilograms.

Weight: 14 options, 2-30kg

Technogym Slam Ball

• Buy now from Technogym (£50.00)

This slam ball from Technogym is designed to be commercial gym quality, with a sleek aesthetic. The surface is a low-profile rubber and there’s a reinforced inner wall for improved durability.

The spiral indentations aren’t all looks, though. Technogym says they aim to keep sweat drops away from the rubber, improving your grip on the ball.

Weight: Four options, 5-12kg

Core Balance Slam Ball

• Buy now from Core Balance Fitness (£29.99)

Core Balance’s exercise ball features a shell-like outer made from PVC. Its surface looks smoother than other ridged options, but it has small dimples throughout, as well as ridges around the sides, which aims to improve grip.

Its sand-filled inner is designed to prevent bounce and keep it from rolling.

Weight: Five options, 3-15kg

TRX Slam Ball

TRX has become well-known for its suspension training equipment and techniques, but the brand also makes a wide variety of other training equipment. Its slam ball is a mid-priced option, including a tire tread texture for added grip.

The rubber is double walled, which TRX says provides improved durability. The structure is designed to be bounce-resistant, with a sand filling to help the ball keep its shape.

TRX also offers a 14-day trial to its training club app, giving users access to workout classes and plans to support their training.

Weight: Seven options, 2.7-13kg

Ram Rugby Medicine Ball

Ram Rugby is a rugby equipment and clothing company that’s been running for 15 years.

Its slam ball is made from eight leather panels, designed to offer a more natural feel with less noise when compared to synthetic materials.

Weight: Four options, 1-15kg

What to consider when buying a slam ball?

Weight

Slam balls come in various weights, ranging from light, around 0.5-3kg, to significantly heavier, at 20kg and upwards.

Choose a weight that challenges you without compromising your form. It’s a good idea to start with a lighter weight and gradually increase as your strength and technique improve.

Material

Rubber is a popular material choice for slam balls due to its durability and impact resistance. Rubber slam balls are designed to withstand high-impact exercises, such as slams and throws, without easily deforming or breaking.

Vinyl offers durability and can withstand repeated slams and throws. Polyurethane (PU) slam balls are known for their durability and resistance to deformation.

Rubber, vinyl and PU slam balls often have a slightly tacky or textured surface, improving grip during exercises.

Leather slam balls provide a more unique feel and grip. They tend to be less bouncy than other materials, making them suitable for controlled slams and exercises where you want to limit the ball’s rebound.

Filler

Sand is a traditional filling material for slam balls. This filling is affordable and provides stable weight distribution.

However, they might become uneven over time due to shifting inside the ball and they can be more prone to wear and tear, potentially leading to ruptures.

Gel-filled slam balls contain a viscous substance that offers a unique feel and impact absorption. Gel-filled balls tend to have a consistent weight distribution and can withstand slams and throws effectively while reducing the risk of ruptures.

Ultimately, your decision is down to your training requirements and preferences.

Top image credit: Brendan Stephens/Unsplash