This is a review to address why this basketball gets so many mixed opinions. Quick Review: This INDOOR basketball is a go to when you can purchase the ball at the price point between $50-$75. This is the most common used basketball that is played with at open gyms, school games, leagues, etc... Great ball to play with as it checks all the boxes for things needed in a basketball. In-depth Review: The reason for many MIXED reviews are due to the fact that many balls SLIGHTLY differ in feel. After doing some research, it in fact is TRUE. Evolutions will come differently, depending on the patent stamps that are located on the ball itself. I tested this theory out by purchasing 2 of the SAME RED colored evolutions as well as comparing one I have had for a year. As seen in the picture, the patent stamps are DIFFERNT. Between the 2 NEW red Evolutions, one has a circle stamp and another a vertical stamp. Personally, I have noticed both styles on many Evolutions I've played with. My theory to that is perhaps its the year/season the ball was made in the factory? However, I don't think the stamp format is important in differentiating the balls. In fact, what is important are the THREE letters located within the stamp. In the circle stamp, the three letters are located in the center to the right of the valve. In the vertical stamp, it is the last text at the bottom. For example with the pictures I provided, red ball with circle stamp = NDV, yellow ball with circle stamp = NCS, and red ball with vertical stamp = XCS. I believe this is what is crucial to how an Evolution FEELS. Comparing the picture with the 2 red balls side by side, you can see that the grooves are much DEEPER in one of the balls compared to the other. The ball with XCS tag, was deeper in the grooves and had a slight DIFFERENCE in feel compared to the ball with the NDV tag. I also compared with my older ball (yellow), and that had the same result. For those who don't know (casual hoopers), deeper grooves have affect on handling a ball, the release of a jump shot, and most importantly, the rotation (spin) the ball has when traveling in the air to the rim. I believe this reason SPECIFICALLY is why there are so many mixed reviews with these Evolution basketballs. To add to this, the balls will also age DIFFERENTLY depending on what tag you get. MY CONCLUSION: The 3 letter tag on the Evolution patent stamp will determine which type of ball you truly have. Within these 3 letters, the important one to note is the FIRST letter. The balls with "N" have a nicer finish and are ultimately the more favored type of evolution. These Evo's specifically feel PERFECT out the box with smoother grooves and are ultimately GAME READY. The balls with the "X" have the same grip however, they have a DEEPER groove and feel like it needs to be broken in BEFORE it is GAME READY. When it comes to the basketball aging, the "X" ball softens and balances over time. To add to that, the ball also seems to last LONGER in terms of keeping that "great feel". Compared to the "N" ball, this one seems to have a shorter lifetime when it comes to quality. However, the quality comes PREMIUM out the box. Personally myself, I would favor the "N" ball in a 80/20 ratio. This is because my basketballs usually have a lifetime of 6-months to a year due to the fact I play very often in community leagues, open gyms, and casual shoot arounds. To add to this, I am also more fortunate financially to purchase these balls at such a price point and time frame. For example, I have been buying EVOs for the last 2.5 years since I finished University. In this timeframe, I have bought about 3-5 balls a year. This is also factoring in my balls occasionally getting stolen. Buying at this rate means that you are paying an estimate of $300 on basketballs a year. Concluding that getting the EVO with the "N" tag works in MY current situation. To contrast that situation^^^. I remember when I was in HS playing on the team and also having an EVO to practice with outside of regular team practice. In this situation, I preferred having my ball last LONGER. I could compensate the lack of premium feel out the box because I knew that the ball will stay in GREAT condition LONGER. Also, I was not financially ready back then. This is also preferred by many since not everyone likes to purchase a ball so often. In conclusion, I have found that there ARE apparent differences in Wilson Evolution Basketballs. They are slight differences, but can be noticed to select "hoopers" that may or may not be pleased. However, these balls are all still top quality no matter which version you receive. Both will be used in games, pickup, shootaround. It is a GREAT ball no matter which you get. P.S. I get questions from many of my friends on how I always find the "N" or specific ball desired. When I go to a retail store, the ball will be in a box with the Patent tag hidden and the EVO text shown. I simply just rotate the ball as best I can in order to locate the desired version whether it be "N" or "X". When I buy on Amazon like I did these 2, I simply will buy in bulk like 2-3 and keep the one/s that has my desired tag. I will then follow by either returning the one/s NOT wanted or ask for an exchange from the seller with the ball with my desired tag. Hope this helps you hoopers! #holdthefollowthrough :)
