Difference Between Authentic & Synthetic Leather on a Football

There are some key differences between real leather and synthetic footballs

Traditionally American footballs were made from pigskin leather. Over the years the general design of the ball has remained the same, but different materials have started to be used, such as synthetic leather. For general day-to-day use, it does not matter whether you use a real leather football or a synthetic one, but there are some significant differences.

Price

Synthetic balls cost less because they are cheaper to produce and do not require specialists to work the animal hide. Real leather balls can cost around $100, while synthetic versions cost around $20.

Grip

During manufacturing, the leather is treated to increase the grip on the leather without having to mold any grip onto the leather itself. Synthetic balls have pimples molded onto them to achieve this.

Weather

Real leather balls should not be used in the rain because the water soaks into the ball, making it heavier and harder to grip. Synthetic balls are 100 percent waterproof and the rain makes only a slight difference in the grip.

Laces

Leather balls used in the NFL still use real laces to tie the ball. Most synthetic balls have the laces molded onto them. This makes little difference in how the ball reacts, though.

Durability

Synthetic balls tend to last longer. They are far less likely to absorb water than leather, and they are more resistant to rough handling.