Not familiar with Spikeball? It’s a new lawn/beach game that has absolutely blown up in the past few years since it gained overnight exposure in the United States on the popular entrepreneurship start-up TV show, Shark Tank.
The general rules behind the game are very similar to volleyball and foursquare, as there are 2 teams of 2 players who have 3 touches to return a ball. The difference is that instead of hitting the ball over a net, they are spiking the ball onto a small circular net and bouncing it to the opponent. The ball is also much smaller and players can move 360 degrees around the net rather than just on one side as in volleyball. Games are played to 21 and teams must win by two. There are a few other nuanced details that can be found in the official rules of the game, however, that is not the focal point of this post.
Following the wild popularity and success Spikeball, many suspiciously similar games have been popping up at a lower price point. I’m no expert on what copyrights and patents Spikeball holds, however it seems that don’t have the exclusive rights as more of these copycat brands have continued to pop up and thrive.
But the question remains, which game is best and are there any differences between the brands?
So I bought and tested every version of the game in an attempt to find out!
Spikeball Review
The original version of the game that has amassed a cult following and has begun to transition into a real sport with over 1000 nationally ranked competitive teams. The balls and frame are very high quality and can be set up in minutes. There’s also a large community and thousands of official Spikeball games and tournaments. If you are looking for the longest lasting option or want to play competitively, Spikeball is the set for you.
What’s in the Box?
- (3) Original Spikeballs
- (1) Spikeball Branded Carrying Bag
- (1) Spikeball Stickers and Swag
- (1) Spikeball Net
- (1) Spikeball Frame
- (1) Inflation Needle
Price
Check the Price of Spikeball on Amazon HERE
Pros
- Original Game
- Highest Quality Balls
- Foldable Legs Allow To Play on Any Surface and Prevent Breakage
- Competitive League and Ranking System Available
- Very Easily to Assemble
- Clips Built into the Rim
Cons
- Difficult to Find a Replacement Spikeball Net if Original Net Gets Stretched
- Doesn’t Include Air Pump
Read More Spikeball Reviews on Amazon…
Slammo Review
The first major competitor to Spikeball, and by far the most well-known copycat. While significantly cheaper than Spikeball, Slammo also manages to include an extra “practice ball” and hand pump. The clips on the frame of Slammo are worse than Spikeball and much harder to setup, but the gameplay is relatively similar. Also includes a Lifetime Replacement Warranty that promised to replace any parts that break or gets worn out. If you’re trying to minimize spending, but still want to try a new lawn game this summer, Slammo is the choice for you.
What’s in the Box?
- (1) Slammo Target
- (3) 9cm Competition Balls
- (1) 12cm Training Ball
- (1) Branded Carrying Case
- (1) Hand Pump and Filling Needle
Price
Check the Price of Slammo on Amazon HERE
Pros
- Lifetime Replacement Warranty
- Easy to Assemble
- Includes an Extra “Practice Ball”
- Includes an Extra Hand Pump
- Similar Ball Quality to Spikeball
Cons
- Lacks the Community Aspect of Spikeball
- Cheap, Poorly Designed Clips
Read More Slammo on Amazon Reviews
Battle Bounce Review
A much lesser known competitor than Spikeball and Slammo, but offered at an even lower price. Definitely lacking in quality, but may be acceptable for very casual use by young children. Not recommended overall, seriously there is not one positive review. See Reviews Here!
What’s in the Box?
- (1) Battle Bounce Ball
- (1) Frame (many pieces)
- (1) Net
- (1) Carrying Bag
- (1) Inflation Needle
Price
Check the Price of Battle Ball on Amazon HERE
Pros
- Low Priced
Cons
- Only Includes One Ball
- Cheap Plastic Ring
- Difficult to Assemble
- Irregularly Shaped Net
- Lacks the Community Aspect of Spikeball
- Cheap Poorly Designed Clips
- Ball Too Heavy
Read More Battle Bounce Reviews on Amazon
Franklin Sports Spyderball Review
(Also available in an aquatic version. Check it Out Here on Amazon!)
Another product similar to Battle Bounce, except slightly higher quality balls and frame. It is still far to difficult to assemble and the frame seems to become misshapen and break easily. A decent option, especially the pool version.
What’s in the Box?
- (1) Detachable Net
- (1) Foldable Frame
- (2) Spyderballs
- (1) Air Pump and Inflation Needle
Price
Check the Price of Spyderball on Amazon HERE
Pros
- Very Low Price
- High-Quality Balls
Cons
- Balls Too Heavy
- Frame Breaks Easily
- Difficult to Set Up
Read More Spyderball Reviews on Amazon
The Final Verdict
It’s ironic because when Spikeball went on Shark Tank and the “Sharks” realized they didn’t have a patent, they were warned of many cheap competitors. I’m not sure if it would have happened anyway had they not gone on the show, however, it was truly a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Spikeball is still by far your best option, but if you are really strapped for cash Slammo would be sufficient. I would stay about from Battle Bounce and Sypderball. Having said that, the water version of Spyderball is quite cool and would be a great summer gift for people with pools.
Where to Buy Spikeball?
Spikeball is available in many department and sporting goods stores across the United States and the world. It’s also available online on Amazon HERE
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below!
