Explosive power isn’t just for track athletes and CrossFitters. Endurance athletes, including runners and cyclists, often neglect the fast-twitch muscle fibers that can win or lose sprints, surges and punchy hill climbs. Slam balls are one of the simplest ways to train them.

Overhead slams and slam ball thrusters are fast full-body moves that are easy to learn. Since the ball hits the floor instead of your feet, you get explosive effort without the landing forces of jumping.

A quick 10-minute EMOM circuit at home once or twice a week doubles as HIIT conditioning and a stability workout. For masters athletes juggling work, family and recovery, that’s a big advantage. Slams also challenge the abdominal, back and oblique muscles that help maintain form when you’re tired.

However, slam balls won’t replace heavy lifting. Even the best slam ball can’t match heavy dumbbells and barbells for building bone and muscle strength, which matters more for athletes over 40. Bone responds best to the heavy loading and impact that lifting and jumping provide. Think of slam balls as one power-and-conditioning tool in a larger program.

Below are our picks for the best slam balls for home workouts, with notes on weight, durability and price.

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1. ProsourceFit Slam Ball

Highly textured for grip control and efficiency, this slam ball comes in weights ranging from 8 to 50 pounds. It’s suitable for a wide range of athletes, including those who want to progress. Each weight comes in different colors, so you can coordinate and color-code as desired.

Slippery hands aren’t an issue with this slam ball. You can confidently use it for throws, squats, slams, presses and twists without worrying about losing your grip. A no-bounce design with a sand-filled core keeps the ball from rolling and encourages safer slamming.

Lower weight options are limited with this slam ball. It should fit the needs of most athletes, but may be too heavy for beginners and younger athletes.

2. MARCY Slam Ball

Available in a wide weight range from 10 to 30 pounds, this Marcy slam ball is ideal for beginners and athletes wanting to level up. It has a textured grip to keep your hands steady when sweating, and a sand-filled design that absorbs impacts without bouncing or rolling.

Featuring a durable PVC outer shell, this slam ball withstands heavy, frequent use. It’s ideal for tosses, slams and full-body exercises that build power and endurance. You can also use it for general conditioning.

Although there are several weights available, this slam ball only comes in one color. Each weight is stamped in bold just under the logo to help you keep track.

3. Yes4All Slam Ball

The best slam balls have a sand-filled core to minimize bouncing and a durable exterior to withstand heavy use. This Yes4All ball checks those boxes and can be slammed, grabbed and tossed as often as you’d like.

Besides a dead-weight core, this ball also has a textured grip. Even if your hands are sweaty, you can grip and slam it with confidence. Use it for moves such as overhead slams, Russian twists and chest passes.

Starting at 10 pounds and maxing out at 40 pounds, this slam ball is ideal for most athletes, except those who need something lighter. A few color options are available per weight, so you can easily see which weight you’re using.

4. REP Weighted Slam Ball

This beginner-friendly slam ball starts at 10 pounds, so you can work on building strength and perfecting your technique before progressing. There’s room to improve, as the maximum weight is 30 pounds.

The surface is smoother than many other slam balls, but it has a fine, subtle texture that helps your hands grip the surface more confidently when they’re sweaty. A sand-filled core creates a dead weight that minimizes rolling and bouncing, so the ball stays in place. It’s a safer option for tight spaces.

While the grip should be sufficient for most athletes, if you have very sweaty hands you might prefer a more textured slam ball.

5. Champion Sports Rhino ProMax Elite Slam Ball

If you don’t love heavy texture, this slam ball’s vinyl surface might be more appealing. It offers plenty of grip for sweaty hands but can also feel easier to grip during partner tosses and slamming.

For the price, you get a slam ball that’s built to withstand heavy wear-and-tear and repetitive surface contact. It’s a durable choice for weightlifting, cross-training, core workouts and other strength-building exercises.

Available weights range from 4 to 30 pounds and can be used by beginners to advanced athletes. However, the ball only comes in one color.

6. Titan Fitness Rubber Slam Ball

Available in weights ranging from 10 to 150 pounds, this Titan Fitness slam ball suits beginners and lighter athletes up to advanced athletes seeking maximum weight for explosive power movements.

As your hands inevitably start to sweat, the textured tread pattern prevents slipping so you can maintain a steady grip. You can use it for overhead lunges, Russian twists, squat throws, thrusters and ball slams. These moves help build strength and power in your quads, glutes, forearms, shoulders and core.

Unlike some manufacturers, Titan doesn’t color-code each weight. However, the weight indication is molded into the ball in bold white print so you can easily see which one you’re using.

7. Amazon Basics Slam Ball

Designed for repeated impact and high repetition, this slam ball is ideal for home gym workouts. You can use it to build core strength, explosive power and general endurance. A dead weight design prevents it from rolling, while the balanced weight best suits dynamic exercises and controlled movements, including CrossFit and HIIT workouts.

Although the surface is textured, it’s more subtle than most other slam balls on this list. That’s good news if you prefer a smoother surface. However, it’s grooved enough so that your hands won’t slip when sweaty.

Available in weights from 10 to 25 pounds, this slam ball is ideal for intermediate to experienced athletes. However, stronger athletes seeking maximum explosive power might prefer a heavier slam ball.

8. Rage Fitness Slam Ball

Ideal for high-impact throwing and full-body workouts, the Rage Fitness Slam Ball has a unique tread design for maximum control. It’s textured but not as knobby as some of the other slam balls on this list, so your hands will feel secure and steady even when sweating. This ball is built to withstand heavy use, with a thick rubber sand-filled shell that won’t roll or bounce.

A carefully designed air valve lets you adjust the firmness for each workout. Whether your goal is to improve stability, posture, balance or muscle strength, you can find the precise firmness for your goals.

Three weights are available: 10, 15 and 20 pounds. This may limit some athletes who are brand new to slams and want something lighter, or those needing more weight for maximum effectiveness.

9. GOOGIC Slam Ball

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly option, consider the GOOGIC Slam Ball. It comes in 8-, 10- and 12-pound options so you can master the basics and progress once you’re ready. Each weight comes in a variety of colors, so you can easily keep track.

Inside, this slam ball is filled with sand so it won’t bounce or roll. The weight is evenly distributed for ideal control and balance. You can use it for power work, cross-training and basic strength training. Use it for slams, thrusters and more.

The exterior has a non-slip tire tread design for a secure grip when your hands get sweaty. It’s also made with a durable PVC shell that can withstand throws and slams. However, more advanced athletes will probably find the available weight selection too light.

FAQ

Are slam balls worth it?

The best slam balls can help you build explosive power and stability. They’re also worth it for improving general strength and stability, along with HIIT workouts. Slam balls aren’t a replacement for heavier strength training and require a hard floor surface, such as concrete or rubber mats, to absorb repeated impacts and avoid damaging your floors.

Which slam ball weight should I use?

If you’re just starting out or returning to fitness, start lighter. Pick a weight that you can slam hard and fast without breaking form. With slam workouts, you build power through speed. If the weight is too heavy, it will slow you down.

Slam ball vs. medicine ball: What’s the difference?

Unlike a slam ball, a medicine ball shouldn’t be slammed into the ground. Most medicine balls have a springy bounce, which is ideal for tosses, rotational core work and wall balls. Slam balls feature a thick rubber construction with sand on the inside for a no-bounce design. They’re best for rotational throws, explosive ground slams and high-intensity interval workouts.