GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball Review: Worth It?
A glow dark basketball that lights up when you bounce it and shuts off to save battery. Here's what it's like to actually play with after dark.
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The lights kick on the second the ball hits the ground, no switch to flip. That’s the whole trick behind the GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball, and it’s the thing that makes playing after dark work at all. Two LEDs live inside a normal-looking size 7 ball, and the impact of a bounce wakes them up automatically. Stop playing, set it down, and it turns itself back off to save battery.
Quick Verdict
Bounce it once and it lights up on its own, set it down and it shuts off to save battery. Auto-on lights plus replaceable batteries mean it outlasts sealed knockoffs, and it dribbles like a regulation size 7 without the weight penalty.
Buy if you:
- Have kids or teens who want to keep shooting hoops after the sun goes down
- Want an outdoor sports gift that isn’t another boring regular ball
- Already own a basketball pump and needle
- Play in a backyard or driveway with no floodlights
Skip if you:
- Expect it to arrive ready to play, it ships deflated and you supply the pump
- Only ever play indoors under full lighting where the glow does nothing
- Don’t want to ever pop it open to swap batteries down the road
| Size | Size 7 (29.5″) |
|---|---|
| Lights | 2 built-in LEDs |
| Glow time | Up to 30 hours |
| Activation | Auto-on when bounced, auto-off when still |
| Ships | Deflated (pump + needle not included) |
A Basketball That Turns On When You Bounce It
I’ve looked at plenty of gimmicky night-play gear over the years. Most of it is more novelty than something you’d actually use twice. This one earns its keep because the glow is bright enough to track the ball across a dark driveway, and the auto-off means you’re not burning through power every time you take a water break.
What’s Inside the Ball
Two lights, up to 30 hours of glow, and a size 7 shell that measures the regulation 29.5 inches. That’s the short version. GlowCity also offers this in size 5 and size 6, so you can match it to the age of whoever’s playing.
The lights are motion-activated, meaning there’s no button you have to remember to press. The batteries are replaceable too, which matters more than it sounds. A sealed light-up ball you can’t reopen is basically disposable. This one you crack open, swap the batteries, and keep going.
Playing With It After Dark
A lot of light-up sports gear feels off in the hand, too light, weirdly top-heavy, or both. This one doesn’t. It dribbles and shoots like a normal ball, which means the glow is the only thing that feels different. The difference only shows up once the lights are on and you’re chasing a glowing orange ball across a dark driveway.
That’s really the whole pitch. Summer nights when it’s finally cool enough to play, or that stretch of the year when it’s dark by 5pm and the kids still want to be outside. The glow dark basketball keeps the game going without needing floodlights.
It Shows Up Deflated, So Plan Ahead
The ball arrives flat in the box, and there’s no pump included. This is the one thing that trips people up. You open it expecting to play tonight, and instead you realize you need your own basketball pump and inflation needle to get it going. If you don’t already have those in the garage, order them at the same time so you’re not stuck staring at a floppy ball on delivery day.
It’s not a dealbreaker, just a heads up. Once it’s inflated to the right pressure it holds air like any other ball, and the battery swap is straightforward when the glow eventually fades.
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GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball
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Who This Ball Is Really For
Kids and teens are the obvious crowd, GlowCity covers ages 6 through 15 with sizes 5, 6, and 7. But the size 7 is a full regulation ball, so adults shooting around after work get the same benefit without compromise. As a gift, it’s most useful for whoever already has a hoop but loses games to the dark.
If your court has no lighting and the games always end when the sun goes down, this is the fix. If you only ever play at a fully lit indoor gym, the glow feature is wasted on you and a regular ball does the job.
A Few Tips Before You Buy
Grab a pump and needle at the same time. That’s the single mistake most buyers make, and it’s the difference between playing the day it arrives and waiting. Pick the right size too, size 7 for older teens and adults, size 5 or 6 for younger kids.
Keep a spare set of batteries on hand once the 30 hours start winding down. Since they’re replaceable, this ball outlasts the sealed knockoffs that die and become landfill. Treat it like a normal ball otherwise and it’ll hold up fine.
Pros
- Lights turn on automatically when bounced, no switch to fumble with in the dark
- Auto shut-off saves battery when the ball sits still
- Up to 30 hours of glow from 2 built-in LEDs
- Feels like a real size 7, so your game isn’t thrown off
- Replaceable batteries mean it isn’t disposable
Cons
- Ships deflated with no pump or needle included
- Glow feature does nothing if you only play indoors under full lights
- You’ll need to open it up eventually to swap batteries
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the glow dark basketball need to be charged?
No, it runs on replaceable batteries rather than a charger. The 2 LEDs are good for up to 30 hours of play, and when they fade you swap the batteries instead of plugging anything in.
Do I have to turn the lights on and off myself?
No, it’s automatic. Bouncing the ball activates the lights, and they shut off on their own when the ball stops moving, which stretches the battery life.
Does it come ready to play?
No, it ships deflated and doesn’t include a pump. You’ll need your own basketball pump and inflation needle before you can use it, so order those together if you don’t already own them.
What size should I get?
Size 7 (29.5″) is the standard for older teens and adults. GlowCity also sells size 5 and size 6 for younger kids, so match the size to the player’s age just like you would a regular ball.
Can adults use it or is it just for kids?
Adults can absolutely use it. The size 7 version is a full 29.5″ regulation ball, so it works for grown-ups shooting around after dark, not just kids.
How do I replace the batteries?
You open the ball up to access the battery compartments for the two lights and swap them out. It’s designed to be reopened, which is why it lasts longer than sealed light-up balls that can’t be serviced.
Will it work as a birthday or holiday gift?
Yes, it’s marketed squarely as a sports gift for boys and girls ages 6 to 15. Just remember it needs a pump to inflate, so tossing an inexpensive pump in with it makes it ready to play out of the box.
Does the glow work indoors too?
It works anywhere, but the glow only shines when it’s dark. Under full gym lighting you won’t notice the effect, so it’s best in a dim or unlit space like a driveway or backyard at night.
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Get it now
GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball
Get the best price on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
