Best American footballs for casual play

Start here: Wilson GST Composite. It's the ball I'd hand most people — the GST family is what high-school and college teams actually use, so the grip and feel are proven, and the composite cover shrugs off wet grass and backyard abuse better than leather. Official size for adults, and it comes in junior/youth sizes too.

Who the others suit:

• Franklin Grip-Rite — the throw-in-the-car ball for flag games and kids; cheap enough that losing it doesn't hurt.
• Nike Vapor — a step up in feel for someone who wants a premium leather ball for weekend games.
• Wilson NFL Duke Replica — for fans who want the look of the ball they see on Sundays.
• Wilson NFL Ignition Junior — the right size for younger players still building their grip.
• Reebok Delta Alpha — a budget practice ball for team drills.

Skip the full-leather GST and the holographic BRIGHT ball unless you're playing organized ball or want a showpiece — overkill for casual play.