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Deal.ai › Compare

Wilson GST Composite Football vs Franklin Grip-Rite Football

The Wilson GST Composite is the better game ball for youth and developing players who play tackle football, with a collegiate panel pattern, patented ACL laces, and a butyl bladder that holds air well. The Franklin Grip-Rite is a backyard and flag football ball with a synthetic leather cover and an included pump, but its 4 lbs inflation pressure is unusually low for a game ball. Reviewers and owners praise the Wilson for grip and durability, while the Franklin is seen as a budget-friendly option for casual play.

  • Choose the Wilson GST Composite if you need a durable game ball for youth or developing players in tackle football, especially in wet conditions.
  • Choose the Franklin Grip-Rite if you want an affordable ball for backyard games or flag football, and you value the included pump.

Prices

  • Wilson GST Composite Football: $39.95 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Franklin Grip-Rite Football: $11.99 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Franklin Grip-Rite Football is $27.96 cheaper than the Wilson GST Composite Football today
Wilson
Wilson GST Composite Football

Wilson GST Composite Football

$39.95at AmazonChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

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Pros
  • Composite leather cover with highest-grade microfiber for excellent durability
  • Butyl rubber bladder holds air well
  • Patented ACL laces improve grip
  • Collegiate panel pattern for accurate throws
  • Suitable for inclement weather
Cons
  • Does not include a pump
  • Higher inflation pressure may require a pump with gauge
Franklin
Franklin Sports Grip-Rite Football

Franklin Grip-Rite Football

Franklin Sports Grip-Rite Football

$11.99at AmazonChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Synthetic leather cover is weather-resistant
  • Includes air pump with needle
  • Official size and NFL logo
  • Precision stitched construction
Cons
  • Inflation pressure of 4 lbs is unusually low and may not be suitable for regulation play
  • Synthetic leather may be less durable than composite leather
  • No special grip feature

What separates them

Wilson GST Composite FootballFranklin Grip-Rite Football
Cover materialComposite leather with highest-grade microfiber for excellent abrasion resistanceSynthetic leather with weather-resistant durability
BladderButyl rubber bladder for superior air retentionAir retention bladder, extra long
Inflation pressure13 PSI, standard for game play4 lbs, unusually low and may not meet regulation
GripPatented ACL laces for enhanced gripPrecision stitched construction, no special grip feature
Panel structureCollegiate pattern emulating college-level panel structureOfficial design with NFL logo
Included accessoriesBall onlyAir pump with needle included
Recommended ageYouth12 and up
Weather resistanceSuitable for inclement weather gamesAll-weather materials

Price history

  • Wilson GST Composite Football: lowest $39.95 on Nov 15 at Amazon.
  • Franklin Grip-Rite Football: lowest $9.99 on Nov 15 at Target.

Prices at every store

Wilson GST Composite Football

  • sunvalcoathletic.comNew

    In stock

    $41.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit sunvalcoathletic.com
  • TH BrandsNew

    In stock

    $45.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit TH Brands
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $39.95Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • adstarr.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $45.95+ $2.75 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit adstarr.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 12 stores and price history →

Franklin Grip-Rite Football

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $12.97+ $6.99 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $9.99+ $10.99 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Target
  • Academy Sports + OutdoorsNew

    In stock

    $12.99+ $11.05 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Academy Sports + Outdoors
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $11.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

Specs compared

SpecWilson GST Composite FootballFranklin Grip-Rite Football
ColorBrownbrown
Sport TypeFootballFootball, American Football
Sport SubtypePractice ball, Game football (alternative to GS…Flag football
Ball SizeJunior, Official size (NFHS and NCAA), YouthOfficial size
Length28 cm10.16 cm
Inflation Pressure13 PSI4 lbs
Recommended SurfaceOn-field playOutdoors
Cover MaterialComposite leatherSynthetic leather
Bladder MaterialButyl rubberAir retention bladder
Recommended AgeYouth12 and up
DurabilityDurableWeather-resistant durability
Weather ResistanceSuitable for inclement weather gamesAll-weather materials
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecWilson GST Composite FootballFranklin Grip-Rite Football
TrajectoryAccurate throwsTight spirals
Skill LevelDeveloping playersAll players
Typical UsersUNISEXPlayers, NFL pros (same dimensions as balls use…
Ball StitchingSewn stripesPrecision stitched construction
Seam TypeSewn stripesPrecision stitched construction
Ball AerodynamicsEnhances spinTight spirals
Ball Weight453.59 g—
Lining MaterialMulti-Layered Lining—
Abrasion ResistanceExcellent durability (highest grade microfiber …

What reviewers say

Wilson GST Composite Football

Reviewers treat the GST Composite as a solid practice ball that holds up to repeated use and wet fields. Most praise its grip and durability; some say the composite cover feels stiffer and less tacky than leather.

What people mention
  • DurabilityPraisedOwners say the microfiber cover resists scuffs and holds up through a full season.
  • GripMixedThe ACL laces and panel pattern grip well, but some find the composite cover less tacky than leather.
  • WeatherPraisedThe butyl bladder and composite cover keep the ball playable in rain and cold.
  • FeelCriticisedSome reviewers say the ball feels stiff when new and needs break-in time.

Franklin Grip-Rite Football

Owners treat the Grip-Rite as a solid backyard ball that holds air well and throws tight spirals. Some find the synthetic cover slicker than leather, especially when wet.

What people mention
  • GripMixedSome owners say the synthetic cover is slicker than leather, especially in wet weather.
  • Air retentionPraisedThe extra-long bladder keeps the ball inflated for long stretches between top-ups.
  • SpiralPraisedThrowers report tight, stable spirals from the official-size build.
  • BuildPraisedStitched seams and all-weather materials hold up to regular backyard use.

Questions and answers

Which is better for youth tackle football?
The Wilson GST Composite is better for youth tackle football. It has a composite leather cover, patented grip laces, and a butyl bladder that holds air well, and it is designed for developing players.
Which lasts longer?
The Wilson GST Composite is likely to last longer. Its composite leather cover has excellent abrasion resistance, and the butyl bladder retains air better than the Franklin's air retention bladder.
Is the Franklin Grip-Rite good for flag football?
Yes, the Franklin Grip-Rite is designed for flag football and backyard games. It has a synthetic leather cover and includes a pump, but its low inflation pressure may not suit competitive play.
Does the Wilson GST Composite come with a pump?
No, the Wilson GST Composite does not include a pump. You will need to supply your own pump to inflate it to the recommended 13 PSI.
Can the Franklin Grip-Rite be used for tackle football?
The Franklin Grip-Rite is intended for flag football and backyard games. Its 4 lbs inflation pressure is much lower than the standard for tackle football, so it is not recommended for tackle play.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best American footballs for casual play
All 12 stores and price history →
—
Ball PanelsEmulates college-level panel structure, Collegi…—
Ball GripPatented ACL laces—
Ball Circumference—20.66 in
Design Style—Official
Ball Highlights—Extra long air retention bladder, Air pump with…
Valve Type—Needle valve