Wilson Sent me a Better Airless Gen1 Basketball

In this video, the host discusses receiving a new version of the Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball after experiencing issues with the initial one. The original basketball developed small fractures, leading to concerns about its durability and intended use. Wilson replaced it with a black version, which is more refined and closer to the final product that will be shipped to customers. The host highlights the innovative engineering of the airless basketball, noting its impressive bounce and grip, but also points out the different texture and the need for mental adjustment when shooting with it. The video also includes a sponsored section on the Lifey electric toothbrush, emphasizing its design and cleaning capabilities. The host concludes by suggesting that while the Airless Gen1 basketball is a collector's item and somewhat functional, it's more of an artifact representing the future of sports innovation.

Takeaways

• 🏀 Wilson sent the speaker a new version of the Airless Gen1 basketball after the original one developed fractures.
• 💰 The speaker mentions that even if the basketball cost $2,500, it would likely be seen as an artifact rather than a functional basketball.
• 🔍 The original basketball was sent back to Wilson, and they provided a black version which is more similar to the final product that will be shipped out.
• 📦 The packaging suggests that the basketball is meant for display rather than everyday use, implying it's a collector's item.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The speaker appreciates the engineering and grip of the basketball, despite it being an innovative and fringe product.
• 🤔 The texture on the outside of the airless basketball is noted as the main drawback, with a suggestion to possibly use a honeycomb core wrapped in a leather texture for future versions.
• 🚀 The speaker acknowledges that the basketball is in its early stages and not as robust as future generations might be.
• 🎾 The speaker plans to test the basketball on a court, despite the high price, to understand its performance.
• 📈 The new black version of the basketball appears to be more finished and closer to the product shown on Wilson's website.
• 🤓 The speaker is an early adopter and enjoys being part of the process of examining new and innovative products.
• 🏵 The video includes a sponsorship by Lifey for their new wave electric toothbrush, which is praised for its design, durability, and cleaning capabilities.

Q & A

What was the issue with the original Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball that was sent to the speaker?

The original Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball developed some tiny fractures, leading to questions about its durability and whether it was meant for actual use or just as a collector's item.

How did Wilson respond to the issue with the initial basketball sent to the speaker?

Wilson acknowledged the issue and informed the speaker that the basketball was an early version. They then offered to swap it for a newer model that was more refined and similar to the ones that would be shipped out to customers.

What is the main drawback of the airless basketball according to the speaker?

The main drawback is the texture on the outside of the ball, which feels different from a traditional leather basketball and could affect the grip and shooting experience.

What suggestion did the speaker have to improve the texture of the airless basketball?

The speaker suggested that a possible solution could be to wrap a honeycomb core in a leather texture to provide a feel similar to a traditional basketball while maintaining the airless design.

How does the speaker describe the evolution of the product from its early stage to what it might become in future generations?

The speaker acknowledges that the current Gen1 product is in a beta stage and not as robust as future versions, such as Gen3, 4, or 5, are likely to be. They express understanding and acceptance of the product's current limitations.

What is the speaker's personal stance on being an early adopter of new and innovative products?

The speaker identifies as an early adopter and is accustomed to the challenges that come with using new technology. They enjoy the process of examining and participating in the development of innovative products.

How does the packaging of the Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball imply its intended use?

The packaging suggests that the basketball is meant to be displayed rather than used daily, implying that it is more of a collector's item or an artifact.

What was the speaker's impression of the black version of the basketball compared to the original?

The speaker found the black version to look better and more stealthy, and felt it might be slightly more finished and closer to the product shown on the website for purchase.

How did the speaker plan to test the performance of the new basketball?

The speaker planned to rent a court and shoot with the basketball to test its performance, particularly how the lack of air affects its flight and bounce.

What was the most significant difference the speaker noticed when shooting with the airless basketball?

The most significant difference was the feel of the ball, particularly its texture, which felt slippery compared to a regular basketball, affecting the confidence in grip and shooting.

What advice did the speaker give regarding the use of the Gen1 basketball on outdoor courts?

The speaker advised against using the $2500 basketball on outdoor courts, especially concrete, as it could affect the durability of the ball.

How does the speaker summarize the Gen1 basketball's role as a collector's item?

The speaker views the Gen1 basketball as a collector's item that also has some functional use. It represents a historic achievement in sports innovation and is cool in its dual nature as a collectible and a functional product.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 Wilson's Airless Basketball: A Collector's Item with a Twist

The speaker discusses receiving an airless basketball from Wilson, initially skeptical about its $2,500 price tag and potential as a collector's item rather than a functional sports equipment. They had previously reviewed an early version of the basketball, which developed fractures, leading to a replacement. Wilson explained that the replacement was a more refined version, closer to the final product. The speaker appreciates the engineering and design, suggesting a future airless basketball could combine a honeycomb core with a leather texture. They acknowledge the product's experimental nature and their role as an early adopter, willing to endure the teething issues of new technology. The video also features a sponsorship segment for Lifey's electric toothbrush, highlighting its design, functionality, and benefits.

05:03

📦 Unboxing the Airless Gen One Basketball: A Historic Moment

The speaker continues with the unboxing experience of the black version of Wilson's airless basketball, noting its sleek appearance and the impression that it's more of a display item than for daily use. They assume most buyers would collect rather than use it for street play. The packaging suggests a premium, display-worthy item. The speaker plans to test the ball on a rented court, comparing it to a regular basketball in terms of bounce, sound, and feel. They note the airless ball's lack of 'thump' and how it behaves differently upon bouncing and in flight, requiring mental adjustments when shooting. Despite the challenges, the speaker finds the experience intriguing and looks forward to seeing how the technology evolves.

10:08

🎯 On-Court Experience with the Airless Basketball: A Functional Collector's Item

The speaker shares their on-court experience with the airless basketball, highlighting the difficulty in adjusting to its different flight behavior and the need to mentally adapt when shooting with it. They note the lack of bounce and distinct sound compared to a regular basketball, which affects the player's anticipation and grip. The texture of the airless ball is described as slippery, affecting the confidence in the grip during play. The speaker suggests that wrapping the ball in a material similar to a regular basketball could improve the feel and potentially alter the shooting experience. They conclude that while the airless basketball is a durable collector's item, it's not recommended for outdoor use and remains more of an innovative artifact than a practical choice for most players.

Keywords

Airless Gen1 Basketball

The Airless Gen1 Basketball is a revolutionary product by Wilson, which is designed without the need for air, thus eliminating the risk of deflation. It represents a significant innovation in sports technology. In the video, the host discusses receiving a better version of this basketball, which is more durable and closer to the final product that will be shipped to consumers. It's a central theme as the video revolves around the host's experience with this innovative basketball.

Fractures

Fractures refer to small cracks or breaks that can occur in materials. In the context of the video, the host mentions developing tiny fractures on an earlier version of the airless basketball, which led to a discussion about the product's durability and its intended use as a collector's item versus a basketball for regular play.

Collector's Item

A collector's item is an object that is sought after by collectors for its rarity, condition, or historical significance. The host implies that due to its high price and novelty, the Airless Gen1 Basketball might be more of a collector's item than a basketball for actual use. This is supported by the special packaging and the certificate of authenticity that comes with the basketball.

Engineering

Engineering refers to the design, building, and maintenance of structures, machines, devices, and systems. The host expresses his initial impression of the airless basketball, noting that despite its status as a collector's item, he was impressed by the engineering that allowed it to bounce and feel like a regular basketball.

Texture

Texture in this context refers to the feel of the surface of the basketball. The host discusses the main drawback of the airless basketball being its exterior texture, which feels different from a traditional leather basketball. This difference in texture affects the grip and overall feel when handling the ball.

Honeycomb Core

A honeycomb core is a structure made of a network of hexagonal cells resembling a honeycomb, known for its strength and lightness. The host suggests that a possible solution to improve the airless basketball's texture could be to wrap a honeycomb core in a leather texture, combining the benefits of an airless design with the familiar feel of a traditional basketball.

Gen One Beta Stage

The term 'Gen One Beta Stage' refers to the first generation of a product in its testing phase before it is finalized. The host acknowledges that the airless basketball is in its early stages of development and is not as robust as future versions are expected to be. This understanding sets the viewer's expectations for the product's current capabilities.

Early Adopters

Early adopters are consumers who are among the first to purchase and use new products or technologies. The host identifies himself as an early adopter, accustomed to the challenges and 'suffering' that come with using new and innovative products. His willingness to test and examine the airless basketball is a reflection of his role as an early adopter.

Leiyin Wave Electric Toothbrush

The Leiyin Wave Electric Toothbrush is a product featured in the video as a sponsorship. It is an electric toothbrush with a unique design that includes an oscillating brush head and multiple settings. The host discusses its features, such as the sealed body, magnetic charging cable, and the dentist-recommended oscillation and vibration for effective cleaning.

Authenticity

Authenticity, in the context of the video, refers to the genuine nature of the product as verified by the manufacturer. The airless basketball comes with a plaque certificate of authenticity, emphasizing its status as a special, limited-edition product from Wilson.

Regulation Basketball

A regulation basketball is a ball that adheres to the official size, weight, and inflation standards set by sports governing bodies. The host compares the airless basketball to a regulation basketball, noting differences in bounce, sound, and feel. The regulation basketball serves as a benchmark for evaluating the performance and usability of the innovative airless design.

Highlights

Wilson sent a new airless basketball to the reviewer, which was initially flawed but has been improved in a follow-up version.

The original airless basketball developed small fractures, raising questions about its durability and intended use.

Wilson replaced the flawed basketball with a black version, which is more similar to the final product that will be shipped out.

The airless basketball is still considered innovative and fringe technology, not meant to replace traditional basketballs.

The reviewer suggests a potential future design could involve a honeycomb core wrapped in a leather texture for better feel.

The airless basketball is in its early stages and not as robust as future generations are expected to be.

The reviewer, an early adopter, enjoys being part of the process of examining new and innovative products.

The packaging of the airless basketball implies it is meant for display rather than daily use.

Most people investing in the $2500 basketball are likely to collect it rather than use it for street ball.

The airless basketball has a different texture and feel compared to a traditional leather basketball, which affects shooting accuracy.

The airless basketball's behavior in flight is different, with less noise and a different resistance through the air.

The reviewer had to mentally adjust their shooting technique when using the airless basketball due to its unique characteristics.

The airless basketball's durability appears to be improved in the black version made with a new material.

Using the airless basketball on an outdoor court or concrete is not advised due to its high value and potential for damage.

The airless basketball, despite its functional aspects, is considered more of a collector's item or an artifact.

The reviewer plans to rent a court to test the airless basketball's performance in an actual game setting.

The airless basketball's design is a significant innovation in sports technology, representing the future of basketball.