There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission on anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Bosu Balls are a type of fitness equipment. Something not everyone knows is that there are different types of Bosu Balls with slightly different features.
You can describe the Bosu Ball as the top of a stability ball attached to a flat surface. All of these types implement the same concept but the diameter, weight capacity, surface texture, and more can vary.
Bosu also offers other fitness equipment but these are not really Bosu Balls in the normal sense.
Which one is the best Bosu Ball for you depends on factors like your budget, the exercises you will do, your weight, where you want to use the ball, etc.
| “The Original” | Bosu Pro | Bosu Nexgen | Bosu Sport | Off-Brand Alternatives | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 26″ (65 cm) | 26″ (65 cm) | 26″ (65 cm) | 22″ (50 cm) | Often Around 23.6″ (59.9 cm) |
| Height When Inflated | 10″ (25.4 cm) | 10″ (25.4 cm) | 10″ (25.4 cm) | 7″ (17.8 cm) | Often Similar |
| Weight Capacity | 300 Pounds (136.05 Kg) | 350 Pounds (158.73 Kg) | 350 Pounds (158.73 Kg) | 250 Pounds (113.38 Kg) | Often Higher Claims |
| Equipment Weight | 17 Pounds (7.71 Kg) | 19 Pounds (8.62 Kg) | 19 Pounds (8.62 Kg) | 10 Pounds (4.54 Kg) | Often Less |
| Rubber Anti-slip | 6 Feet | Round Strap | Round Strap | 6 Feet | Varies A Lot |
| Main Use | Home | Home & Gym | Home & Gym | Home | Home |
| Colors | Multiple | Multiple | Blue | Multiple | Multiple |
1. “The Original” Bosu Ball
“The Orginal” Bosu Ball is typically known as the standard choice for individuals who want to do light to medium intensity Bosu Ball workouts at home every once in a while.
The main things to keep in mind are that the weight limit is slightly lower than the gym options and that the anti-slip mechanism is not as great.
6 rubber anti-slip feet should be enough for most Bosu Ball exercises. However, if you plan to apply a lot of sideways force you may want to invest in two of the other types of Bosu Balls with anti-slip strips.
The benefit of going for some of the more standard instead of premium features is the price. “The Original” costs less than the Bosu Balls with these more premium features like the Pro and NexGen.
2. Bosu Pro Balance Trainer
This next type of Bosu Ball is the more standard choice for a commercial setting. The Bosu Pro Balance Trainer can hold more weight than “The Original” and has a better anti-slip mechanism.
Additionally, as mentioned before the Bosu Pro can also be the right at-home choice for more intense Bosu workouts with more sideways jumps and steps.
3. Bosu Pro NexGen
The Bosu Pro NexGen is very similar to the regular Pro in features but the main difference is the texture of the Ball surface. There are more grooves and ridges on the NexGen ball surface.
The extra physical cues from this surface can help you position and balance better. However, this does cost you more.
Whether these extra grooves and ridges are worth the extra cost depends on things like your budget and what Bosu Ball exercises you want to do with what types of individuals.
4. Bosu Sport Balance Trainer
This next option is the most unusual of the real Bosu Ball types. The Bosu Sport Balance Trainer has a smaller diameter, lower height, lower weight, and lower price. Additionally, it has 6 rubber anti-slip feet similar to “The Original”.
The main benefits of the Bosu Sport Balance Trainer are that it is easier to store, easier to transport, and costs less.
On the other hand, the downsides are that the Bosu Ball balance exercises become easier due to the lower height, that the flat surface may not have enough room, and that the weight capacity is lower.
5. Off-brand half ball balance trainers
With the popularity of Bosu Balls there are also a lot of other brands that offer a type of half ball balance trainer. These have a few upsides and downsides.
The main upside of these off-brand half ball balance trainers is that they tend to be a lot cheaper than Bosu Balls. At the same time, they still have many happy customers.
On the other hand, real Bosu Balls typically have a larger diameter, are made in the USA, claim to be higher quality, and offer the value from buying from a reputable brand that is over 20 years old (1).
Whether the Bosu Balls are worth the extra money for you ultimately depends on things like your budget, how tall you are, the exercises you do, and your personal preferences.
