Rawlings ST5A Football

While this ball is built to official collegiate standards and NAIA championship specifications, it is perfectly suitable for high school players or serious recreational athletes who want a professional-grade feel. Keep in mind that because it is a premium leather game ball, it performs best on grass or turf fields rather than abrasive concrete surfaces.

The soft-touch technology is designed to make the ball feel slightly more forgiving and easier to grip right out of the box. It reduces the stiffness often associated with new, high-end leather footballs, allowing for a more consistent feel during catches and throws without sacrificing durability.

Yes, like most premium Horween leather footballs, this ball will benefit from a short break-in period. While the deep-pebbled texture provides excellent grip immediately, the leather will soften and become more responsive to your hand after a few practice sessions.

The R-Grip lace is engineered to provide a more tactile, secure surface for your fingers. This design helps you maintain consistent control during the throwing motion, which is particularly helpful for maintaining accuracy in wet or high-intensity game conditions.

The ST5A is designed for high-level competition, meaning it handles standard game-day conditions well. However, because it is made of genuine Horween leather, it is not waterproof; if it becomes saturated during a game, you should wipe it down and let it air dry slowly to maintain the integrity of the leather.