Hey guys, lately I've been eyeing the Wilson GST 1005 football because of the fact that it's an actual leather football, it is used by high-schools and NCAA Division 1 teams around the nation, and because the 1005 pattern is supposedly "smaller" than the normal NFL pattern, making it easy to grip and to throw.

I'm about tired of these fake composite leather balls, so I have been wanting the real deal.. however, the main obstacle, of course, is the hefty price which weighs in at about $70-80, which of course is pretty steep just for a football.

So has anyone here ever used one before? If so, how does it grip/throw/perform? And how durable is it? Would you say it's worth the price?

I may look towards getting one for Christmas.. I felt of one the other day at Hibbit's and it really felt amazing.

For those of you slightly unfamiliar to it, here's a photo of it and some links:

F1003 med 1787

WILSON GST PRODUCT INFORMATION

WHAT MAKES THE WILSON GST ONE OF THE BEST FOOTBALLS AVAILABLE

These keypoints off of the Wilson websites are what really make me want it:

* 1005 "small" pattern - easier to grip and throw
* In blind playtests, 82% of the players preferred the Wilson GST football over the competition!
* Wilson combines the unique panel shape of our neoprene lining with the seams of the ball and the 1005 Pattern to create deep channels. This makes the Wilson GST game ball the most gripable football available.
* But don't take our word for it...just ask Bob Ladouceur the Head Coach of De Las Salle High School, the #1 ranked high school team in the nation. "We've used the Wilson GST the entire 2001 season and our players love it!"



Thanks in advance to anyone that replies .. much will be appreciated!