Combining digital technology with physical activity is nothing new, so it’s no surprise that the Wilson X provides information that simply wouldn’t be available with observation alone. With a series of pigskin tosses, the officially-spec’d smart football provides real-time stats reflecting your performance, including velocity, spin rate, throw speed, spiral efficiency, and distance. You can also see your Wx rating based on the totality of your throwing stats.

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To receive that information, simply download the Wilson X app on your iOS smartphone. After that, the data will transmit to your phone via Bluetooth as you practice or compete.

For the most accurate feedback, set the technology to one of five built-in presets, each one of which accomplishes their own specific goal:

• QB Warm Up allows you to monitor your practice throws and see the result of adjustments in real time.
• Move to Elimination Mode to compare your skills to those of up to seven opponents. If your game’s not up to snuff, you get eliminated.
• Precision Mode dials in the details to you help you nail the perfect throw.
• Game Time is like a video game challenge, where you can play as and against any NFL team.
• Final Drive Mode follows play down the field, including the snaps, interceptions, and even sacks if you fail to throw the ball in time. Make a touchdown to win the game, or fail and hang your head in shame.

Since all this information goes to your phone, you’ll find it extremely easy to adjust after each practice throw. Once you’re feeling really confident, try aiming for a certain stat in Precision mode. When playing with friends, the stats pop up after each throw so you compare performances. For an even deeper competitive aspect, you can create your own avatar and post results for others to see — and try to beat. You can also program the app to feed your results directly to your social media accounts.

The NFL team stats built into the program affect results of your Game Time sessions based on the real-life strengths of the team you choose. For example, a completed pass might record as an interception if you’re “playing” against a highly defensive team. The goal is to make it more realistic, but the inconsistent nature of the results can be a little hard to digest. 

Even with a less-than-perfect reality experience, reviewers report that the Wilson X does do a great job of tracking and delivering data. Its ultra-energy-conserving battery turns off between each throw, allowing it to last an impressive 200,000 uses. The $200 retail price tag can be hard to swallow for the amateur football player, but it has gone on sale for less than $100 in the past, bringing it much more in alignment with non-smart footballs.

For the ultimately interactive football experience, pick up a Wilson X and get to tossin’.

The post Wilson X Smart Football Provides Instant Performance Feedback first appeared on Dornob.