Determine The Right Size Volleyball You Need
Buying a new volleyball can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially if you’re purchasing one for the first time. With so many sizes, materials, and brands to choose from, it’s crucial to pick the right volleyball that matches your needs and skill level. Here are some insider tips to help you find and buy the perfect volleyball.
One of the most important factors is choosing the proper size volleyball for your purposes. Volleyballs typically range from size 4 (for young children) up to size 5 (regulation size for teens and adults). Size matters more than you might think – the dimensions impact the weight, feel, and performance of the ball. If you’re an adult recreational player or buying for a middle school team, opt for the standard size 5. However, size 4 is best for elementary kids just learning the sport. Try before you buy if possible, as personal preference comes into play too.
You’ll also need to consider if you’ll primarily be playing indoors or outdoors. Indoor volleyballs are made of smooth leather or synthetic leather, whereas outdoor volleyballs feature a durable but grippy composite or rubber cover. The textures maximize control in each unique playing environment. Be sure to use the proper ball for where you’ll use it most, or buy one of each for versatile play.
Pay attention to the internal construction too. Indoor volleyballs typically have a layered cotton or synthetic blend lining inside, while outdoor balls may use butyl rubber bladders. The materials affect the feel, weight, and responsiveness when playing volleyball. Higher end balls optimize these properties for ideal handling and performance – though you pay more, it’s often worth it if you play competitively.
When it comes to buying your new volleyball, you have several options both online and in person. Browse sporting goods stores in your area to check out brands and deals firsthand. Large retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports often carry a wide selection of volleyballs at various price points. You can test them out before purchasing to get a feel for size, grip, and more.
Online shopping sites like Amazon give you the convenience of buying from home and comparing reviews. Look for volleyballs sold directly by major brands like Wilson, Molten, Tachikara, and Mikasa. Check product details closely since many third party sellers mix in cheap imitation balls. Opt for Prime shipment or only those fulfilled directly by trusted retailers.
Whether shopping online or in-store, keep an eye out for volleyball sales, especially leading up to summer and the school sports season. Big box stores and websites frequently discount select balls, so you may score quality equipment for less. Sign up for email deals and check clearance sections both digitally and on the shelves.
Speaking of deals, buying volleyball balls in bulk packs can also save money compared to individually priced balls. Teams and clubs would benefit from multi-ball value sets. Just be sure everyone is happy with the ball size, material, and specs first. Also consider gently used game balls which cost less, if you just need practice equipment.
While buying volleyballs cheap has its perks, also be wary of going too low on price. Super cheap volleyball deals online may equate to poor construction and materials that won’t last through rigorous play. Read product reviews before purchasing any inexpensive balls – a value ball with decent ratings will fare better than the cheapest of the cheap.
Higher end volleyballs from the top brands typically perform better, but cost more as well. Look into mid-range prices from trusted companies like Molten, Wilson, Mikasa, and Tachikara to get quality materials without overspending. Or opt for value composite leather balls from these brands as a budget friendly alternative to the premium real leather.
Getting the right feel, grip, and responsiveness from your new volleyball takes fine tuning inflation too. Under or over-inflated balls behave differently in the air and when spiked or set. Follow the recommended pressure range printed on each ball, and invest in a needle pressure gauge for precise inflation. Proper inflation maximizes the ball’s sweet spot as well.
While you’re shopping for new volleyballs, think ahead to needs later in the season as well. Grabbing backup balls now means you won’t scramble later if your main ball gets lost or worn out from hours of matches and practices. Academy, Walmart, Dick’s, and other major retailers run sales leading up to and during volleyball season.
Finding the right volleyball may involve some trial and error, but following these tips will set you up for success. Determine the proper size, material, inflation, and price range for your needs and skill level. Shop both online and local stores for deals, and don’t just buy the cheapest ball. With the perfect volleyball picked out, you’ll be ready to get out on the court!
Consider Indoor vs. Outdoor Volleyballs
You’ve decided on the ideal size volleyball for your needs, but there’s another key factor that impacts performance – the surface material. Volleyballs are designed specifically for either indoor or outdoor use, so be sure to pick the proper one for where you’ll play most frequently.
Indoor volleyballs feature a soft, smooth leather or microfiber composite leather cover. This gives excellent grip and handling on hardwood floors or indoor courts. The softness provides great touch and control for bumping, setting, and spiking indoors. Outdoor volleyballs use rubber or composite covers to withstand abrasive sidewalks, blacktop, sand courts, and other rugged surfaces.
Why does the cover material matter so much? The texture and feel influence how the ball contacts your hands, arms, and body when playing. A smooth indoor ball gives a supple contact point during passes and volleys. The slightly grippy cover of outdoor balls allows for more spin and stability in windy conditions. Using the wrong ball in each environment can hinder handling and performance.
Indoor balls also tend to have a layered cotton or synthetic wool fabric lining inside. This gives a light, breathable feel with uniform air retention for steady performance. Outdoor volleyballs feature rugged butyl rubber bladders to maintain shape and bounce even against abrasive surfaces. Materials are optimized for each playing environment.
High quality leather indoor balls like the Wilson AVP Official Game Ball provide elite handling and playability for competitive tournaments and matches. But premium leather comes at a price – budget friendly composite leather balls from Molten, Wilson, Tachikara and others offer excellent quality for recreational and practice use.
On the outdoor side, Wilson, Tachikara, Mikasa, and other top brands all make durable rubber composite balls that withstand parks and playgrounds. The Wilson Soft Play Outdoor Volleyball resists abrasions and retains air pressure even on asphalt. Molten’s recreational composite ball provides great grip and visibility for backyard fun.
While specialized balls are ideal, some quality composite leather volleyballs work fairly well for both indoor and outdoor play. Ask fellow players online for versatile recommendations to maximize value. Just know performance and grip may be compromised somewhat vs. sport-specific balls. Rotate use between surfaces to maximize longevity.
If you’ll play in both school gyms and on grass regularly, consider buying one of each an indoor and outdoor ball. Many volleyball packages and value sets at Dick’s and Academy include both varieties at a discounted combo price. Having the right ball for each surface will optimize your performance and enjoyment.
While balls catered for indoor and outdoor use vary greatly, quality balls share some common traits. Look for genuine full grain or composite leather materials, durable stitching, multiple layer linings, and butyl rubber bladders from trusted sporting brands. Proper inflation also improves handling – use a pressure gauge to hit the ideal psi for your ball.
With the right volleyball matched to your playing environment, you’ll notice the difference in your sets, passes, serves, and spikes immediately.
Between optimizing size, surface materials, and inflation, buying a volleyball may seem complicated. But following these insider tips will set you up with the ideal ball for your needs. Consider where you’ll use the ball most, and invest in the proper leather, lining, and durability to maximize both performance and enjoyment of the sport.
Choose The Proper Construction and Materials
You’ve picked the ideal size volleyball and considered the playing surface. The next key factor is choosing the proper internal construction and materials to maximize the ball’s performance and durability.
For indoor volleyballs, look for a soft leather cover surrounding multiple inner lining layers of cotton or synthetic blends. The liner materials affect the overall feel and responsiveness. More layers cushion the ball for excellent handling, though at a higher cost. Elite leather game balls have around 3 lining layers, while budget practice balls may have just one.
Outdoor volleyballs feature durable composite leather or rubber covers surrounding a butyl rubber lining. The robust bladder retains air pressure and shape even when hitting abrasive surfaces repeatedly. However, butyl rubber makes the ball feel firmer than soft cotton liners. Strike a balance between responsiveness and durability based on your playing level.
Premium leather indoor volleyballs also have meticulous stitching and hand construction for ideal symmetry and performance right out of the box. Machine-made budget balls won’t have the same precision, but offer solid value for recreational play. Avoid the cheapest stitching and materials that unravel quickly.
Speaking of materials, opt for genuine full grain leather over faux or composite leather whenever possible. While PU and vinyl leather is more affordable, it can’t match the grip, feel, and longevity of real leather game balls from Wilson, Mikasa, and other elite brands.
That said, some composite leather balls utilize advanced microfiber materials to closely mimic fine leather. For practice and budget use, balls like the Tachikara Sensi-Tec and Wilson Soft Play get you 95% of the performance at a fraction of the cost. So don’t rule out composite options.
The internal bladder is critical too. Butyl rubber bladders retain air pressure and shape much better than latex versions over time. Look for butyl rubber bladders in all quality volleyballs, especially outdoor models which require extreme durability. Proper inflation also prevents premature degradation of the ball.
While premium materials and construction elevate performance, skill level and budget factor in too. If you’re just playing backyard volleyball recreationally, an affordable composite leather ball offers plenty of enjoyment. Serious competitors need precise construction and genuine leather to optimize ball handling.
No matter your skill or budget, opt for recognized volleyball brands like Wilson, Molten, Tachikara and Mikasa when possible. Major sporting goods companies have decades of experience crafting balls optimized for proper play and enjoyment. Their expertise shows in the thoughtful design and materials.
With the right construction, materials, and brand, you’re set up for volleyball success. Seek elite leather, multiple lining layers, robust bladders, and quality stitching within your budget. Pair that with proper inflation and care, and your ball will provide hours of indoor and outdoor enjoyment for years to come.