Volleyball is a widely recognized sport that is celebrated for its rapid movements and lively gameplay. Just like in any sport, the equipment you use plays a crucial role in your performance. Hence, selecting the right volleyball is vital. A high-quality volleyball should possess a good grip, be soft to the touch, and maintain its shape even after extended games and training sessions. A poor choice can often lead to inadequate performance and discomfort.
The best way to ensure that you have the most suitable volleyballs is to look at the ball’s construction and materials. A good volleyball should be made from durable synthetic leather or composite leather, be hand-stitched, and have a butyl bladder to maintain its spherical shape. Choosing the wrong materials can lead to premature wear and a shorter lifespan for the ball.
We can guide you through the process of selecting the best volleyball balls based on our extensive research and hands-on testing. After testing numerous brands and models, we can confidently recommend the most suited ones for different playing levels and game conditions. At the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of all the factors that contribute to a high-performing volleyball ball.
Best Volleyball Balls
Selecting the appropriate volleyball ball is vital to your game and your gameplay experience. A high-quality ball should possess a good grip, a soft touch, and maintain its shape through long games and practices. There are many options available in the market, and choosing the best one can prove to be an overwhelming task. Through this article, we provide you a comprehensive review of the best volleyball balls, based on our detailed study and personal experience, to assist you in making a well-informed decision.
Molten Recreational Volleyball
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable volleyball for your recreational games, the Molten Recreational Volleyball is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 18-panel construction of this volleyball ensures consistent shape and uniform bounce, making it a great option for both indoor and outdoor use.
- The soft, yet firm, surface of the ball provides excellent grip and feel, allowing for easy handling and control during gameplay.
- The Molten brand is known for producing high-quality sports equipment, so you can trust that this volleyball will last for many games to come.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the ball’s size may vary slightly from the standard 27 inches, which could impact gameplay.
- The bright orange color of the ball may not be to everyone’s liking.
- The price point of this volleyball is slightly higher than some other options on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the Molten Recreational Volleyball for anyone in need of a reliable and durable volleyball for their recreational games. Its consistent shape and uniform bounce, combined with its soft and grippy surface, make it a great option for both indoor and outdoor use. While the ball’s size may vary slightly and the color may not be to everyone’s liking, the high-quality construction and materials used in its production make it a great investment for any volleyball enthusiast.
WILSON AVP Soft Play Volleyball – Official Size
If you’re looking for a volleyball that’s perfect for practicing your moves, the WILSON AVP Soft Play Volleyball is a great option.
Pros
- The soft feel of the ball makes it easy on the hands, even during intense play.
- The official size and weight of the ball make it perfect for practicing your skills.
- The durable construction of the ball ensures that it will last through multiple practices.
Cons
- The ball may not be suitable for outdoor use, as it is designed for indoor courts.
- The soft feel of the ball may not be ideal for competitive play.
- The ball may lose some of its inflation over time, requiring frequent re-inflation.
We’ve used the WILSON AVP Soft Play Volleyball for several practices, and we’re impressed with its performance. The soft feel of the ball is gentle on the hands, even during fast-paced drills. The official size and weight of the ball make it perfect for honing our skills, and the durable construction ensures that it can withstand the wear and tear of multiple practices.
One potential downside of the ball is that it may not be suitable for outdoor use, as it is designed for indoor courts. Additionally, the soft feel of the ball may not be ideal for competitive play, where a firmer ball may be preferred. Finally, the ball may lose some of its inflation over time, requiring frequent re-inflation.
Overall, we would recommend the WILSON AVP Soft Play Volleyball to anyone looking for a high-quality practice ball. Its soft feel, official size and weight, and durable construction make it a great choice for players of all skill levels.
SV5WC Red, White and Black Volleyball (EA)
If you’re looking for a high-quality volleyball that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, then the SV5WC Red, White and Black Volleyball is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The ball is made from durable and long-lasting materials, ensuring that it can withstand frequent use without losing its shape or bounce.
- The ball is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a great choice for both casual and competitive play.
- The ball is available in a variety of vibrant colors, making it easy to spot against any background.
Cons
- The ball may be a little too light for some players, which could affect its overall performance.
- The ball’s cover may not be as thick as some other high-end volleyballs on the market, which could lead to premature wear and tear.
- The ball may not be suitable for use in extremely cold or hot temperatures, as this could affect its bounce and overall playability.
Overall, we were really impressed with the SV5WC Red, White and Black Volleyball. The ball is made from high-quality materials, ensuring that it is durable and long-lasting. It is also suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a great choice for both casual and competitive play. Additionally, the ball’s vibrant colors make it easy to spot against any background, which is a great feature for both players and spectators.
One potential downside of the ball is that it may be a little too light for some players, which could affect its overall performance. Additionally, the ball’s cover may not be as thick as some other high-end volleyballs on the market, which could lead to premature wear and tear. Finally, the ball may not be suitable for use in extremely cold or hot temperatures, as this could affect its bounce and overall playability.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality volleyball that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, then the SV5WC Red, White and Black Volleyball is definitely worth considering.
WILSON Indoor Recreational Volleyballs – Official Size
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable volleyball for your indoor games, the WILSON Indoor Recreational Volleyballs – Official Size is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The soft feel of the ball makes it ideal for indoor play and reduces the risk of injury.
- The bright graphics make it easy to spot and track the ball during gameplay.
- The ball retains its shape well, even after multiple hits.
Cons
- The ball may be a bit too light for some players, which can affect its flight and bounce.
- The ball’s cover may wear out quickly with frequent use, especially if it’s not properly maintained.
- The ball may not be suitable for outdoor play, as it’s specifically designed for indoor use.
We’ve used the WILSON Indoor Recreational Volleyballs – Official Size for several indoor games, and we’re impressed with its performance. The soft feel of the ball makes it easy to handle and reduces the risk of injury, especially when playing in an enclosed space. The bright graphics make it easy to spot and track the ball during gameplay, which is especially important in low-light conditions.
One of the things we like about this ball is its durability. Despite being hit multiple times, the ball retains its shape well and doesn’t lose its bounce. However, we’ve noticed that the ball’s cover may wear out quickly with frequent use, especially if it’s not properly maintained. Additionally, the ball may be a bit too light for some players, which can affect its flight and bounce.
Overall, we think the WILSON Indoor Recreational Volleyballs – Official Size is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and durable volleyball for their indoor games. Just be sure to take care of the ball and maintain it properly to ensure its longevity.
Mikasa Competitive Class Volleyball (Red/White/Blue)
If you’re looking for a volleyball that can withstand the pressures of competitive play, the Mikasa Competitive Class Volleyball is a great option.
Pros
- The 18-panel design provides a consistent surface for better ball control.
- The butyl bladder ensures optimal air retention for consistent bounce.
- The high-quality surface provides excellent grip for better ball control.
Cons
- The ball may have a slight odor when first inflated.
- The stitching may not be as durable as some other high-end volleyballs.
- The ball may not be as visible in low light conditions.
We’ve used the Mikasa Competitive Class Volleyball in several competitive matches and have found it to be a reliable and consistent ball. The 18-panel design provides a smooth surface for better ball control, and the butyl bladder ensures that the ball maintains its shape and bounce throughout the match.
One potential downside to the Mikasa ball is that it may have a slight odor when first inflated. However, this is a common issue with many new volleyballs and should dissipate over time. Additionally, the stitching on the ball may not be as durable as some other high-end volleyballs, so it may require more frequent re-inflation.
Overall, we would recommend the Mikasa Competitive Class Volleyball to anyone looking for a reliable and consistent ball for competitive play. Its smooth surface and optimal air retention make it a great choice for players who want to improve their ball control and consistency on the court.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best volleyball, there are several factors to consider. As experienced players and coaches, we understand the importance of selecting a ball that meets our needs and provides optimal performance.
Size and Weight
One of the most critical factors to consider when selecting a volleyball is the size and weight of the ball. The official size of a volleyball is 25.75 to 26.50 inches in circumference, and the weight should be between 8.5 and 9.1 ounces. It is essential to choose a ball that meets these specifications to ensure consistent bouncing and proper gameplay.
Material
Volleyballs are typically made from synthetic materials such as rubber or leather. The material used can affect the ball’s durability, feel, and bounce. Leather balls tend to be more expensive but offer a better feel and can last longer with proper care. Synthetic materials are more affordable and can be more durable, but they may not provide the same level of feel as leather balls.
Bounce
The bounce of a volleyball is another critical factor to consider. A good volleyball should bounce consistently and reliably, allowing for accurate passes, sets, and hits. Some balls may be too hard or too soft, leading to inconsistent bounces and affecting the game’s overall quality.
Cost
Finally, cost is an essential factor to consider when selecting a volleyball. While more expensive balls may offer better quality and durability, they may not be within everyone’s budget. It is essential to find a ball that meets your needs and fits your budget, ensuring that you can enjoy the game to the fullest.
In summary, when selecting the best volleyball, it is essential to consider the size and weight, material, bounce, and cost. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a ball that meets your needs and provides optimal performance on the court.
