Buyer's Guide: Choosing Your Volleyball
In volleyball, the ball is the only link between players. Its quality determines the accuracy of a pass, the stability of a float serve and, above all, the physical comfort when receiving (forearm pass).
At Balles de Sport , we don't sell beach toys. We offer technical equipment segmented into two distinct worlds: indoors , where speed is paramount, and on the sand , where resistance to the elements is key.
1. INDOOR OR BEACH VOLLEYBALL?
Never play with an indoor ball on the sand (it will get wet) or the other way around (unpredictable trajectories).
INDOOR VOLLEYBALL (Hall)
Features: Glued (laminated) panels, smooth or honeycomb surface.
Indoor balls are designed for speed. The panels are not sewn but heat-bonded to a nylon carcass for perfect sphericity.
- Pressure: Higher (0.30 - 0.325 kgf/cm²).
- Technology: Use of microfibers and honeycomb surfaces (tiny holes) to stabilize the ball in the air.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL (Outdoor)
Features: Stitched panels, waterproof.
The beach ball is slightly larger (circumference) but feels lighter because it's inflated to a lower pressure (0.175 - 0.225 kgf/cm²). This allows the ball to "flatten" a bit more on the arms for better control, even in windy conditions.
- Materials: Water and UV resistant synthetic material.
- Construction: Often 10 or 18 panels sewn together to resist deformation due to sand.
2. AERODYNAMICS: HONEYCOMBS AND FLISTATEC
Why are modern balloons no longer smooth? To control turbulence.
Honeycomb Technology (Mikasa)
Official balls (like the V200W) have a double-dimpled surface. These micro-holes increase air resistance to slow the ball down more quickly and provide straighter trajectories, while also wicking away sweat (anti-slip).
FLISTATEC technology (Molten)
"Flight Stability Technology". Molten uses a hexagonal embossed structure on the composite leather. This smooths the airflow around the ball, reducing erratic turbulence during float serves.
3. LEVEL OF PRACTICE AND COMFORT (SOFT)
The fear of forearm pain is the primary obstacle for beginners.
- "Soft" / School Balls: Covered with a layer of EVA foam under the synthetic material. The feel is velvety and the impact is painless. Essential for learning and schools. Weight sometimes reduced (200-220g).
- Competition Balls (FIVB Approved): Premium microfiber composite leather. The touch is firmer but offers maximum responsiveness for attacking and passing. For club use only.
Sports Balls' advice: For competition, stick to the established brands. Mikasa (V200W) and Molten (V5M5000) are the global standards. Training with anything else will throw off your striking technique.