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Best Volleyballs

Updated January 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Tachikara SV5W Gold Competition Premium Leather Volleyball
Tachikara
SV5W Gold Competition Premium Leather Volleyball
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Quality Material
Bottom Line

Avid volleyball players who want a ball that will last will love this official competition ball from a world-class leader in the sport

Pros

It's made from world-class premium leather that withstands harsh treatment during play. The dual-bladder construction helps you gain better control while you play. It's a high-quality ball that's made for volleyballers of all ages.

Cons

The leather texture is too slick for many buyers.

Best Bang for the Buck
Wilson AVP Soft Play Official Beach Volleyball
Wilson
AVP Soft Play Official Beach Volleyball
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Trusted Brand
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Another quality volleyball from Wilson with a baby blue exterior and an interior that holds air longer than most.

Pros

This official AVP volleyball was built to last through constant use. The Butyl rubber bladder keeps the air inside through contact. It's made from a sponge-backed synthetic leather cover that's easy on the arms. It's great for teenagers and recreational trips to the beach.

Cons

Despite its name, it may be too hard for kids to play with.

Mikasa V200W Volleyball
Mikasa
V200W Volleyball
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Most Aerodynamic
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This uniquely stylish indoor volleyball with a unique 18-panel design is built for long-term performance.

Pros

It's cushioned with double-dimpled micro-fiber that's easier to grip and sweatproof. The unique paneling makes this ball more aerodynamic. This is a great high-quality ball for players who want something a little bit different.

Cons

Not for outdoor use; it falls apart quickly on sand or concrete.

Molten Super Touch Official NCAA Volleyball
Molten
Super Touch Official NCAA Volleyball
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NCAA Approved
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Wolten's officially-licensed NCAA Championship volleyball is covered in quality material and made for the intense matches you see on TV.

Pros

The premium Japanese leather looks good and stays together. Cotton-wrapped uni-bladder gives the ball body without hurting your arms. People love the NCAA-themed color scheme. Buyers love the feel of the ball once you break it in.

Cons

Make sure to bring a pump, it comes deflated. Takes time to break in.

Molten Official USA Volleyball
Molten
Official USA Volleyball
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Simple Yet Solid
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Molten's USA Basketball is covered with a sturdy but soft PU shell that works on indoor and outdoor courts.

Pros

The versatile shell makes it great for beach volleyball and outdoor practice. Many love the red, white, and blue color scheme. The ball is the official size and weight of most leagues. Great for kids who are learning the sport.

Cons

Some buyers complained about the stitching. The air leaks out too quickly.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
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60
Consumers
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Researched
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Buying guide for Best volleyballs

One of the most enjoyable team activities for all ages and every level of play is volleyball. The sport has been part of North American culture for over a century. Invented in the late 1800s, the game is played with two teams on either side of an elevated net. Players hit a ball back and forth until one team can’t keep it up.

The ball in question is imperative to the success of the game. The shape, size, texture, weight, and internal pressure of the ball have been painstakingly perfected over decades to allow for the game to be played as competitively and practically as possible. A volleyball needs to be heavy enough to be manipulated by bumps, sets, and spikes, but it needs to be light enough to soar through the air and bounce properly.

Most volleyballs are around 26 inches in circumference and weigh just under 10 ounces. They consist of an internal rubber bladder core and a hard outer shell. Air is pumped into the volleyball to keep it inflated. Texture, weight, and pressure vary depending on where the volleyball will be used.

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Spalding is an American sporting goods company that was founded in 1876. They are purported to have made the very first volleyball for the game.

Key considerations

Location

Volleyballs made to be used indoors are different from those used for beach games and other games played outside. If you don’t have the right ball for your environment, your game may be adversely affected, and the ball could be damaged.

Indoor volleyballs are slightly smaller than their beach counterparts. They have higher internal pressure and tend to be heavier and made of leather. They usually have a molded cover, although there may be stitched paneling as well. As the indoor game tends to champion quickness and power, heavier balls are more useful.

Beach volleyballs, also known as outdoor volleyballs, are a little bit lighter and made of composite materials so as to adapt to external elements such as sand, dirt, and water. To achieve this, beach volleyballs have a stitched outer layer with 18 panels. They are larger in order to battle against the wind. They are water resistant, and some are waterproof enough to be used in a pool or lake.

Quantity

The number of volleyballs you might use over the course of a season or year may influence your choice. A pack of volleyballs is often more cost-effective than getting balls one at a time. If you’re looking for a volleyball for your club or team, it may be worthwhile to get more than one. If you intend to play less frequently and more casually, selecting a lone ball may be a better option.

Level of play

Volleyballs made for competition and sanctioned by official volleyball governing bodies are a specific size and tend to be harder on the hands and wrists. These are intended for competitive play amongst teenagers and adults. For younger or casual volleyball players, a softer or smaller ball may be best. This can help with training, as these balls still require proper technique to hit but are easier on the body and don’t require as much strength.

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Expert Tip
If you find a leak in your volleyball, don’t fret. Most volleyballs can be repaired with rubber cement or tubular glue and patched with a special patch.
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Features

Spin detection

Some volleyballs have a contrasting color pattern that allows you to watch how the ball spins in the air. This is ideal for those working on their serves and learning how the ball moves after it is hit. For advanced players, it may aid in tracking the ball to your body and inform you how to hit it.

Soft touch

Traditional volleyballs have tough exteriors that can withstand constant pummeling, but there are those made to be softer on the hands and wrists. These soft-touch balls are ideal for younger and more casual players. They’re also suitable for those who train regularly but don’t want to be regularly banged and bruised. There are even some soft-touch balls that are officially sized and made for competition.

All-weather cover

While a leather cover doesn’t work well outdoors, some volleyballs are designed with a composite cover from manmade materials. This type of material can withstand rain, sun, and other elements. If you find yourself in varied climates while playing, or if you intend to play both indoors and outdoors, this type of ball is ideal.

Color and pattern

Volleyballs are offered in numerous color patterns and designs. They may feature two or three colors or a unique design that stands out.  With so many options available, it’s easy to match the volleyball to a team’s specific colors — or whatever your favorite look at the moment may be.

"If your volleyball no longer inflates, look for ways to recycle or reuse it. Some sporting goods stores will repurpose items and equipment, including volleyballs."
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Accessories you may need

Air pump: Over time, your volleyball will need to be filled with air. Air pumps are relatively cheap and easy to use, and they can also facilitate filling up basketballs, footballs, and soccer balls, among others.

Volleyball net: If you’re looking to a game started, you’re going to need a net. They come in various sizes depending on location and level of play, but in order to get two teams to face off, a net is required. If you have a swimming pool, you can also find pool volleyball nets.

Practice tether: For training purposes, you can opt for a tether that attaches to your body and the ball. This allows you to practice a variety of hits without having to run and chase the ball. Just make sure the tether is long enough so the ball doesn’t snap back too quickly.

Jump Trainers: If you want to improve the vertical on your jump, these can help you do so, all while working your glutes, hips, and quads.

Mesh bag or backpack: Whether you’re traveling with one volleyball or several, a specially made tote offers convenient carrying and storage.

Volleyball shoes: If you're playing indoors, you'll want the right footwear to keep you on top of your game.

Volleyball prices

Volleyballs vary in price for any number of reasons — size, color, brand, durability — but in general, soft-touch and practice volleyballs cost less than volleyballs made for competitions. Oddly, the same type of volleyball may have a different price due solely to the color selection.

Inexpensive

For less than $15, you can find a wide range of decent volleyballs for both casual and competitive play.

Mid-range

From $15 to $45, you’ll find a great many choices in terms of size, texture, and color. These may be geared toward recreation or competitive play. In this price range, there are both bargain brands and top sellers.

Expensive

For over $45, the top-shelf volleyballs from the most regarded brands are available. These are carefully constructed balls that can be used in tournaments and competitions. If you’re a competitive player, you may want to look in this price range.

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Did you know?
The origins of volleyball are credited to Massachusetts just before the turn of the twentieth century. The game was first known as mintonette before being changed to volleyball.
STAFF
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Tips

  • Pump upon purchase. While some volleyballs are shipped deflated, you should test the air inside regardless before first use. A filled ball may have lost air in transit or at the store.
  • Indoor volleyballs should stay inside. Unfortunately, many volleyballs designed specifically for indoor use will not hold up to inclement weather. Too much sun, rain, or even dirt or sand will affect the ball. What’s more, wind may easily carry the ball off the court.
  • Outdoor balls can go almost anywhere. Outdoor volleyballs are more versatile. You can use them indoors or outdoors. However, it’s not suggested that you use an outdoor ball for competitive play due to the difference in size and weight, which could affect your game.
  • Stay alert when playing. They may be unassuming, but volleyballs can reach high speeds quickly and do some bodily damage if you’re not paying attention. Be careful and stay vigilant.
  • Seek out contrasting colors. Wherever available, get a volleyball that has at least two sharply contrasting colors. This will help your eye track the ball quickly and easily in the air. Yellow is a particularly eye-catching color.

 

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Although not meant to be used in a competitive manner, there are large inflatable ball options. They’re not technically volleyballs, but they can be lots of fun.

FAQ

Q. How often do I need to pump the volleyball?

A. There is no set rule, but it’s worthwhile to check the ball before you’re off to play. Repeated use may slowly wear down the ball; sitting around in storage will find some air leakage as well. Either way, over time, the volleyball will lose air, so be sure to check before heading out to play.

Q. How much should I inflate the volleyball?

A. If you have a pressure gauge, you generally want between 4.3 and 4.6 pounds per square inch (psi) for indoor volleyballs and between 2.3 and 3.2 for beach volleyballs. However, you can fairly easily find the desired pressure without an instrument. Basically, you want the ball to have just a little give when it is squeezed. It should be hard but not rock hard. Leave a little more air out if you want a softer ball.

Q. Does the volleyball have a recommended age of use?

A. While there tend not to be age specifications for volleyballs, softer and smaller volleyballs are generally better for youngsters. However, it may also come down to a personal preference and what type of game you want to play. Kids may want harder balls to play intently, while adults may want softer balls for lighthearted games.

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