Volleyball Buying Guide

Basically there are two different types of volleyballs, indoor and outdoor. Leather is always preferred for indoor balls; however, you may want to choose a good synthetic if you are going to play outdoors near water. There is not much difference between the top indoor volleyballs, but when it comes to outdoor volleyballs, spending a little more on a known brand like Mikasa or Wilson will make all the difference. If you don't think quality makes a difference, you'll probably change your mind after returning the serve of a cheaper ball. Your arms will be red and stinging after playing the game with a cheaper ball.

Indoor volleyballs

There is not much difference in quality between the more expensive volleyballs. Good volleyballs are constructed with a layer of eighteen leather panels around a cloth layer around a rubber bladder. Real leather allows the ball to age without much change in the play. Some Tachikara volleyballs are received better after they've seen some action. General wear-and-tear usually benefits the arms of players. When it comes to choosing between leather and synthetic, synthetic leather just does not compare to the real thing. Cloth-covered volleyballs are great for practice, but long term use usually finds the ball misshapen due to a bubble in the bladder.