Top 5 Balls for Beach Volleyball
If you are like us you love Beach Volleyball! We spend hours on the beach digging and spiking with friends until our legs are jelly and our sunscreen tubes have run dry. If you play for as long as we do and are as passionate about how much fun it is then you need to play with one of the best Beach Volleyballs available. Otherwise your arms and wrist will be beaten raw in 15 minutes.
Beach volleyball has been an official Olympic discipline since 1996 Games, so people have put some quality time and effort into producing some spectacular Beach Volleyball options.
Quick Summary
#1 Mikasa VLS300 Beach Champ
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#2 Wilson AVP Official Game Ball
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#3 Mikasa King of the Beach Volleyball
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#4 Wilson Soft play outdoor volleyball
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#5 Molten BV5000-3 Elite Beach Volleyball
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Characteristics of Balls for Beach Volleyball
How are beach volleyballs different to indoor volleyballs?
They are softer:Their PSI is set between 2.5 up to 3.2 ( instead of4.3 to 4.6 PSI for indoor balls )which helps them perform better with sand. This gives beach volleyballs a softer feel and makes people think there is a difference in weight. It is also slightly easy on the hands and arms.
Weight: The weight of indoor and outdoor balls are actually about the same,usually weigh between 260 to 280 grams (9.2 to 9.9-ounces)
Bigger:Balls for beach volleyball are slightly larger than standard indoor balls.They have a circumference which ranges from 66 to 68 centimeters (26 to 27 inches) compared to indoors balls which range from 65 to 67 centimeters.
Different Material: Indoor balls are made from leather while beach volleyballs are often made from composite materials, sometimes with leather mixed in that make them more water-resistant.
Sewed not Glued: Beach volleyballs are usually sewn together with separate panels stitched together, whereas indoor balls are usually glued or molded. This sewing makes them hardier and better equipped to handle the rigours of the outdoors.
In beach volleyball, it is important to practice and play with the right equipment and that includes a ball that is designed for the beach and outdoor conditions. The wrong equipment may cause injury or pain and reduce your fun and performance during your games. Who wants to play with bruised and red forearms. There are a lot of outdoor elements such as the weather and playing surface to consider. A great beach volleyball should be designed and engineered in a way as to enable maximum performance despite these varying elements. Practicing or playing with the right ball will affect your entire game. So having a ball which can withstand the outdoor elements and hard play is paramount. The following are the Top 5 Balls for Beach Volleyball:
#1 Mikasa VLS300 Beach Champ
OUR FAVOURITE
The Mikasa VLS300 Beach Champ is without a doubt one of the top balls for beach volleyball. It is the official game ball of FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) and the official game ball used in the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics. The Mikasa VLS300 Beach Champ features a TwinSTLocked Machine-stitched 10-panel design which enhances player control over the ball. Its soft composite, non-slip surface features the finest micro material. Another great feature of Mikasa VLS300 is the double cloth backing for best shape retention. It also features reinforced panels to maintain its spherical shape.
It only has 10 panels instead of 18 which some say makes it more consistent in play.
Its rubber coating improves water resistance so the ball is unlikely to get water-logged. This can be critical as depending on where you play and how big your beach is, your ball might get swamped by the shore break when your ball goes awry off a big spike or sky ball. Read the full review here.
Fans say:“this one is the bomb. It’s perfect. Padded enough that it’s not a rock, but firm enough to respond very well. It is multi-paneled of course, but it’s not like the AVP where every panel has a large ridge on every edge.”
#2 Wilson AVP Official Game Ball
OFFICIAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL OF THE AVP PRO BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOUR
Made to the highest specifications and standards of the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the Wilson AVP Official Game Ball is one of the top balls for beach volleyball. This ball features an 18-panel hand-sewn premium microfiber composite leather which provides greater resistance to dirt and less moisture absorbency to maintain proper weight and feel. Another notable feature of the Wilson AVP Official Game Ball is its expert construction and craftsmanship for better hand control and wind resistance. The overall construction provides sturdy durability and shape retention, maximizing the players’ satisfaction in every game. Read the full review here.
Fans say: “:This is a great ball for outdoor play – it lasts forever and it feels great. The official ball is made in China, which is what I got.”
Top Tip: Make sure you buy the pro level ball that is made in China rather than the recreational level ball that is made in Vietnam. NB Do not buy the ball that looks exactly like this but say “Replica Game Ball”
This link is for the Pro version that you want – “Official Game Ball”!
#3 Mikasa King of the Beach Volleyball
BEST ALL WEATHER VOLLEYBALL
The Mikasa King of Beach Volleyball has made a name for itself in the world of outdoor volleyball. The quality of its manufacture, built for the rigors of beach volleyball, is noticeable from the first touch. The ball is professionally designed with a tough, water-resistant cover that can survive the hard sand, sun, and water conditions associated with beach volleyball. It’s not only made to last, but it also performs admirably on the court. The 18-panel design delivers a true flight path and improved control during passes, sets, and spikes. The soft composite leather exterior provides good grip and feel even when wet, which is useful in beach settings.
Another noteworthy feature of the Mikasa King of Beach Volleyball is its consistency of touch and performance. Whether setting, bumping, or spiking, the ball behaves predictably, allowing players to concentrate on their technique and game strategy without having to worry about inconsistent ball behavior. The weight and balance of the ball are well-suited to outdoor play, providing a firm, satisfying impact feel without being excessively heavy. Furthermore, its vivid, high-contrast design offers good visibility even in low-light circ*mstances. While the Mikasa King of the Beach is slightly more expensive than other volleyballs, its longevity, performance, and consistency make it an excellent choice for any serious beach volleyball player.
Fans say: “Flagship beach volleyball. The only reason you are reading reviews on this ball is to decide between this and the Wilson AVP series.”
#4 Wilson Soft play outdoor volleyball
BEST FOR BEGINNERS AND KIDS
Professional players all started as amateurs. It takes dedication, training, a lot of time commitment and a great ball to develop good skills. The Wilson Soft Play Outdoor Volleyball is an ideal choice for beginners. Its machine-sewn construction gives it an enhanced durability. The ball also features a synthetic sponge-backed cover that provides a soft feel, making it a great tool for training. There is also a wide variety of colors to choose from. Although this ball is not suitable for official games, it is still one of the top balls for beach volleyball.
It also comes in 5 awesome colours! White, Light Blue, Red, Pink and Yellow! How awesome.Read the full review here.
Fans say: “This ball was purchased for our daughter who is almost 6 and was complaining about practicing with my beach volleyballs, way to hard on her wrists.”
#5 Molten BV5000-3 Elite Beach Volleyball
The Molten BV5000-3 Elite Beach Volleyball is among the top balls for beach volleyball because it is designed for maximum durability to withstand the demands of elite competition in an outdoor environment. It features a premium hand-stitched polyurethane cover for ultimate playability and superior touch. The contemporary design and unsurpassed durability have made this ball worthy of being the official outdoor volleyball of USA Volleyball.
Best Beach Volleyball Video Summary
In conclusion, having the right ball or practicing with the one, may result in your superior beach volleyball performance. The top balls for beach volleyball will withstand not only the varying outdoor elements but also the intense and hard play of skillful players. So, get the best ball possible that can really help you showcase your talent, hard work and increase your fun during the game.
