When it comes to the purchase of a soccer ball, there are a number of things to consider before you hand over your hard-earned money. Because with scores of different brands, fluctuating costs, and endless varieties on offer, purchasing this round object is perhaps more difficult than first thought.
Although for those who are looking to add a soccer ball to their shopping basket, you have thankfully come to the right place and in this article, we are going to highlight the five most significant things to consider beforehand.
Endorsements
There are three endorsements you should be aware of when purchasing a soccer ball and if the product has one of these, you can be assured of genuine quality.
FIFA
Three levels: FIFA Basic, FIFA Quality, FIFA Quality Pro
These are the gold standard when it comes to soccer balls and are used in all FIFA governed competitions
IMS
Was the previous benchmark when it came to soccer ball quality. Now superseded by FIFA Basic and FIFA Quality certificates.
NFHS
The soccer balls that are used in American high school competitions and with our Select branded balls meeting these and the FIFA basic standards, they are the perfect entry point when it comes to making a purchase.
Size
Soccer balls range from 1-5. Size 5 is the biggest available and this is what you will see used in competitions such as the English Premier League, MLS, or Champions League, while also being deployed in the older age groups of junior soccer.
Which means at the other end of the scale, Size 1 is the smallest ball that can be found on the field of play and although it is mainly used by the youngest age groups of junior soccer, it can also be used as a tool to improve the close control of players of all ages.
Cover
The external layer of every soccer ball is known as the cover and is made from a leather consisting of PU (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). With the highest quality ball covers being typically built with PU and the lower-end balls in the market being made with PVC.
Regardless of the material involved, the cover will be split into panels and the most widely recognized layout is the classic 32 panel design. However, a few present-day balls have either an 18 or 26 design instead.
Something to consider here, is the fact that 32 panel balls offer a far truer flight and are not as susceptible to the movement that is found in balls that are constructed with less panels in the design.
While the best soccer balls that are available today will have their panels hand-stitched and this is another aspect to take into consideration, as machine sewing is usually utilised on balls of a far lesser quality.
Bladder
When it comes to the creation of soccer balls, there are two primary bladder types that are currently used:
Latex – This gives the ball a softer feel and proper bounce
Butyl – Better for retaining air within the ball
While the thing to consider here, is that latex bladders will normally lose air quicker than butyl.
Lining
There are normally many layers of coating between the cover and the bladder, something which gives the ball its strength. In addition to this, a foam layer is then added to give the ball its softness and this is usually the key difference between what makes it a low-quality or a high-end final product.
With these five key pointers in mind, we hope that you have enough new insight to help with your purchase and whatever soccer ball you end up choosing, make sure you remember one more important thing – to have plenty of fun on the field of play!
