Best Volleyball Reviews — Which Volleyball is Best? Guide for Beginners and Recreational Players

If you have never purchased one, finding the best volleyball can be a bit of a hassle because there are so many options on the market. Don't be discouraged, we can help! 

For years on end, volleyball has been a game played when you went to the beach and in gym class. The thrill of jumping up and down and flexing not only gets the blood flowing, but it also enhances that team spirit and gets our motor skills in check.

But whether you are merely playing it for fun, or you are training for serious competition, you simply can’t manage without a nice volleyball.

Just like any other commodity out there, not all volleyballs are made equal. The most modern will feature a couple of current specifications like butyl rubber bladders, which holds the air better. They are also sewn to certain specifications, with other considerations in regard to size and weight. With this, they perform as smoothly as possible and offer the perfect balance and ball control.

That said, there are still quite a few volleyball manufacturers coming out every day with their own design. It might be difficult to find one that is actually worth the cost. But you can rest easy because we are about to give you the best volleyballs you can find out there today!

Best Volleyball Reviews 2022

Before we get to our reviews, we want to note that we chose to highlight official size volleyballs (or ones close to it). These tend to be made of more durable materials and can stand up to more of a beating than ones designed for younger players. We also chose to feature affordable volleyballs for "regular" players.

However, if you are looking specifically for a kid's volleyball, here are our top recommendations.

• Mikasa Youth Starter 8 Ounce Volleyball
• Tachikara Volley-Lite Volleyball for Young Players
• Molten Mini Volleyball (5 1/2 inches)

Alternatively, if you are looking for a competition volleyball for serious play, these three options a great place to start.

• Molten Premium Competition L2 Volleyball, NFHS Approved
• Tachikara Sensi-Tec Composite SV-5WSC Volleyball (EA)
• Tachikara Institutional Quality Composite Leather Volleyball

Okay, now it's time to check out our reviews for the best volleyballs for the money.

Wilson Soft Play Volleyball Review

You can’t navigate the world of volleyball without coming across the name Wilson in your path. And with years of experience in volleyball manufacturing in their arsenal, it’s no surprise that the Wilson Softplay Volleyball comes top of our list.

This ball is tailored using a synthetic, sponge-backed cover, which makes it extremely soft to the touch. This makes it especially good for training beginners who are not yet accustomed to the heavy hits, and for longer games. The Wilson Softplay official size volleyball also has fine aesthetics and comes in a variety of fun colors you can choose from.

Another feature you’ll appreciate it its butyl rubber bladder that it is known to hold air for longer. The ball is good for both outdoor and indoor games, although it is prone to being waterlogged. For this reason, you’ll want to avoid exposure to large bodies of water. Make sure that it dries out before using it again. However, the ball boasts of special machine-sewed construction, which is proven to boost its durability.

Pros

• Soft and lightweight
• Official size and weight
• Really durable machine stitching
• Has high air retention
• Comes in  a wide array of colors

Cons

• Prone to getting waterlogged
• Not suitable for more competitive or professional activity

Chance Soft Waterproof Volleyball Review

The Chance indoor and outdoor volleyball boasts of a more unique and modern appeal. It incorporates premium quality 18-panel stitching, which gracefully combines with a sponge backed composite cover for that super-soft touch. It is a masterful work of art, really.

Like most other quality volleyballs, the Chance also includes a butyl bladder, which locks in air and gives it the right amount of pressure. With this, you are sure to get that solid strike every time.

The Chance is good or both indoor and outdoor games, including on the beach! The fact that it is waterproof makes it especially resilient to water clogging. With this, you can comfortably use it for pool volleyball, backyard games, and even hardball. With every purchase, you get to enjoy a warranty in case it falls short of your expectations.

Pros

• Quality, modern design
• Soft to the touch with a nice feel
• The ball is waterproof; you can use it anywhere

Cons

• Some users claim it deflates easy
• Is prone to creases

YANYODO Official Size Soft Indoor Outdoor Volleyball Review

Perhaps, the first thing you’ll notice about the YANYODO Official Size 5 Soft Volleyball is its bright, intuitive color scheme. With a perfect blend of blue, white, and yellow, the ball simply pops, such that you can’t miss it, even in the light. This makes it perfect for beach games, although it will equally perform in indoor games. At a weight of 9.0 oz, the ball is perfect for any beginners, middle-aged, and even elderly people.

The YANYODO soft volleyball is constructed using tested machine sewing technology so you can rest assured of its durability. YANYODO is especially re-known for its specialty on volleyball quality. Available in multiple color options, the ball itself is actually constructed using superior grade PU material. This makes it not only soft and light but also leak-proof and easy to clean. The outer material is comfortable to the touch, and the inner liner consists of rubber for better elasticity.

Pros

• Looks good with a conspicuous color scheme
• Lightweight and soft enough for beginners and elderly
• The material is quality and easy to maintain

Cons

• Might wear out along the creases after some time

Wilson Graffiti Volleyball Review

From its clearly outstanding colorful graphics, the Wilson Graffiti Official Size Volleyball is quick to bring beachside culture and fun to your game. But the looks are not all the Wilson brings to the playing field. These fine aesthetics are combined with an 18-panel, machine-sewn construction to give it the optimal shape retention. The ball features that prime synthetic leather cover, which gives it enhanced durability and that premium feel during gameplay.

If you take a look at its interior, the ball has in place butyl rubber bladder so it won’t let out much air during those hours of abuse. It comes pre-inflated, and users especially appreciate its bounce. Initially, you might need to let out a little air to make it softer, but overall the volleyball is a perfect practice ball. You also get that satisfactory snapping sound, which only goes to show that the ball is working optimally.

Pros

• Makes a statement with its beautiful print
• Prime machine-sewn construction
• The synthetic leather gives it a nice feel

Cons

• Comes a little hard; you might need to deflate it a bit

Viemahy Super Soft Waterproof Size 5 Volleyball Review

While it might come on a little more expensive than its counterparts, the Viemahy Premium Light Touch Volleyball has all the features to prove its worth. For starters, the surface of the volleyball is constructed using delicate premium PU, which is known for being soft, wear-resistant, and comfortable. It's a waterproof volleyball that's perfect for both indoor and outdoor play.

The volleyball’s color scheme is fun as well. The bright colors contribute to the ball's overall appeal while making it easy to distinguish the ball from others during practice with other teams.

But that’s not all. With a diameter of 8.2 inches, the ball comes perfectly sized to the official standard measurement. It only weighs 9.8 oz, so it is good for any age and experience level. The Viemahyl is also machine stitched, with reinforced thread to make it especially strong and uniform. It’s engineered to incorporate an internal and external separation design, which gives it a smaller impact and a softer feel. With this, you can forget about all the arm pain during training. This also helps maintain the stability of the ball during flight, which is vital for beginners during training.

Pros

• Has a smooth surface with is soft to the touch with padding
• Has a unique design which maintains its stability
• Is machine stitched for uniformity
• Variety of colors to choose from
• Waterproof construction

Cons

• Comes deflated

Best Volleyball for Beginners Guide 2022

Choosing the right volleyball can be daunting at first, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Most people don’t really know what makes volleyball different from other balls, or what to look for in a good volleyball. Finally, they end up with something generic that only lasts two days.

Well, to help you make a more informed decision. We have rounded up a few facts about volleyball, as well as some tips on how you can keep yours for longer.

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Types of Volleyballs: Indoor Vs. Outdoor!

Volleyballs generally fall under two main categories — indoor volleyballs and outdoor volleyballs. The major difference between the two is that indoor volleyballs are mainly molded together, while outdoor volleyballs are stitched together. This, in turn, gives them a different level of durability.

Indoor Volleyballs

As we’ve seen, indoor volleyballs are molded together. Since their panels are glued inside the balls, their seams look and feel smoother. Besides this, Indoor volleyballs have an overall better outlook. They have a more predictable movement too and weigh relatively less than outdoor volleyballs.

The downside, however, is that indoor volleyballs are not as durable. If used outside, they might not be able to withstand the rough outdoors or the elements.

Outdoor Volleyballs

You can identify outdoor volleyballs almost instantly because they’ll often have visible seams stitched together. This type of stitching is what enhances the durability of the ball. For this reason, outdoor volleyballs can be played on multiple surfaces without risk of damage. Outdoor volleyballs also weigh relatively more than indoor volleyballs. This gives them greater resistance to wind.

When looking at outdoor volleyballs, it is important to ensure that the one you pick is water-resistant such that it can survive if left out in the rain. Also, keep in mind that the surface of the outdoor balls will feel rougher. They have a large circumference too, which might affect the gameplay if you are used to smaller sized balls.

The two main types can further be split into 4 categories.

Competition Volleyballs

The first category is competition volleyballs. These are the ones that have been approved by the leagues and used in volleyball tournaments. Needless to say, these are more expensive than recreational volleyballs and are probably more than most players need. 

Kids’ Volleyballs

As you may have guessed, kid’s volleyballs are specially made for kids. They will therefore be smaller in size and consist of softer material that accommodates for the child’s smaller, more delicate hands. Kids’ volleyballs are a great way for kids to start off and build a proper form for the sport.

Beach Volleyballs (aka Sand Volleyballs)

These waterproof volleyballs are typically used on the beach. Needless to say, they are a type of outdoor volleyballs. For this reason, a sand volleyball will have that visible machine stitching to keep them strong. Beach volleyballs will also have waterproof properties and a distinctly bright color so you can see it in the sunlight.

It is important to note that professional beach volleyballs, such as those used in competitive tournaments or in the  Summer Olympics will typically cost more than the kind you would use with your friends for a fun game.

Training Volleyballs

Training balls are mainly designed to help players develop strength and skill for more professional tournaments.  For this reason, they’ll mostly have the same measurements across the table.

However, in some cases, you’ll find training volleyballs are deliberately made a bit heavier than the regulated ball measurement to help the player harness more power during gameplay. With this, a player gets to learn how to set the ball properly with the correct amount of touch and force.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Volleyball

Now that we have a good understanding if the different types of volleyballs, it's time to turn our attention to the features you need to consider before making a purchase.

Materials: Leather Vs. Synthetic

Most volleyballs share a general design when it comes to structuring and the type of material used. The material is what determines just how easy the ball will be to hit and grip. In most cases, you’ll find a rubber bladder in the middle of the ball to hold the air in. Today, we have butyl rubber in particular, which is renowned for being more dependable in holding in air.

The surface, on the other hand, comes in different materials. The most popular cover materials are microfibers, leather, and PVC. Try and base your choice on where you’ll be using it and the level of skill the players have.

In this case, microfibers and leather are most recommended for official tournaments and serious game scenarios. Leather volleyballs generally have a better quality feel to them. It is also significantly more durable. It is important to also note that we have different grades of leather. Therefore, some leathers will be better quality and naturally cost more. The higher the cost, the softer the ball feels. This results in smoother gameplay since the blow is lessened.

PVC, on the other hand, or synthetic leather has an equally good appeal and feel. However, these materials are best for casual entertainment and practice.

The Size of The Ball

Like most other games, volleyball also has certain standards in place with respect to the size and weight of the ball. If you are practicing with more professional intent, you’ll want to keep this in mind when buying a ball. Getting the right balance will get you more accustomed to and familiar with the ball. Below are the standard official height and weight measurements for volleyballs.

Indoor Volleyball Size

Most indoor volleyballs will have a general circumference of about 65-67cm ()2.5-26 inch) and a weight of 260-280 grams (9.2-9.9 oz).

Youth Volleyball Size 

A youth volleyball will have a general circumference of 63-65 cm (25-26 inch) and should weigh 260-280 grams (9.2-9.9 oz). You can also find smaller kid's volleyballs for younger children.

Beach Volleyball Size

A volleyball for playing on the beach (sand volleyball) have a circumference of about 66-68 cm (26-27 inch) and should weigh 260-280 grams (9.2-9.9 oz).

The Balls Permeability: Resistance to Water!

Permeability refers to the rate at which water passes through an object. Therefore a permeable material lets water penetrate easily, while a non-permeable one doesn’t let water through. If water from the beach or from the rain gets into the ball, it shifts the weight of the ball and makes it less stable. You’ll also find yourself needing more force to hit the ball appropriately.

Therefore, to be on the safe side, you want to ensure that your ball is constructed using non-permeable material. Check that it has waterproof properties on its description before buying. This especially applies to outdoor volleyballs. You see, when your ball is more adapted to the environment, you even get better peace of mind as you enjoy the game without worries.

Price: Is Cheap Always Expensive?

Price can tell you a lot about a product. In most cases, you tend to gain more quality by choosing the more expensive alternative. Well, the same applies to volleyballs. By sparing a few extra bucks, you get the promise of better quality material, design, and durability. However, if you are working on a budget, you might be tempted to go for a low priced ball. If this is the case, you are advised to settle on an averagely priced volleyball instead.

Generally, high-end volleyballs will go for about $50 while the least priced will go for about $10 to 15. Therefore the perfect balance would be to settle for something along the range of $25-$35. With this, you are bound to get a good quality ball at a reasonable cost, without compromising much on the nice features. If you are looking for a cheap volleyball from a well-known brand, the Wilson AVP Soft Play Volleyball is a good way to go (at under $15 when we last checked).

Frequency of Use: For Less Wear And Tear!

This refers to the number of times you’ll likely be using your ball. The Frequency, in turn, directly translates to just how much the ball will experience wears and tears. It goes without saying that if you use your ball a lot, it will wear out more than if you only use it occasionally.

Therefore, before you make your ultimate decision, ask yourself how often you really go out to play. Thereafter, choose a volleyball that will last you longer. You can get this in a high-quality volleyball that has a tougher leather exterior and good stitching. It’s also worth noting that substandard quality volleyball can last equally as long as one that is of higher quality, provided that it is used less frequently.

Whichever ball you pick, you want to moderate your usage to reduce the rate that it wears down.

How to Care for Your Volleyball: Keep It Stronger for Longer!

Besides the material used and surface played on, the way you care for your ball also affects just how long it will last. There are a couple of things you can do to extend your ball’s lifespan beyond its years.

• Avoid leaving your ball outside overnight. The changes in weather can cause the air pressures to fluctuate in a drastic manner, which in turn, causes wear.
• Store your volleyball somewhere dry and at room temperature. This helps maintain its shape.
• Use warm water and some soap to wash. Afterward, leave it somewhere to dry at room temperature.
• If your ball is too hard at first, let some air out first using a needle or a conditioner. This makes it softer. Ensure that you always moisten the needle during this process.
• Since the ball will likely lose air after some time, regularly inflate your volleyball to maintain its pressure.

Whether you are a regular professional player, or you merely enjoy the occasional game at the beach or in your backyard, volleyball is one game that keeps the good times going. The ball you choose greatly affects just how much you enjoy this.

With our comprehensive review and buying guide, however, we believe you are now in a position to make a more informed decision and getting the best value for your money.