Whether you call it soccer or football, you cannot deny the popularity of this fun sport worldwide. Soccer balls are the most important element of the sport and buying the right one can make it even more fun and exciting. Telling a good ball apart from average ones can be tough. With the right buyer’s guide to help you look out for the key factors, you can pick the one that’s best for you. When it comes to soccer balls, the devil is in the details. Let’s take a look at the best soccer balls in 2021 buyer’s guide.
Size and Weight
No matter what people tell you, size and weight do matter. There are five size categories for soccer balls depending on what age and level the players are on. Picking the right one and slowly upgrading is the best way to go.
Size One
These are the smallest soccer balls available that are used to improve footwork and eye coordination. They are also referred to as mini-soccer balls and can be used for fun games as well.
Size Two
People rarely use size two soccer balls as they do not have specific uses for their size. Most companies do not even make them in this size.
Size Three
Size three soccer balls are the smallest size balls that are officially used in junior soccer games. They are perfect for young children aged 7 or less. These small soccer balls help children learn the sport and get a hang of different moves.
Four
These soccer balls are usually referred to as futsal balls. Originally intended for ages 7-11, they are also used by older teens or adults in futsal matches. These balls are constructed to be heavier so that they can be maneuvered better.
Size Five
This is the standard size of a soccer ball that many adults and older teens use for the actual sport of soccer. It has the largest circumference and is preferred by players of all ages. Their standard weight is between 500 grams to a kilogram.
Material Casings
The material casing of a soccer ball is a very important factor that decides its durability and build. Soccer balls are either made of polyvinyl carbonate, polyurethane, or synthetic leather.
PVC Casing
PVC casings are relatively hard and unresponsive. They are very durable and harder on the outside as compared to other casings. Beginners and young children often pick this type of soccer ball since it lasts them longer.
PU Casing
PU casings are more responsive due to being softer and flexible. They are durable and higher in quality. These soccer balls are usually used in intermediate-level matches between city teams etc.
Synthetic Leather Casing
Synthetic leather casings are the most expensive kinds for soccer balls. These are the ones you usually see in international matches as well as many league tournaments. They are flexible, responsible, and easy to control.
Bladder
The component inside a soccer ball that contains the air is the bladder. Two materials are popularly used to make bladders for soccer balls i.e. butyl or latex. Latex bladders are soft and have to be inflated often. Many professionals pick this type of soccer ball due to its increased responsiveness.
Butyl bladders on the other hand retain air for much longer and do not have to be inflated as frequently. However, they do make the ball harder which makes it less responsive. This type of football is preferred by beginners and young players.
Durability
Durability is one of the most important factors when buying a soccer ball. Generally durable and long-lasting soccer balls are made of inexpensive materials and can have an increased life due to how hard they are. However, high-quality materials and softer balls are also durable in their aspects.
The most important thing to look out for is that whether the ball is made from PVC, PU, or synthetic leather, the quality of either material has to be of high quality. For example, PVC balls made from good quality PVC will last longer than those made from sub-standard PVC.
Panels
Interestingly enough, the panels on a soccer ball have importance too. The FIFA regulated design contains 32 octagonal-shaped quilts on the ball. Soccer balls also come in other variations of panels such as 26 and 18.
In some areas, hexagons or pentagons are the preferred shape of the panels. Although it is a matter of design, certain soccer enthusiasts are picky about this factor.
Production Details
Soccer balls are difficult to make and are often outsourced to be produced in factories located in developing countries. Certain people prefer to buy from brands that ensure they were made in environments that are human-right-friendly. As soccer ball production is a popular business in child labor mafias, certain people are very conscious of production details.
Best Soccer Ball in 2021 - FAQs
Although one might assume buying a soccer ball is as easy as walking into a shop and picking one out, the reality is quite different. From budget to foot size, many questions pop up in a buyer’s mind. Here are the most commonly asked FAQs for the best soccer ball in 2021.
What size soccer ball do I pick if I am an adult with small feet?
A size 5 soccer ball is perfectly suitable for adults even if they have small feet. Since players will play with it regardless of the varying foot size of all the players, it’s best to get used to it. The best option is to buy a good quality ball that can be controlled.
Are futsal soccer balls the same as regular size 4 soccer balls?
Futsal soccer balls are the same size as regular size 4 balls but have the weight of a size 5 soccer ball.
Does the shape on the panel pattern affect ball performance?
The shape on the panel of a soccer ball is a matter of design and preference, it does not affect ball performance drastically.
How often does a soccer ball have to be inflated again?
Soccer balls have to be inflated again depending on the type of bladder and casing they have. On average they have to be inflated every week or so.