What makes a great volleyball ball?
It’s easy to see why volleyball is becoming one of the most popular sports in the world. High speed spikes, big bodied blocks, and players diving all over the court make it incredibly exciting to witness. With that being said, it’s important to remember what makes it all possible.
The volleyball ball is an integral part of the game that we all know and love. It’s specifically designed for the perfect amount of velocity and bounce while being padded enough to not become a danger to players. Have you ever tried to play volleyball with a soccer ball? It hurts!
So what makes for a great volleyball? The three most important factors that determine the quality of a volleyball ball are it’s measurements, outer shell, and bladder.
- Volleyball Ball Measurements - Typically, an indoor volleyball ball has a circumference of 25.5-26.5 inches, an inside pressure of 4.26-4.61 psi, and a weight of 9.2-9.9 ounces. This may vary depending on a player’s age, gender, and skill level.
- Volleyball Ball Outer Shell - The outer shell of a volleyball ball is incredibly important. Not only does it impact things like grip and cushion, but it can also alter the volleyball’s flightpath.
- Volleyball Ball Bladder - The bladder of a volleyball ball is the inside that allows the ball to be filled with air. Without a proper bladder, a volleyball ball will have inconsistent “bounce” and therefore become hard to control.
Best Volleyball Ball For You
Although you will definitely get a lot of recommendations, the answer isn’t always obvious. There are a lot of factors that go into what volleyball ball is best for you!
Before you purchase a new volleyball ball, you need to answer a few questions. Each of the following volleyball balls on this list could be perfect match but it will depend on things like your age, skill level, and personal preferences to figure out which one is right for you.
Disclaimer: There is a risk of purchasing a fake volleyball from untrusted sellers. To ensure you are getting the volleyball ball that you are looking for, click the picture and order from the recommended seller!
| Image | Volleyball | Best Fit | |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Mikasa V200W | Elite Volleyball Players | Best Price |
  | Molten FLISTATEC V5M5000 FIVB | Elite Volleyball Players | Best Price |
 | Molten FLISTATEC NCAA V5M5000-3N | -Men's College Volleyball Players -Men's Competitive Volleyball Players | Best Price |
 | Molten FLISTATEC USAV V5M5000-3USA | -Boy's High School Volleyball Players | Best Price |
 | Molten Official NCAA Super Touch | -Women's College Volleyball Players -Women's Competitive Volleyball Players | Best Price |
  | Molten Super Touch | -Girls High School Volleyball Players -Coed Volleyball Leagues | Best Price |
 | Molten V58L Pro Touch | -Boy's High School Volleyball Players -Men's Competitive Volleyball Players | Best Price |
 | Tachikara SV5W-GOLD | -Boy's High School Volleyball Players -Men's Competitive Volleyball Players | Best Price |
 | Molten VB-U12 Light Volleyball | -Youth (Under 13) Volleyball Players | Best Price |
 | Wilson Cast Away | -First Timer Volleyball Players -Rec Volleyball Players | Best Price |
  | Wilson AVP Official Beach Volleyball | -All Volleyball Players | Best Price |
 | Molten Elite Beach Volleyball | -Younger Volleyball Players | Best Price |
 | Mikasa VLS300 Beach Volleyball | -Elite Volleyball Players | Best Price |
1. Mikasa V200W (check price) - Best Professional Volleyball Ball 2023
Mikasa V200W Volleyball Ball - Pros
The first thing that you will notice about the volleyball ball is the color scheme. The ball is a blend of yellow and blue which “pops” in a way that it is less likely to get lost in the light. The initial feel of the grip is quite nice which can be attributed to the dimpled surface. Using a dimpled surface also aids in keeping the path as straight as possible (similar to the dimpled surface of a golf ball).
Hitters oftentimes love the Mikasa V200W due to the reassuring sound made during an attack. The loud smack leads to immediate gratification and will surely turn some heads. While it shouldn’t be the sole reason you purchase this volleyball ball, intimidating the opposing team during warm-ups definitely has an impact on how you play.
The Mikasa engineering team puts a lot of research into their products and it certainly shows. Listed below are the highlighted features the volleyball has.
- 8-panel design - The 8-panel design enables players to make more contact with the volleyball ball thus improving control and accuracy.
- Embossed and dimpled surface - The dimples increase the aerodynamics of the ball to create a straighter more accurate path.
- Soft microfiber cover with nylon would center - This allows the volleyball ball to be both durable and comfortable to handle.
Mikasa V200W Volleyball Ball - Cons
While there is a lot to love about this Mikasa volleyball, it is definitely geared towards more advanced players. For starters, the ball feels a little heavy compared to some of the other volleyball balls out on the market. This leads to players looking to make a switch to a “softer ball”. Needless to say it is difficult to justify purchasing a high end volleyball ball if it isn’t going to get a lot of use.
The Mikasa V200W was also designed to have less “rebound” to aid in controllability when passing but can have the reverse effect on novice volleyball players. It sometimes gets a little slippery when exposed to sweat making things a bit more difficult for the setter. Ultimately it is a very unforgiving ball but will force you to get better in the fundamentals of volleyball.
All in all I would definitely recommend this volleyball ball. There is a reason the Mikasa V200W is the official ball of the FIVB and Olympics. If you have been playing for long enough to take your skills to the next level, you should consider adding this to your bag. While you might not be playing in any professional matches anytime soon, warming up with the MVA200 will surely make you look and sound the part.
4. Molten Pro Touch V58L - Best League Volleyball Ball 2023
Prior to the Molten FLIS
- NFHS Approved / Official Volleyball USA Volleyball
- Premium Japanese leather cover
- Nylon wound
- Uni-bladder construction
Molten Pro Touch Volleyball Ball - Pros
The most obvious similarities are that both volleyball balls are approved by the NFHS and USAV and have a premium japanese leather cover. On paper the Molten Super Touch and Molten Pro Touch seem like the same ball but you will notice a huge difference once you get a hold of them.
For starters the feel of the Molten Pro Touch is much more firm than the Molten Super Touch. It has a very traditional leather surface but is much less padded because it was intended to be a Men’s volleyball. The amount of grip that you will get is similar to the Molten Super Touch so if you are an advocate for leather volleyballs, this will be a great fit.
When it comes to in game use, this Molten volleyball definitely favors the hitters. It is the most “bouncy” volleyball ball on the list so it will give you a lot of feedback one way or another. The same principle applies to serving making this ball super fun to be on offense with.
The added bounce definitely makes digging more difficult. The rebound is hard and fast so passers can easily shank passes if they are not set up with a good platform. The great thing about this is it will teach you how to create the correct angles while passing and playing defense.
Molten Pro Touch Volleyball Ball - Cons
Similar to the Molten Super Touch, the Molten Pro Touch needs some time to be properly broken in. Like any leather volleyball, the grip will start off a bit slippery and the ball will be harder than you will like it to be. It is also being used less due to the release of the FLISTATEC.
While the Pro Touch is USAV approved, the FLISTATEC is more likely to be used in competitive play if it is available. Finally, the Molten Pro Touch is hard in comparison to the other volleyball balls on this list. This may make it difficult to play with in coed leagues that aim to use a softer ball.
With all of that being said, the Molten Pro Touch is a phenomenal volleyball ball. I would recommend it to male players who are either using it in competitive play or someone who is really trying to work on their volleyball fundamentals. If you play boys high school volleyball or NCAA Men’s volleyball and your team uses the Pro Touch, then you should definitely go with this ball.
When it comes down to it, the decision to buy a Molten Pro Touch or FLISTATEC is ultimately preference. I know plenty of volleyball players that prefer the Pro Touch because it feels a bit lighter and plays a bit quicker. If you enjoy the traditional leather feel but want to stay true to Molten then go with the Pro Touch. It is a great volleyball ball and a ton of players swear by it.
5. Tachikara SV5W-GOLD - Best Boys High School Volleyball Ball 2023
For starters, the Tachikara SV5W-GOLD is a volleyball ball that is great for both beginners and elite level players. It is National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) approved making it a terrific choice for players who are in high school but also holds the FIVB stamp of approval as well. The ball has proven to be a popular choice among rec leagues everywhere due to its classic feel. Tachikara highlights the following features:
- Specially woven cotton reinforcement panels create a soft and consistent touch
- Impact reducing air layer buffers and evenly disperses initial force of digs, passes and spikes
- Quad-carbon, isomer bladder internally suspended for increased air retention and durability
- Supportive dual bladder adds superior control response and truer shape recall in flight
Tachikara SV5W-GOLD Volleyball Ball - Pros
The first thing you will notice about this Tachikara volleyball is the quality leather cover. It definitely provides a much different grip than the Molten Flistatec and Mikasa MVA200. In terms of weight, the Tachikara SV5W-GOLD seems lighter than the other volleyball balls on the list. With consistent use, this ball will be less likely to hurt your forearms while passing.
As opposed to some of the other volleyball balls on the list, this Tachikara volleyball benefits the setter more than the hitter. The ball has a tendency to float rather than spin so “double hits” while setting seem to happen less often. This characteristic carries over into your serving game as well because the ball will be very forgiving when mishitting a float serve.
Tachikara SV5W-GOLD Volleyball Ball - Cons
The Tachikara SV5W-GOLD is a very solid ball but there are a few things that keep it from being perfect. To start, this volleyball ball definitely needs to be broken in. Prior to breaking it in, the leather cover will be slick when exposed to liquid (sweat). This will change over time as the sweat eventually gets absorbed into the broken surface.
While I have had good experiences with this particular Tachikara volleyball, I have run into durability issues with other Tachikara volleyballs. Air flow problems, bladder bulges, and panels ripping can be common problems among some Tachikara volleyballs. With that being said, I have had none of those issues with my Tachikara SV5W-GOLD which is close to a year old but could understand why this could make you nervous.
Overall the Tachikara SV5W-GOLD is definitely an awesome choice if you are looking for a volleyball. In terms of best fits, I believe this to be a great choice for both boys volleyball players who are not yet in college and coed players in rec leagues. This Tachikara volleyball is a phenomenal one to learn on but is made in a way that plays well at the elite level. The small flaws are easy to get over and its compatibility with men and women players make it popular in coed leagues everywhere.
6. Molten VB-U12 Light - Best Youth Volleyball Ball 2023
- Official ball of USA Volleyball - Used at Junior National Championships
- USYVL (United States Youth Volleyball League) approved
- Soft, Lightweight (8.1 ounces) for players 12 & under
- Micro-fiber composite cover
- Uni-bladder cotton wrapped construction
Molten VB-U12 Volleyball Ball - Pros
The first thing to know about the Molten VB-U12 Light is it comes in a bunch of different colors. While this may not be a huge concern for older players, we have to remember that it is directed for players 12 & under.
This Molten volleyball ball is also lightweight and soft to touch. Weighing around 8.1 ounces, The Molten VB-U12 Light falls well below the adult standard of 9.2 to 9.9 ounces. It is important to note that while the ball is lighter, it is still official size which is great for getting young players used to the size. The lightweight allows for young players (kids) to get a lot of reps without feeling the pain associated with a heavier ball.
The microfiber composite cover makes the volleyball ball feel softer than any of the other balls on this list. While the aim was to make the softest competitive volleyball ball possible, it was not at the expense of the grip. The Molten VB-U12 Light has a favorable grip making it a phenomenal ball to learn to set with.
Molten VB-U12 Volleyball Ball - Cons
The biggest knock when it comes to the Molten VB-U12 Light is the amount of time in which it is used. Because it is targeted towards younger volleyball players, it becomes nothing more than a practice ball after the player turns 13 years old. The volleyball ball itself is actually quite durable so if you make the purchase early enough it will last a few years.
Overall the Molten VB-U12 Light is the best volleyball to buy for players who are 12 & under. There are several other “lite” volleyball balls out there but this is absolutely the best and most used. This Molten volleyball is the the official volleyball for the USAV Junior National Championships 12 age division so it is used in both boys and girls club volleyball. I would absolutely recommend this volleyball but if the player is approaching 13 years old, they should purchase one of the adult volleyball balls.
7. Wilson Volleyball Cast Away - Best Novelty Volleyball Ball 2023
Although it isn't the best Wilson volleyball ball available, the Cast Away is quite a popular purchase. The Wilson Volleyball team highlights the following features:
- Replica of Wilson from the movie cast away
- Top quality synthetic leather cover material
- 18 panel machine sewn construction for durability
- Butyl rubber bladder for extended Air retention
For starters the feel of this volleyball ball is noticeably different than the others on this list. The cover is made from synthetic (artificial) leather which makes for a plastic like surface. Because of this, the grip is much more slippery than a real leather volleyball so setting will be more difficult. This Wilson volleyball is also relatively hard so if used as a practice ball, consistent bump passing will sting quite a bit.
As stated previously, playing with the Wilson Cast Away is fine if it is for recreational use. Unlike the other volleyball balls on this list, the Cast Away is made to be used for both indoor volleyball and outdoor volleyball. The 18 panel machine sewn construction makes the ball rather durable so it should last a few years.
Overall this Wilson volleyball ball is fine for what it is. I recommend it to anyone who just wants to give the sport a shot and is unsure about if they would like to pursue competitive volleyball. The novelty makes it a great conversation starter which in itself makes it worth the cheap price. All things considered if you are looking to be able to scream “WILSON!” at the top of your lungs every time you are at the beach then this is the ball for you.
8. Wilson AVP (check price) - Best United States Beach Volleyball Ball 2023
Because Wilson is so active in the volleyball community, they do their best to keep up with player requests as it pertains to their gear. If you have experience playing with the previous model, then you might notice that the new model is a bit smaller. This is to mirror the internationally used Molten ball. Below are the highlighted features of the newly released Wilson AVP beach volleyball ball.
- Superior graphics
- Premium microfiber composite leather
- 18-panel, hand-sewn construction
- Performance Elastomer Bladder
Wilson AVP Volleyball Ball - Pros
The first thing that you’ll notice about the Wilson AVP beach volleyball, is the incredible design. The “superior graphics” not only make the ball look awesome, but they serve a very important purpose during game play. That is, they make it easier for players to detect the spin of the ball. This is super helpful during serve receive because it allows you to predict where the volleyball will land (in or out) based on it’s topspin or lack thereof.
The AVP volleyball has a premium microfiber composite leather cover which provides resistance to dirt and moisture. While using it in the water or playing in the rain is not recommended, the cover does a great job at maintaining the ball’s weight and grip. This ball also has an 18-panel, hand-sewn construction which enables deep grooves for better hand control and wind resistance.
As it pertains to the bladder (inside of the ball), the AVP volleyball is quite responsive. This means the ball offers a nice bounce making it easier to control during intense rallies. Overall, the construction of the ball is terrific and that shows by it’s durability. This volleyball should last multiple seasons of intense use which can’t be said for many other balls on the market.
Wilson AVP Volleyball Ball - Cons
The biggest con for this Wilson volleyball actually has to do with the place in which it is manufactured. Oddly enough, Wilson has manufacturing deals with companies in both China and Vietnam that create vastly different final products. If the ball is made in China, it is great quality and you will be thrilled with your purchase. If you purchase a ball that was made in Vietnam, you’re going to have some issues.
The volleyballs that are made in Vietnam tend to have a hard and glossy texture giving them the appearance of plastic. This makes them a bit slippery when setting and can wreak havoc on your arms when you pass (they hurt). They look and feel just like a replica which if you’re unaware, are the cheaper and poorly made substitute for the real game ball.
9. Molten Elite - Best High School Beach Volleyball Ball 2023
Because it has the USAV stamp of approval, you can be sure that you’re getting a top of the line ball. Molten highlights the following features:
- Official Outdoor Volleyball of USA Volleyball
- Hand-stitched
- Soft polyurethane cover
- Official size and weight
Molten Elite Beach Volleyball Ball - Pros
The first thing that you’ll notice is the USA Volleyball stamp indicating that it’s the Official Volleyball of USAV. This is extremely important if you live in the United States (especially if you are under 18) because it will be the game ball in tournaments operating under USAV. Because you should always practice with the ball that you will use in tournaments, look no further than the BV5000 if you plan to compete in the USA National Beach Tour.
The Molten Elite Beach Volleyball ball has a hand-stitched PU cover which makes for an excellent feel to the touch. Similar to Molten’s indoor volleyballs, this beach ball excels when it comes to grip. Often times beach volleyballs are slippery and difficult to set but the BV5000 will consistently come out of your hands just the way you want.
In terms of durability, the Molten Elite Beach Volleyball is second to none. Even with continuous use at an elite level, the BV5000 should last multiple years which makes it a terrific investment. We’ve had ours for quite some time and it has shown very little wear and tear. The stitching is all still intact and the grip is as good as it was when we got it!
Molten Elite Beach Volleyball Ball - Cons
As is the case with most Molten volleyballs, the Molten Elite Beach Volleyball takes some time to break in. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t like the feel of the ball when you first get it. The cover has a tendency to start out a tad too hard but that will pass once it loosens up (from use).
This ball also doesn’t have the fanbase that the Wilson AVP ball has so it might not be used as much in certain areas. While this isn’t a knock on the ball itself, it should be considered because there’s no use purchasing a ball that no one wants to use. It’s silly, but there are plenty of stubborn people who only like to play with one type of ball.
All things considered, the Molten Elite Beach Volleyball ball is an excellent choice if you’re in the market. In terms of best fit, this ball is great for players planning to play in USAV affiliated tournaments. While the BV5000 is certainly designed for elite level competition, you might also want to check out the V5B5000 if you’re a serious player as it’s the FIVB approved ball in the Elite series.
10. Mikasa VLS300 - Best International Beach Volleyball Ball 2023
- Official FIVB Game Ball
- Soft composite cover
- Double cloth backing
- Curved 10 panel design for easy recognition
- Improved water resistance
Mikasa VLS300 Beach Volleyball Ball - Pros
Similar to how the Molten Elite Beach Volleyball has a stamp for the USAV, the Mikasa VLS300 has a stamp indicating it’s the official ball of the FIVB. While you may not see many Mikasa Beach Volleyball balls on the beaches in the United States, it’s extremely prevalent elsewhere. It’s heavy use in international tournaments makes it the most popular beach volleyball worldwide.
This ball has a soft composite cover that allows for improved control when passing and hitting. It has a nice grip that enhances your ability to spin the volleyball prior to a jump serve and sticks to your fingers when making a critical set. The double cloth backing keeps the shape perfectly which promotes a very well balanced volleyball. The Mikasa VLS300 is the best beach volleyball when it comes to water resistance. Water won’t affect the weight of the ball but you will have to dry it to prevent it from becoming slippery.
Because it is an international volleyball, it follows international regulations when it comes to weight. This means that the VLS300 is a bit heavier than the other beach volleyballs on the market. If you’re used to the Wilson AVP or Molten Elite, the difference in weight might be difficult at first. With that being said, the additional weight allows for a nice flight path even in the windiest of conditions.
Mikasa VLS300 Beach Volleyball Ball - Cons
The biggest con with the Mikasa VLS300 actually has a lot to do with one of the things that makes it so great. Its ability to repel water is fantastic but it creates a slippery surface in gameplay when exposed to sweat. It’s not a huge deal but you will need to wipe the ball off quite a bit in order to keep the grip at a high level.
This Mikasa beach volleyball is also not super prevalent on the beaches in the United States. Many people prefer the Wilson AVP due to the difference in size and weight. This is really a point of preference but just like the other balls on this list, you should practice with the volleyball that you plan on using in games most often.
All in all the Mikasa VLS300 beach volleyball ball is an excellent product. If you want to play with the same volleyball that is used by the best players in the world, then you should go with the VLS300. Its usage in the FIVB and Olympic games make it the perfect choice for players who play internationally.