Best Beach Volleyball Balls

Beach volleyball balls are designed in a way to help them battle the conditions, this means they are built with the following things in mind;

• How the wind will move and affect the ball
• How to maintain grip when the ball becomes wet be it from rain or going in the water

With that being said this sort of technology is really only present in the more expensive balls so with that being said which Volleyball is best and why.

I am going to split this article up into cost brackets as although there are only 2 real winners when it comes to which balls are best, I appreciate that if you are not practicing or playing with the view of competing, then the high price point of the expensive balls may not be for you. Luckily there is some quite good cheaper alternatives.

Official Competition Balls (Most Expensive)

Now as I mentioned there is really only 2 serious competitors when it comes to which volleyball is best for the beach and honestly which one you choose may just depend on which country you play in, there is however a few competitors to these 2 iconic balls.

So let’s get into the list.

Mikasa Beach champ VLS300

The Mikasa VLS300 Beach Champ is Mikasa’s top of the line beach volleyball competition ball. It features all the latest technology to offer players outstanding control and handling. The Mikasa VLS300 Beach Champ has been created with an iconic 10 panel design in its patented yellow and blue colors making it easy to spot in all conditions. The ball is held together using a unique feature called TwinSTLocked this is a hook and wring system that prevents stitched panels from opening up and offers good durability in hard fought games. The underside of each panel is reinforced with a specially designed two-layer cloth backing for superior shape retention and below this is a sponge layer with a special water repellent coating to lower the rate of water absorption.

The outer layer is constructed of micro-cell, anti-slip composite leather which helps with the balls water resistance. The bladder is constructed of LeakShield butyl rubber with a miniaturized self-sealing valve to ensure the ball maintains air pressure for consistent play. The butyl rubber bladder is perfect to withstand extreme temperatures, making it perfect for all conditions.

If you are looking for a Beach volleyball then you really need look no further, there is a reason that this ball is FIVB Approved and is the ball of choice for Australian Volleyball Federation (AVF), European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Tour. 

It was also the ball of choice for both the 2012 London Olympics and the more recent 2016 Rio Olympics. 

The reason it takes the number 1 spot for me is because it is the most widely used ball around the world and is the current ball of the FIVB World Tour. It is also my favourite ball to play with, the ball feels soft and gentle yet offers all the control you need. For me every touch of this ball sums up the game of beach volleyball.

Wilson AVP

As suggested in the name the Wilson AVP is the official ball of the AVP (Association of Professional Volleyball). Wilson collaborated with AVP Tour players to come up with the design to try and create the perfect beach volleyball. The AVP volleyball  has very distinct graphics for better spin detection, as well as a microfiber composite leather cover that provides superior touch and feel.

Wilson state this volleyball is the closest match to the balls used by the professionals however they include this caveat  ‘volleyballs used for AVP matches may have unique specifications and/or stricter quality controls or tolerances’ Personally this statement really takes Wilson down a notch in my eyes. I feel they do this to try and make the AVP Balls seem more unique or that they are more supportive of professional volleyball, however by adding the particular line of ‘stricter quality controls’ I feel undermines the whole production line of the wilson volleyballs. It also creates a divide which I feel has caused Wilson to lose sales, the reason I feel this to be true is because the UK Beach Tour has recently adopted the WIlson AVP ball as the official ball following a marketing pitch and what I would imagine were some very heavily discounted balls to spread not only brand awareness but it also means all high level players are likely to purchase the balls to be able to practice effectively.

• 18-panel, hand-sewn expert construction and craftsmanship enables deep grooves for better hand control and wind resistance
• Premium microfiber composite leather provides greater resistance to dirt and less moisture absorbency to maintain proper weight and feel
• New superior graphics for improved ball spin detection & contemporary design
• Performance Elastomer Bladder engages a likable responsiveness promoting control and power plays
• Overall construction provides strong durability and shape retention giving the player continuous reliability
• The Wilson AVP Game Volleyball is the closest to what is used by the pros on the beach; however, volleyballs used for AVP matches may have unique specifications and/or stricter quality controls or tolerances.

Specification

• Ball Size: Official
• Circumference: 64.5 cm
• Ball Playing Surface: Beach
• Ball Cover Construction: Premium Microfiber Composite Leather
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 8 inches; 1 pounf
• Approved By: AVP
• Brand: Wilson

3) Spalding King of the Beach

Spaldings king of the beach volleyball has a rich history in America. The King of the Beach tournament was one of the most prestigious tournaments in America for years. Admittedly when the AVP had funding issues it did lose its esteemed reputation. With the help of powerful companies grouping together to support the event it did bounce back. With that being said, let’s get back to the ball. The Spalding king of the beach volleyball, much like the other top tier volleyballs this was designed alongside the professionals in the attempt to create the perfect volleyball. Having never personally played with this ball it is difficult to rank it fairly however I have it on good authority that the ball is very well constructed, durable and offers great control.

• Hand stitched all-weather composite cover
• Official volleyball of King of the Beach and USA tournaments
• Designed for competitive outdoor play
• Machine Stitched 18 Panel construction for true flight

The Specs are a little harder to get hold of as I believe Mikasa is taking the torch over from Spalding for the 2020 season.

Replica Balls/ Middle Range (Cheaper alternative to the official game balls)

In the official ball line, personally there is a clear winner and that is Mikasa however when it comes to replica balls my views are slightly different.

4) Wilson AVP replica Game ball

The Wilson AVP replica game ball much like the Mikasa it built and constructed in the exact same way as the official game ball so it is both the correct size and weight. The main differences again is the quality of the materials used. The Replica AVP is constructed of a pebbled synthetic leather coating to offer more control and precision when playing, it is constructed of an 18 panel design which is machine sewn to offer durability and strength. The inner bladder is constructed again using a butyl rubber bladder for better air retention. I personally feel that Wilson takes the cake when it comes to the superior replica balls, this balls feel much more durable and with the pebbled synthetic leather coating I feel it offers more control and precision. If you are in the market for a good quality ball to train with or to use when playing with your friends and don’t want to splash out on the official balls I would personally go for this ball.

Specification

• Ball Size: Official
• Circumference: 64.5 cm
• Ball Playing Surface: Beach
• Ball Cover Construction: Pebbled synthetic Leather 
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 8 inches; 1 pound
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Brand: Wilson

5) Beach Champ VXT30

The mikasa VXT30 is a replica of the official game ball, it is exactly the same weight and size however the materials used aren’t quite as high quality. This ball is perfect for those who want the volleyball experience without the price tag although if you are well versed in the sport and have used the VLS300 previously you will instantly notice a difference. With that being said let’s get into the specification, design and build. 

The VXT30 is built in the exact same way as the VSL300 however as stated the only real difference is the materials used. The ball is designed with its iconic 10 panel design and the panels are still all held together using “TwinSTlock”- a hook and wring system that prevents stitched panels from opening up. The VXT30 also does not come with the reinforced cushioned panels but instead has a floating bladder construction which is coated by a strong PU Cover. Overall this ball is very good for the price tag and will allow you to play the game with the same overall feeling but the ball does not feel soft and gentle like the VLS300 and you don’t have the same level of control over the ball. Without looking at the obvious being the difference in name you can tell the replica ball apart from the official balls as the replicas have a little red spot on them.

Specification

• Size: Circumference: 66-68cm
• Weight: 260-280g
• Material: High Grade Synthetic Leather
• Construction: Stitched
• Feature: Mikasa Original TwinSTLock
• Feature2: Replica of FIVB Official Game Ball
• Country: Thailand

6) Tachikara Sensi-Tec Composite SV-5WSC Volleyball

The tachikara sensi tec volleyball is constructed in the following way. It has a microfibre composite cover with a loose internal bladder for additional durability. Tachikara have quite a rich traditional history with volleyballs. The company was established in 1915 and incorporated in 1920. The company got their name from a mythical being from Japanese folklore, it is derived from Tachikara-Ono-Mikoto or ‘God of Power’. Tachikara devoted their attention to creating a ball that was symmetrically circular and durable to ensure the ball maintained it desired shape for longer and tougher play.

This ball is available in a plethora of different colours and for the price it really can’t be faulted. Having never personally used this ball I can’t offer much in terms of personal reviews however based on product research and user reviews this ball is fantastic to use however it does not rival the likes Mikasa or Wilson with their top of the range balls hence why it is sitting slightly lower down the list.

• Playing Surface: Indoor
• Cover: Sensi-Tec®
• Construction: Loose Bladder Construction (LBC®)
• Bladder: Butyl
• Size: Official
• Circumference: 25.6 to 26.4 inches or 65.02 cm to 67.06 cm
• Weight: 9.1 – 9.8 oz./257.98 – 277.83 g
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Item model number: SV-5WSC-TWB
• Brand: Tachikara

7) Spalding’s King of the Beach Replica

Now I must admit there are many better balls for the money than this ball however based on the fact it’s a replica of a top level ball it at least deserves a mention. The King of the Beach replica is manufactured with outdoor use in mind, the ball has machined stitch composite microfibre cover panels with a loose internally bladder designed to retain air and not lose pressure during long or highly intense competitive play. The construction of the ball allows for a softer smooth surface to allow new players and beginners alike a more enjoyable experience.

The seams are known to pull apart quite easily and the materials although soft and forgiving feel very different to the better models and brands out there.

• Dimensions (Overall): 9.0 inches (L) x 9.0 inches (W) x 9.0 inches (H)
• Features: Regulation size, official size
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Shell Material:: EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)
• Filling Material: Butyl bladder
• Protective Qualities: All-weather Design
• Ball Size: 9″

Cheap but reliable (Honorable Mentions)

Now before I start listing these you will very quickly notice a pattern.

Wilson have mass produced a lot of volleyballs with the main aim of getting everyone involved and in to sport.

They offer many different beginner friendly options each with a different price point and each with specific characteristics to make starting out easier.

8) Wilson’s cast away

Now I will be completely honest as far as how this balls feels and performs it isn’t the nicest ball to play with. It is quite hard and not very forgiving, based on being harder and firmer if you can get over the bruises the ball handles very well and responds to the spin/ power given to the ball.

The reason this ball is above some better options below is mainly due to one reason… I absolutely love cast away, it was one of my favourite films when I was younger and I feel what Wilson did by recreating it is just pure genius and deserves credit. This ball is currently sitting on a ball stand on my shelf at home and it’s not likely to move anytime soon.

The wilson Mr Castaway is machine stitched and sports a PU outer cover again with a loose butyl rubber bladder to retain air. The volleyball is both official size and weight.

• Outdoor competitive play
• Size: 67 cm in circumference
• Weight: 270 g
• Covered in a high quality textured synthetic leather
• Higher durability thanks to its 18 panel construction
• Stays inflated longer thanks to the butyl rubber bladder
• Easy to inflate with an air pump (not included)

Wilson’s Graffiti Volleyball

Wilson’s most colorful aptly named ‘Graffiti’ volleyball is probably the best option on this list if you are looking for a cheap, reliable volleyball. Now if you want to play at a high level or use the ball for practice then I would suggest looking higher up the list but if you are new to the sport or just looking for a reliable ball to play down the beach with friends then this ball will certainly see you right. 

The Wilson’s graffiti volleyball sports a colourful patterned design inspired by the beach and sunset graphics. The Volleyball has 18 foam backed panels that machine sewn together. The outer cover is a synthetic leather to give the ball a smooth soft feel when in use. Now when you read the next ball review you may wonder how a ball constructed the same can feel different but weirdly it really does. The volleyball much like all the others has a butyl rubber bladder for better air retention.

The volleyball is the exact same weight and size as the official volleyballs so if you do purchase this as a beginner and step up to the better range/ quality it won’t feel too different. 

• Material: Synthetic Leather
• Color: Multicolored
• Size: 5 (Official)
• Ball Diameter: 25.6 centimeter
• Product Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches
• Model: WTH4634ID
• Brand: Wilson

Wilson’s soft play

It is a shame that Wilson drifted away from their foam filled panel option for their new design. The first volleyball I ever bought was the Wilson Softplay, this was back when they used a foam filled panel, because of these foam filled panels the ball was a pleasure to play with and learn the game with, the main issue I have is the covering they used over the foam was very delicate and easily split the second in came into contact with any stones or shells. However all this is rather irrelevant now as Wilson seem to use a slightly different product but it feels worlds apart.

The Wilson Soft play has 18 foam filled panels that are machine stitched and it has a butyl rubber bladder, the foam does give over time however out the box the softplay does not feel quite so soft and having 18 panels means for lots of stitching that quickly splits, the cover of the foam again is very fragile and easily becomes torn or sliced when playing in areas where stones, shells or worse can be found.

Again the ball is official weight and size and comes in a small selection of solid colours.

• Ball Cover Construction: Synthetic Leather
• Playing Surface: Indoor / Outdoor
• Ball Size: Official
• Colors: Blue, Pink, Red, Yellow, White
• Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Brand: Wilson

Overall the ball is designed for beginners and recreational play however I have a hard time recommending this ball as it isn’t all that soft and its durability is poor making it a bad investment in my books.