What is this doing here? Well, for car owners sports equipment often ends up in our hands. Be it transporting for the kids or something to do on the weekends. So we decided as a nice thing to post to do a little buyers guide that most car owners sites might not have covered.
For soccer picking which ball to buy is considered a relatively simple affair. A bright colour is needed for snow or a regular white ball for all year round play. There are few ways to go wrong. Futsal however is an entirely different animal all-together.
In this amazing sport there are many factors from the age of the player, materials and even match type to consider during a purchase. All of which will change how the ball handles and how long before a replacement is required. To help those who are new to the sport or just looking for a ball upgrade we’ve developed this handy review guide to showcase the best of the best in 2020. From budget focused balls to premium competition quality we’ve got you covered.
TOP RECOMMENDED PRODUCT: Senda Vitoria Match Futsal Ball
Where the Rio covered below is the training ball of choice it’s the Vitoria presented in size four (ages 13 & up) that’s the match day ball everyone wants. Both balls from Senda are fantastic leaders in futsal and Fair Trade certified that could be used for either practising or match play. When someone thinks of a futsal ball though, they think of the Vitoria.
Where the Rio has a 0.6mm smooth PU cover aimed for training use the Vitoria has greater durability with a 1.0mm textured PU cover. Rio has machine stitched seems, but Vitoria goes the extra mile with both stitched and bonded (glued) seams with patented ‘DuoTech’ construction and textured finish.
The difference is not just in the visuals but in the feel of the ball enhancing performance. When playing a professional match the Senda Vitoria is the ball of choice and for good reason. The only negative is the attached premium price for benchmark ball, but when it comes to futsal balls you do get what you pay for – the best equipment goes a long way to making a better player.
Pros
- Professional ball of choice
- Patented ‘DuoTech’ enhanced construction
Cons
- Premium price
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AY4LJNS/ref=emc_b_5_t
RUNNER UP: Select Futsal Samba – White/Red/Green, Senior
Among it’s many highlights the ball boasts high quality TPU material, a butyl bladder with microfibre polyester to ensure a perfect low bounce for easy control. It’s present 2018-2020 colorful design is specifically created for improved visibility in all conditions including outdoor winter play. A circumference range of 24.4-25.19 inches and weighs 400 grams fully inflated making it senior size within the FIFA approved ball parameters.
The 32 panel design is hand sewn for more reliable aerodynamics and control. With the many accreditations available for futsal balls instead of the US focused game ready name recognition the Samba has been tested in Germany and awarded the International Match Standard (IMS) certification 200.955 for its weight, water absorption, circumference, roundness, loss of pressure and bounce.
From players experience the balls are extremely dependable never running flat. One inflated they don’t let you down. An amazing quality ball from a recognised brand while most will want to go for the indoor Senda Vitoria tournament ball or the Senda Rio training ball the Select Futsal Samba may be the sleeper hit.
The base price is lower than a Senda ball and the focal point of a design listed as 2018-2020 means it should soon be replaced with an updated design for coming years. This means the price could decrease and an already outstanding ball become an essential purchase. A ball made of top quality materials, at a sale price, with zero customer complaints. Certainly an amazing deal for those in the know.
Pros
- IMS certification for perfect construction
- Potential for a huge price reduction
- Tournament ready
Cons
- Single size option
https://www.amazon.com/Select-Futsal-Samba-White-Senior/dp/B07JB8KYYM/ref=dp_ob_title_sports
Senda Rio Premium Training Low-Bounce Futsal Ball
Coming from the Official Ball Partner of U.S. Youth Futsal and considered by many users as the gold standard the Senda Rio Premium Training Low-Bounce Futsal Ball has been made with an ultra-durable PU cover. Designed for optimal extended play on hard courts and wooden floors it features a special foam backing giving a softer touch. Available in sizes 2,3 & 4 to suit all age ranges.
The Rio is noted for it’s good durability, retaining the original shape well after significant use and has better resistance to scuffing than other brands. Even field tested in unusual casual playing conditions of concrete, grass and carpet. Be it for professional training or keeping family members occupied the ball has great potential.
Even the working conditions the Senda Rio is made under are deserving of praise. Instead of being made for a bargain basement amount as many products often are, the Senda Rio Premium Training Low-Bounce Futsal Ball is Fair Trade certified. Where proceeds from all purchases are used to help the communities the balls are made in. So a real sense of pride can be found by all those who purchase the Senda Rio.
Pros
- Official Ball Partner of U.S. Youth Futsal
- Made under Fair Trade conditions
- High durability
- Competition ready
Cons
- Higher than average price
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AY4OSJU/ref=emc_b_5_t
GFutsal TotalSala PRO 300 Futsal Low Bounce Match Ball (Size 3)
If results are any indication the TotalSala PRO 300 is considered the premiere ball for coaching youngsters. Field tested by casual players on everything from grass to concrete the balls have a superior look and feel. The only negative appears to be a reported deflating issue with some stock.
Thirty-two hand stitched PU material panels. A butyl bladder stuffed with polyester. The ball aims for a perfect low bounce, heavy feel. Players will be able to hone their skills with a more flowing, controlled level of movement. The model was designed to match the specifications used by English Futsal academies and matches the Brazilian Futscal Confederation specifications for size and weight. Presented in the standard Size 3 the ball has a circumference of 55-59cm, weight: 350-380g with a target of children between 11-12 and 14-15 years old.
Pros
- Simple design
- Adaptable to differing play conditions
- Match specification
Cons
- Reports of manufacturing quality control issues.
https://www.amazon.com/Gfutsal-TotalSala-300-Futsal-Bounce/dp/B00NH0D0T8?ref_=ast_sto_dp
Franklin Sports Futsal Ball
No mistaking the high visibility of this ball. Available in both size 3 and size 4 the Franklin Sports Futsal Ball can easily be mistaken for a classic outdoor soccer ball for teenagers at first glance. An Amazon’s Choice futsal ball it’s stuffed and wound low balance bladder maintains the essential low bounce. Precision stitched with an abrasion resistant cover the ball is purchasable as both as batch of deflated balls ideal for a young team to use complete with a pump, or a single already inflated ball for convenience.
It passes really well, goes where you want it to go and it doesn’t work against you when trying to curve the ball. The handling is ideal with no complaints against it having too much grip or being too slippery.
Aimed at the casual market, the balls are best for youngsters developing precision skills in environments that would not be considered ideal. Indoors or outdoors the abrasion resistant finish can hold up in tougher conditions than a soccer ball and maintain it’s styling for longer. In no way considered a competition ball instead Franklin’s entry is aimed towards the kids who will want to play by the garage at home or outdoors with friends. An exciting design for family based fun.
Pros
- Strong ball control
- Abrasion resistant finish
- Works in all conditions
- Great for young players
- A good transition ball for soccer players
Cons
- Unsuitable for professional play
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075W1C7SK/
Mikasa Fsc-450 America Futsal
Those who want to walk on the wild side may wish to consider this futsal ball from Mikasa. While other brands are quick to state their superior ball technology Mikasa provides extremely limited information. Other than being a size 4 and made of synthetic materials there is very little known about the ball other than it’s surprising standing as Amazon’s choice for futsal balls and amazingly popular with online purchasers.
The bright and colorful design works as a replica to the official futsal ball used previously in some European leagues. The build quality is not up to par for professional play, instead the ball works best as in introductory piece for casual play at a lower price to those wanting to experience the size and bounce of futsal before investing in a long term ball. In a tournament location it is considered slippery so the questions presents – why is this so popular?
There are reasons to like the ball including it’s visuals (which disappear with use) but mainly should it be considered as a budget price casual play ball. Presenting minimal bounce it really sticks to your foot, so ball control is fantastic in tight play locations. Best brought out while saving your expensive competition ball for when it matters most. If seen in that frame of mind then the reasons for purchase become a lot clearer. If you need something quickly then the 450 works as a good starting temporary or secondary ball.
Pros
- All-round performance
- Low price
- Bright design
- Best as a beginners ball
Cons
- Slippery
- Not tournament quality
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KAYNE0/
Futsal Ball Buyers Guide – Frequently Asked Questions
From Soccer to Futsal, what’s the ball difference?
When it comes to balls, unlike soccer in futsal the balls are heavier. At least that’s the common belief. However according to FIFA there is only a 10 gram difference between a Size 5 soccer ball at 410 – 450 grams and the inspected weight for a Size 4 Futsal ball at 400 – 440 grams. They have a bladder that is filled to make the ball have less bounce compared to soccer balls and that’s the major difference. There’s no expectation for the ball to fly in the air amazing lengths or headers to keep the audience entertained. Futscal is purely about ball control, and in this case purchasing the right ball is a key place to begin.
What is the bounce of a Futsal ball and a Soccer ball? Why does it matter?
FIFA from a height of two metres, under controlled temperatures the bounces and discovered that a Size 5 soccer ball has a bounce (rebound) of 125 – 155 cm, while a Futsal ball has a bounce of 50 – 65 cm. Given that Futsal is an indoor aimed sport the desire to keep the ball on the ground for longer is understandable and creates a different style of play compared to soccer. There are fewer pauses in the action as the ball waits to hit the ground and it’s safer for spectators.
What does size mean?
Futsal balls come in a few varying sizes. These are not the same as the equivalent sizes in soccer balls. The sizes are mainly targetted towards fitting the correct ball to the correct age demographic for the players. For example, if bringing a 11-12 year old over from soccer then it it recommended to use a Size 3 ball.
What is a Butyl Bladder?
Unlike other sports balls with latex or synthetic rubber futsal balls utilise a butyl bladder. Feeling harder and having a lower bounce than latex it is known for its excellent air retention while also standing up to the punishment of play. Butyl is most commonly used in futsal balls due to it’s lower price than latex and being much more durable.
INTRODUCTION TO FUTSAL
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