Factors to Consider

1. Material – cover and bladder Click here to learn more
2. Manufacturer Click here to learn more
3. Size Click here to learn more
4. Logo “FIFA approved" or "FIFA inspected” Click here to learn more
5. Where to buy Click here to learn more

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) - governing body of world soccer.

Material

No more leather soccer balls! They used to be the best. Not any more. Leather was replaced (1994-Adidas Questra) by synthetic material called Polyurethane (PU)

The main difference is water absorption and the new material provides a “softer touch”. There are probably more differences but I don’t want to get too technical.

After all…who cares? Right?

Basically you should look for a ball with a cover layer made of PU.

It offers great touch and feel for the ball. You have a better sense of where the ball is and what it will do. This improves your control. The material is lovely: the ball will bounce off your shoe, which can add power.

PVC Plastic - Yes, they still make soccer balls using this material.

And that’s good.

They are very cheap and adequate for the youngest players (I would say-up to 10 years of age). The PVS ball is light (some of them feel like a volleyball) and more durable then PU ball. However PVC doesn’t offer a great feel for the ball and if striked hard…it flies unpredictably.

The inner portion of a soccer ball, which holds the air. The bladder’s type of material plays a big role in soccer ball characteristics-specially in the “feel of the ball”.

But don’t worry. There are only two types:

• Butyl bladder - makes the ball feel harder and heavier but is less expensive and retains the air a little longer
• Latex - used in better quality balls; more expensive but the ball is softer, keeps its shape better and provides a great feel.

Manufacturer

Choose only brand name manufacturers like: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Brine, Umbro. These are the best.

But two names really stand out in today’s world:

• Nike


• Adidas

I would suggest to you to consider Nike or Adidas as your first choice.

Size

Soccer balls come in the following sizes:

• Size 5 – ages 12 and up
• Size 4 – ages 8 to 12
• Size 3 – under 8

There are also sizes 1 and 2 known as Mini or Skill Balls.

FIFA Approval Logo

If a ball displays "FIFA Approved" or "FIFA Inspected" logo, you will be guaranteed quality and consistency of the very highest standard.

Soccer balls, to earn “FIFA Inspected” mark, must pass the six-point FIFA test:

1. Circumference - must be consistent so that the ball will move predictably.
2. Roundness - a slightly uneven seam can change the ball's shape.
3. Rebound - does the ball bounce consistently.
4. Weight - all balls must fall into a specified weight category.
5. Water absorption - this test turns and squeezes the ball in a tank of water 250 times. FIFA Inspected balls must not absorb more water than adding 15% to the initial weight of the ball.
6. Loss of pressure - a ball must retain most of the pressure for a 72-hour period.

Balls having the "FIFA Approved" mark must pass the above six-point tests at a more stringent level and also 7th test for shape and size retention.

I hope the above information gave you enough “buying power” to shop for a soccer ball with lots of confidence.

The following online stores are the sites I shop at for any soccer gear I need.
Well, actually, for any soccer gear...my sons need (most of the time, sometimes I am lucky to get something for my self).

All these sites are reliable, safe and secure. At least I have never had a bad experience with any of them (so far).

World Soccer Shop
Full line soccer equipment store with one of the biggest soccer inventory on the Internet. Easy to navigate. Worldwide orders shipment.

Eurosport
One of the biggest and most known of all online soccer stores. It offers everything that's associated with soccer. Worldwide orders shipment. Click Here for Eurosport Clearance Sale

WeGotSoccer
Based on retail store in Raynham Massachusetts. It offers all types of soccer equipment including huge selection of soccer shoes. Sends orders only within the US.

Paragon Sports
Sporting goods store with decent selection of soccer cleats for men, women and kids. Sends orders only within the US. Free shipment on selected items.

Soccer Equipment on Ebay (Suggested)
Very often you can really find a great bargain at Ebay for the same product that is sold at the "regular" stores, both on and off line.

Sports Authority	MC Sports	Dick's Sports	FogDog Sports

They all provide large selection of all kinds of soccer gear. Often, they offer many types of promotions, sales and discounts. Send orders only within the US.

Click here to get detailed information about all these stores.

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