The size of the ball should be the first criterion to take into account before making a purchase.

The ball should be chosen according to the age of the players and their level of practice.

T3

Suitable for children up to 7 years old

Perimeter: 58-61cm

T4

Suitable for children from 8 to 12 years old

Perimeter: 63-66cm

T5

Suitable for children aged 13 and over

After the size of the ball, the manufacturing material should be the second criterion to take into account. Here are some options for different environments:

EVA Foam

Satinised vinyl foam, also known as EVA, is a synthetic foam commonly used for children's products.

This foam has adhesive properties and also has a very soft touch for the training levels of the sport.

Environment: indoors. Not recommended for abrasive floors.

Regular Rubber

We refer to regular rubber as ‘normal’ rubber made from synthetic products.

Suitable for adverse situations with excellent grip on the floor.

Environment: outdoors. Recommended for abrasive floors.

Cellular Rubber

Cellular rubber is a very resistant high quality rubber, suitable for harsh environments.

This rubber has superior resistance guaranteed by ISO9002 quality control.

Environment: indoors and outdoors. Recommended for abrasive floors.

Synthetic Leather

Synthetic leather consists of a fibre base and a surface coating. It is a very easy material to clean, whether dry or damp.

In this category, we divide synthetic leather into two materials: PVC and Polyurethane.

• PVC

Polyvinyl chloride, known as PVC, is one of the most widely produced plastics in the world and has a wide range of applications.

PVC belongs to the mid-range of materials with adequate adhesion and resistance for school use.

Environment: indoors and outdoors. It can be used on abrasive floors.

• Polyurethane

Polyurethane, better known as PU, is a foam that is more rigid than EVA but very flexible and adherent.

This material has components such as flexibility, lightness, cut resistance and the impossibility of deformation.

We recommend lubricating the needle before filling. You should use a lubricant such as glycerine, Vaseline, WD40 or any other product that removes friction between the needle and the filling valve.

The six processes differ mainly in the way the panels are joined and the resulting behaviour in play.

Thermo bonded

• Panels bonded and fused together using heat and pressure, with no visible seams, creating a virtually seamless surface.
• Very low water absorption, high weight and shape stability, more predictable flight and very regular surface; this is the typical type of match/pro ball and also the most expensive.

Hybrid (dual bonded)

• Combines stitching + bonding: the panels are first sewn (usually by machine) and then laminated/moulded with glue and heat, which partially seals the seams.
• Offers a compromise between the soft touch and control of stitched balls and the durability and lower water absorption of thermo bonded balls, with intermediate cost and great versatility of use.

Laminated

• Several layers (PU/TPU coating + fabric + chamber) are laminated/glued together before forming the ball; the panels can then be sewn or glued depending on the model.
• Allows for control of thickness, texture and rigidity, providing good shape retention and consistent bounce, and is widely used in training balls and mid/high-end ranges.

Vulcanised

• Uses vulcanised rubber (chemical process with sulphur and heat) to bond and harden the material, usually in moulds, resulting in dense rubber panels.
• Produces very resistant and economical balls, with a focus on durability on hard surfaces (recreation, street, recreational futsal), but with less touch sensitivity and less aerodynamic sophistication compared to thermo bonded or hybrid balls.

Machine stitched

Synthetic leather panels (PU/PVC) are joined by industrial machines that make straight, uniform stitches at high speed.

• Mass production and lower cost, with visible but regular stitching.
• Good durability for training, but greater water absorption than thermo bonded balls and a less refined touch.

Hand-stitched

Experienced craftsmen manually stitch each panel using a needle and polyester/nylon thread, turning the ball inside out for almost invisible seams.

• More natural and soft feel, preferred by professional players.
• Slow and expensive process (can take 2-3 hours per ball), absorbs more water but offers better feel during play.