Tachikara SV-5W Gold Volleyball (EA)

I bought several balls for my Rec league all male ~25 year old team. Wal-mart brand = horrible. Feels like a rock. I have thrown this one away. This was the first one I bought, and led me to find others. Random other ball = fine, but not completely spherical This ball (Tachikara sv5w....) Tachikara No Sting - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TPNDEU/ref=oh_details_o09_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The 'No Sting' one was $15, and everyone I played with preferred it. ( I didn't tell them it was essentially made for 12 yr old girls) As for an actual review of this one I can't provide much of a review because we always play with the other... Which everyone prefers. ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 year review: July 2016 I'm changing this from a 4 to a 5 star review. Since my previous review I've been actively playing quite a bit of volleyball and I have some more insight. I do still support my claim that if you have completely new players, then this ball is not needed. If you're just wanting something physically to hit with new players, potentially outside, find something else, don't bother spending the extra money. Don't bring that other ball I recommended to pick up with people who know what they are doing though... If you want to play an actual game, this is a really great ball which is respected by a lot of actual players. As a setter I actually prefer the Molten 'Flistatec' ball these days. The molten has a lot more grip initially. The Tachikara kinda has to be broken in whereas the Molten starts in its prime and quickly degrades. So the Tachikara probably has more longevity for its 'peak' playing, but really it's just preference. If you've really never seen either of these two balls before, find where they do indoor pick-up around you, and likely you will find both balls so you can try them out before you buy. https://www.amazon.com/Molten-FLISTATEC-Volleyball-Official-White/dp/B0063NDCGW/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

A solid strong leather ball my grandsons kicked it hard and it withstood the impacts really well.

My favorite since the 90s. I have tried many others and keep coming back to this one! It just feels better in my hands. I guess I am old school!!!

Background I have played volleyball for over 15 years now. I've been coaching for about 10. I can still remember that this is and has been one of my favorite volleyballs of all time. The leather is the best because it can be soft enough to set and pass, but when pumped up right, its just as fun to hit as Molten(stiff leather). Please note that this is an indoor only ball. I find it a shame with I see this being used outside the ball was never designed to last outside. Whether your just starting to play or you've been a pro, there is something to appreciate about this ball. Give it a try.

Packaging needs to be better. Deflated ball in a plastic bag, thrown into a box. The volleyball itself is perfect. Real leather, indoor use only.