New Mikasa Beach Pro Volleyball Review

Summary

In this review, a new Mikasa beach volleyball is introduced, highlighting its unique features and initial impressions. The ball has a shiny, non-slip coating for better grip in wet conditions and a design resembling both indoor and beach volleyballs. It is more challenging to control in the wind, making it suited for skilled players. Despite some initial concerns about its roundness and flight, feedback from professional players suggests it could shake up the sport. While stock is limited and it cannot be used in competitions yet, the ball promises to make an impact once available.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mikasa's new beach volleyball is highly anticipated but currently in limited supply, with solid stock expected only by August.
• 😀 Due to limited stock, there may be restrictions such as one ball per customer, and it won’t be eligible for use in official competitions.
• 😀 The new ball features a shiny finish, designed to provide a non-slip grip when wet, improving control during play in humid or rainy conditions.
• 😀 The paneling of the new ball is similar to the VLS300, but it incorporates some design elements from indoor balls, including a softer touch.
• 😀 The ball has a noticeable dimple effect, though less pronounced and less deep than indoor volleyballs, combining features of both the VLS200 and VLS300.
• 😀 The redesigned valve aims to prevent sand from entering, addressing issues seen in older Mikasa volleyballs, and reducing the likelihood of faulty valves.
• 😀 Out of the bag, the ball is less round than the VLS300, but this may improve with use as the stitching breaks in and stretches.
• 😀 Initial player feedback indicates the ball is challenging to control in windy conditions and may favor more skilled players due to its flighty nature.
• 😀 The ball’s hybrid design, combining elements of indoor and beach volleyballs, could encourage more dynamic and varied playing styles.
• 😀 If you're in the Maroubra area, you can visit the store to feel the ball in person before purchasing or pre-ordering it.
• 😀 Mikasa plans to offer pre-orders once the product is more widely available, and further information will be provided on their website and social media channels.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video primarily focuses on reviewing the new Mikasa beach volleyball, discussing its features, initial impressions, and the challenges it may face in real-world use.

What is unique about the finish of the new Mikasa volleyball?

The ball has a shiny finish similar to an indoor volleyball, designed to provide a non-slip grip when the ball is wet, such as during sweaty conditions or in rainy weather.

How does the new Mikasa volleyball compare to previous models like the VLS 300?

The new Mikasa volleyball shares paneling similarities with the VLS 300 but has a slightly different finish and a more pronounced dimple effect, which is aimed at improving grip, particularly in wet conditions.

What are the concerns regarding the roundness of the new volleyball?

Out of the box, the ball appears less round than the VLS 300, with dimples being more pronounced at the seams. This could improve as the ball is used and the stitching stretches out over time.

What is the issue with the valve in the older Mikasa models, and how has it been improved?

Earlier Mikasa models, like the VLS 100, experienced issues with sand entering the valve. The new volleyball features a redesigned valve that is nearly sealed to prevent sand from getting inside, making it more durable and easier to maintain.

Why might the new Mikasa volleyball favor more skilled players?

Initial feedback suggests the ball is difficult to control in windy conditions, making it harder to set and pass, which may benefit more skilled players who can handle such challenges.

What are the initial reactions of players who have used the new Mikasa volleyball?

Players have found the ball to have a hybrid feel, combining the characteristics of both indoor and beach volleyballs. Some players find it harder to control in windy conditions, and it might take time to adjust to its behavior.

When will the new Mikasa volleyball be available for purchase?

The full stock of the new Mikasa volleyball is expected to be available by August, though a limited number of balls may be available for sale in April with restrictions on the number of units per customer.

Can the new Mikasa volleyball be used in official competitions?

No, the new Mikasa volleyball will not be allowed in competitions initially, as it lacks the Australian volleyball logo and thus does not meet the official requirements for affiliated events.

How does the new Mikasa volleyball handle in windy conditions?

Early feedback indicates that the ball is difficult to control in windy conditions, with some players describing it as flighty and hard to manage when setting or passing.