Mikasa BV550C Review (New Ball for FIVB Beach Volleyball)

Summary

In this review, Alex from LearnB12Fast shares his thoughts on the new Mikasa BV550c beach volleyball, comparing it to the previous Mikasa VLS300. While the BV550c plays similarly to its predecessor, Alex highlights its more manageable float and improved wind control, thanks to the dimples on its surface. However, he criticizes the ball's tactile feel, describing it as less inviting, which may discourage new players. Alex proposes the idea of combining the best features from various volleyballs to create a more user-friendly ball. Despite its potential, he believes the BV550c may have a negative impact on the sport in the short term.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Mikasa BV550c is the new official beach volleyball ball, replacing the Mikasa VLS-300.
• 😀 There are mixed feelings about the BV550c ball, with some players having positive and others having negative reactions.
• 😀 The BV550c is similar in play to the VLS-300, meaning players transitioning between the two will not face significant challenges.
• 😀 The BV550c floats in a more manageable way compared to the VLS-300, which is known to float excessively in certain conditions.
• 😀 The ball features dimples on the surface, which help create a more stable airflow, similar to golf balls.
• 😀 The BV550c is more waterproof than the VLS-300, making it more practical in rainy conditions or humid environments.
• 😀 One downside of the BV550c is that its feel is not as inviting or enjoyable as the VLS-300, potentially affecting the emotional connection players have with the sport.
• 😀 Alex compares the feel of the BV550c to poorly designed clothing—something that does not feel pleasant or engaging.
• 😀 The tactile experience with the BV550c may not encourage new players to be drawn to the sport, as it lacks the 'inviting' feeling seen with other volleyballs.
• 😀 Alex suggests that a future ideal ball could combine the best features of the BV550c, Wilson, and Mikasa—offering both optimal performance and an inviting feel.

Q & A

What is the Mikasa BV550C ball and why is it significant?

The Mikasa BV550C is a new official beach volleyball ball, replacing the Mikasa VLS-300 in international tournaments. It is significant because it represents a shift in the sport's equipment, bringing new features aimed at improving performance, particularly in terms of float management and surface design.

How does the BV550C ball compare to the previous Mikasa VLS-300 in terms of playability?

In terms of playability, the BV550C behaves similarly to the VLS-300. Players accustomed to the VLS-300 won't need to make major adjustments to their game when transitioning to the BV550C. The gameplay experience remains familiar, with no significant changes to how the ball performs during typical plays.

What is the main advantage of the BV550C's design, according to the reviewer?

One of the main advantages of the BV550C, as noted by the reviewer, is its more manageable float. While the VLS-300 is known to float unpredictably, the BV550C's design, including surface dimples, helps stabilize its flight, making it easier to control, especially in windy conditions.

How does the BV550C’s float behavior differ from the VLS-300 and the Wilson volleyball?

The BV550C is described as floating in a more manageable way than the VLS-300. While the Wilson ball is known for floating less, the BV550C's float is not as intense as the VLS-300’s, yet it remains stable enough for better control during serve reception, especially in challenging wind conditions.

What role do the dimples on the BV550C serve?

The dimples on the BV550C’s surface are designed to stabilize the ball’s flight, creating a more controlled wind flow around it, similar to the aerodynamic design of golf balls. This helps reduce the erratic behavior of the ball in the wind and makes it easier to handle during play.

Why does the reviewer criticize the feel of the BV550C?

The reviewer finds the feel of the BV550C to be less inviting and less pleasant compared to other high-quality professional beach volleyballs. He compares it to a poorly fitted piece of clothing that doesn't offer the same tactile enjoyment or encourage players to engage with the sport. The coating and padding underneath the surface are factors contributing to this feeling.

What does the reviewer mean by the ball ‘inviting’ players to play?

By saying a ball ‘invites’ players to play, the reviewer refers to how enjoyable and comfortable it feels to handle. A well-designed ball should encourage players to engage with the sport by providing a positive tactile experience. In the case of the BV550C, the reviewer feels it does not have this quality, which might affect how new players approach the game.

What does the reviewer suggest could be the long-term impact of the BV550C ball on the sport?

The reviewer expresses concern that the BV550C, due to its lack of an inviting feel, could actually deter new players from joining the sport, especially if the tactile experience is unappealing. He believes that in the short term, it might harm the sport more than help, though the long-term effects could be more positive if adjustments are made or if players become more accustomed to it.

What is the reviewer's vision for the ideal beach volleyball ball?

The reviewer envisions a volleyball that combines the best features of existing models: a ball that has the controlled float of the BV550C, the waterproof quality of the Wilson ball, and the pleasant, inviting tactile feel of the Mikasa or Molten balls. He suggests that such a ball could offer the best of all worlds, improving performance and player satisfaction.

What does the reviewer think about the BV550C's potential to attract new players?

The reviewer is concerned that the BV550C's feel might actually **repel** new players rather than attract them. He draws a parallel to the experience of a child receiving a toy and feeling excited to play with it. The reviewer fears that if a ball doesn't feel ‘nice’ or inviting, it could turn potential players away from engaging with the sport.