Different Strokes for Different Folks

Beach Volleyball. Or, as one popular song says, “Greetings loved ones, let’s take a journey.” “I know a place, where the grass is really greener. Warm, wet and wild, there must be something in the water…… You could travel the world, but nothing comes close to the golden coast.”   From the song “California Gurls” by Katy Perry, featuring Snoop Dogg.

Well, with that thought in mind, then, we arrive at today’s topic: Who makes the best beach Volleyball?  This question is obviously highly subjective and I doubt if we will ever reach a consensus on this topic, but let’s discuss it anyway. For the sake of fairness, we will not allow Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks in Cast Away) to vote since he obviously has a strong bias for Wilson – yes, that pun was intentional.  Before we really talk about the best beach Volleyball, though, let’s actually compare the beach Volleyball to the indoor Volleyball.

A beach Volleyball is slightly larger than an indoor Volleyball and has a lower internal pressure. Beach Volleyballs also tend to have a rougher feel than an indoor Volleyball.  Those differences are basically the whole story of the differences between the two Volleyballs.

Now that we have the specifications nailed down, there are five beach volleyballs that really stand out from the crowd, and each has developed a strong, almost cult-like following. In alphabetical order, then, here they are – which, oddly enough, takes us straight to the letter “M” – I’m not sure what happened to A through L, though.

1)    Mikasa. The Mikasa VLS300 and its previous edition, the VLS200, better known as the “Beach Champ.”  The official game ball of the FIVB beach tour.

2)    Molten. The Molten BV 5000 is the official outdoor Volleyball of USA Volleyball and the NCAA.

3)    Spalding. The Spalding 72-055E, also known as the “King of the Beach.”  This ball is the official game ball of the California Beach Volleyball Association.

4)    Tachikara. The Tachikara “Beach Volleyball” is the official outdoor game ball of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and the NAIA.

5)    Wilson. The Wilson WTH4308 is the “Official Game Ball of the AVP Pro beach Tour and, at the very least, a cousin of “Wilson” from Cast Away.

Well, all five Volleyballs are outstanding and you really can’t go wrong with any one of them. Personally, however, my favorite is the Tachikara Beach Volleyball, for its smoother feel.  Whichever beach Volleyball you use, however, let’s grow the game.  Let’s avoid elitism and snobbery and be inclusive so all can enjoy this great sport.

What is your favorite? Let me know, @VBdepot or @thenetSet.