Football balls - pro vs replicas?

[g3org3y]

Today in the FA cup I noticed they were using Umbro balls whereas in the Premier League they have Nikes (luckily no issues with light Adidas balls!).

Out of interest, how much difference is there (if any) between those actually used in the professional game and an 'offical replica' you can buy in Argos for example?

[Sarkmeister]

Depends which one you buy from Argos. Each company generally has a cheap lookalike of their pro balls, probably around a tenners worth (with the pro ball being £80 ish).

The difference is immense, especially when it come to feel and weight. The proper balls also last much longer, and keep their shape better.

[cogitoergozoomo]

Got to agree if you play 5s or 7s regularly you will easily get 6 months plus good use out of pro ball where as your replica will be losing shape and probably panels in a matter of weeks.

The good thing with the pro balls is that they are just like the team tops. They go out of date because the companies release a new pattern for every tournament every year.

That means you can pick up a year or so old style for £20-30 with most of the major online sports retailers at the start of the season.

We always stock up with a few at that time and they tend to last the year

[g3org3y]

Thanks for the info.

I didn't think that the pros would be playing with balls worth £10-15.

Any idea what the actual differences are? Must be to do with construction/materials I assume?

[cogitoergozoomo]

From a layman's point of view the stitching is different, or rather the pro balls don't appear to be stitched at all. Some appear to be glued and others must be joined in some other way.

Also the padding is different on the panels. On the replica it just seems to be vinyl but on the pro balls it is like a foam.

The final thing is that they are rounder. Sounds odd but 32 stitched panels do not make a particularly round shape. Where as moulded composite ones do.