Why Are Soccer Balls So Expensive? The Reason May Surprise You!


Are you or someone you know looking to get into soccer? One thing to consider when starting a new sport or hobby is the cost of the equipment, and soccer is no different. Have you ever wondered why soccer balls are so expensive?

Soccer balls are expensive because of the quality of the materials and the vigorous tests they must go through to meet a certain quality standard. Professional-level balls are more expensive because they are larger and must pass FIFA’s certification standards.

In the rest of the article, we’ll go into what makes soccer balls so expensive, how much they usually cost, and how long you can expect them to last. We’ll also see which brand makes the better soccer ball. So if any of that interests you, keep reading!

Why Are Soccer Balls So Expensive?

Indoor Soccer Ball
Indoor Soccer Ball

FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association, is the governing body for soccer. As with any sport, specific rules and regulations exist for the game and the playing materials. Professional-level balls must pass FIFA’s inspection certifications, which makes them more expensive. 

Soccer balls are so expensive because they must pass several tests related to their size, moisture-retention levels, shape, bounce, weight, and more. Designer soccer balls or soccer balls made from premium materials such as leather will cost more. 

Additionally, soccer balls made from pure polyurethane will cost much more than those made from polyurethane mixed with other, cheaper materials. These additional materials act as a filler to help lower the cost for those who don’t want to pay for an expensive ball. Polyurethane is the best material for a soccer ball because it is water-resistant and won’t affect the ball if it gets wet.

Likewise, soccer balls used for games are more expensive than practice balls since they are designed for precision instead of durability.

How Much Does a Nice Soccer Ball Cost?

Soccer Ball
Soccer Ball

Larger soccer balls cost more because they use more material, and they typically need to be of higher quality. A size five ball is for players over the age of 12, is always used by professional or adult players, and will inevitably cost more than a smaller size.

A nice soccer ball can cost up to $300, with the standard price ranging between $100-$300. The price varies depending on the size, the material used, and whether the ball is for training or match purposes.

You’ll only use a match ball for the game, so you won’t get as much of your money’s worth as you will with a training ball. A premium ball will cost more than a value soccer ball because it will be more accurate and made from better materials.

Do Expensive Soccer Balls Last Longer?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not cut and dry. 

In a match, you want the ball that will respond best to your feet and kicks, so it makes sense to splurge on a good ball that will help you win the game. However, since match soccer balls are designed for total accuracy, they will suffer wear and tear much more quickly than a ball made for durability. Therefore, just because you purchase an expensive ball that you’ll use in a match, it doesn’t mean it will last for a long time over the long run.

An expensive soccer ball might not always last longer because it depends on what purpose you’re using the soccer ball for. If the ball is used for matches, it might not last as long because it’s built for precision and accuracy instead of durability.

However, if you splurge on a premium training ball, it will last much longer than a bargain deal since it’s built to hold up and survive. Purchase a ball made from pure polyurethane, and be sure not to leave it outside where it’s prone to dew and other moisture. If you take proper care of your soccer ball, it will last longer.

How Long Should a Soccer Ball Last?

Soccer Ball In Water
Soccer Ball In Water

If you’re training regularly and using your ball a lot, you can expect a high-quality soccer ball to last at least three months if you’re properly taking care of it. It can last longer. However, even if you have a good quality ball, you can’t expect a soccer ball to last several years if you’re using it every day for multiple hours a day. It’s prone to wear and tear, just like any other product.

A soccer ball should last quite a while, and If you properly take care of your ball, it could last for several years. Of course, it all depends on the quality of the ball, how much you use it, and how you store and care for it. 

Are Nike or Adidas Soccer Balls Better?

Adidas helped design the soccer ball used for the World Cup, and Adidas has been partnering with a company called Bayer MaterialScience to help formulate the best possible soccer balls. The fact that Adidas helped design the ball used for the most popular event in the soccer world speaks to its quality and understanding of the needs of soccer players, which would infer that they make the better soccer ball.

Adidas soccer balls are better since they are more durable and last longer than Nike soccer balls, which have been said to wear out quickly. People also say that Adidas makes better match quality balls, which will make your training feel more authentic to a real game. 

Therefore, if you can afford it, an Adidas soccer ball might be your best bet.

Final Thoughts

Soccer balls are expensive because of their size, the quality of material, and whether they are for match or training purposes. Children’s soccer balls will be cheaper because they are smaller and don’t need as much accuracy or detail.

Premium and professional-level match balls will be more expensive because they are usually made from higher-quality materials such as polyurethane. Professional-level balls must pass FIFA’s certification standards for match balls, which makes them even pricier. If you take care of it, a good quality ball can last over a year, depending on the frequency of use.

Sources

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