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HOW
TO BE AN 'INFORMED BUYER' OF SOCCER BALLS |
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We
try our best to provide our customers and
general people essential information about
sports and equipment. The soccer ball buyer’s
guide is one effort to make soccer and sports
ball buyers more informed in their decision.
This guide about the soccer ball parts,
production process and material characteristics
can be followed as an example for the most
of other inflatable sports balls but exceptions
exist. This section includes the following
parts:
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The
four main components of a soccer ball are
the cover, the lining, the stitching, and
the bladder. Understanding these components
and their options will help you in choosing
the perfect ball to meet your playing and
quality needs. |
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Elements
of Soccer Balls and Materials used in Production |
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Surface, Casing or Cover |
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Internal
Linings (Polyester or Cotton) |
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Stitching
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Bladder
(Latex or Butyl) |
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The
ball cover consists of synthetic or artificial
leather or PU laminated splits. Various
types of synthetic leather are used in the
outer covering of ball for producing different
qualities and this becomes a determining
element in pricing. The cover material also
determines the performance of sports balls
in various playing conditions. The playing
condition could affect the durability, flight
and drive of ball during play.
The surface of soccer balls or coverings
is made up from synthetic leather. Synthetic
leather is typically made from PU (polyurethane)
and PVC (poly vinyl chloride). There are
many variations of synthetic leather used
in the construction of soccer balls. They
range from AI-2000, Japanese Teijin Cordley,
Microfiber, English Porvair, Korean Ducksung,
Leather Art Pakistan Synthetic Leather,
and PVC (poly vinyl chloride). Therefore,
special attention is given to use material
which could withstand environment such as
water, extreme heat, sun exposure, cold
weather, rough surface, abrasion, etc.
The top quality soccer balls used in competition
matches and by professionals are produced
by using AI-2000, Cordley, Ducksung, Mircofiber
or other types of PU synthetic leather,
giving ball the balls superior feel and
softness, durability, fine finish and maneuverability.
Promotional soccer balls or practice balls
are usually constructed with Polyvinylchloride
(PVC) or rubber stitched covers that give
soft feel, durability, scuff and water resistant
qualities.
Some indoor soccer ball covers are made
with a felt material similar to what is
used on a tennis ball.
The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is often used
for lower end price models and is therefore
not long lasting. It is affordable and enjoyable
for leisure time. PVC cover material is
scuff and water resistant. It tends to be
harder and heavier and thus offers less
feel and softness.
The cover material may have a clear finish
of enamel or gloss and matt on the materials.
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Printing |
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The
printing is done by penetrating the ink
in the covering material of the ball. Any
brand names, logos and graphics are printed
on the panels at this stage. Printing is
typically accomplished by silk-screening
printing process. A special transparent
top coating may be applied on surface of
the designs and printing to protect and
make them supportable. |
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Lining |
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The
process of placing multiple layers of polyester
and/or cotton which is bonded (laminated)
together is called lining or lamination of
soccer balls cover material to produce a tough,
smooth exterior. Material thickness plays
a vital part in the quality of hand-sewn soccer
balls as it endures the power of kick along
with the bladder of ball. The lining gives
the ball strength, structure, feel, control
and helps the ball to retain its shape and
bounce over the life of the ball.
The lamination or lining of synthetic leather
shell with strongest cross laminated layers
of fibre is carried out by using natural
latex adhesives. The anti fungus ingredients
are blended into condensed natural latex
adhesive to make ball fungus-proof.
Professional soccer balls usually have
four or more layers of lining. Mid-level
balls generally are comprised of two or
three layers of cotton and polyester layers
of lining. Lower-priced balls generally
are constructed of two layers of polyester.
Promotional or practice balls are often
constructed with less layers of lining.
Many soccer balls include a foam layer for
added cushioning and ball control.
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Stitching |
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The
stitching is performed by turning the ball
inside out, so none of the stitches show
on the outside. Hand sewn balls have tighter
and stronger seams. The highest quality
balls are hand-stitched with polyester cord
or similar thread. The nylon waxed twine
is also used to prevent water intake. 5-ply
twisted polyester cord is the material of
choice in stitching together a soccer ball.
Kevlar® reinforced polyester stitching
is also used on some balls. |
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Panels |
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The
number of panels -- the different segments
that make up the outside covering of the ball
-- varies for each design.
A 32 panel ball is most common and other
includes 26, 18 panels used in various professional
leagues. Other variations may include 20
hexagonal, 12 pentagonal surfaces. Fewer
panels generally mean the ball can be curved
more when kicked because of less stability
to the cover. |
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Bladder |
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The
bladder is the inside part of the ball that
is filled with air. Generally two types
of bladders are used in sports balls - latex
bladder and butyl bladder. |
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Latex
Bladder |
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The
latex bladders offer the softest feel, response
and surface tension but do not provide the
best air retention. They generally require
more frequent filling up with air. |
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Butyl
Bladder |
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The
butyl bladders retain air for longer periods
of time and offer the excellent combination
of contact quality and can be found in most
middle to upper priced balls.
Futsal ball bladders are filled with foam
to limit the bouncing capability of the
ball since they are used on hard flooring. |
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Bladder
Variations |
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There
are some variations in bladders which deals
with the short comings in the above two
types of bladders, especially the air retention
quality. |
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1.
The latex bladder with butyl valves is used
for longer air retention and to prevent the
warping of balls. |
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2. In the higher
end balls, silicone-treated valve is used
for superior performance. The silicone liquid
is applied to nourish
and lubricate the valve for air control. |
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| SOCCER
BALL SIZES |
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Soccer
balls come in the following official sizes:
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Size 5 Ages 12 and up |
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Size 4
Ages 8 and 12 years |
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Size 3
Under 8 years |
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Size 2
and 1 Promotional soccer balls |
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Many
soccer leagues have different size requirements,
so be sure to check with your coach or organization
to find out which is the proper size for the
age group that the ball will be used with.
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Size
3: |
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Size 3 balls
are the smallest balls and are generally used
for children under the age of 8 |
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These balls are
generally 23-24 inches in circumference and
weigh between 11-12 ounces |
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4: |
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Size 4 balls
are used for players between the ages of 8-12
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Size 4 balls
weigh between 12-13 ounces and have a circumference
of 25-26 inches |
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5: |
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This is the international
standard match ball for all ages 12 and older,
including all adult play |
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The size 5 ball
weighs between 14-16 ounces with a circumference
of 27-28 inches |
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| PACKAGING
MATERIAL |
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The
soccer and sports balls are packed in strong
cartons to withstand the stress of journey.
The printing or marking, handling instructions
on inner carton, if any, outer cartons and
poly bags are neatly carried out.
There is variety of material available
for packaging solution. The packing material
approved by customers is used for packing
of balls. |
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