How to Choose Volleyball Gear

Are you just looking to play for fun, or are you shopping for gear for regular training indoors or on the sand?

In our volleyball category, you’ll mainly find volleyballs and knee pads—two items that make the biggest difference in both comfort and the overall experience of the game.

How to Choose a Volleyball: The 5 Most Important Factors

1) Where will you be playing (indoor, outdoors, or on the beach)?

For indoor play, people typically use a ball with a more comfortable “feel” and better grip. For outdoor play, a more durable surface (often rubber) is suitable. A beach ball is designed for sand and usually has slightly different dimensions than an indoor ball.

2) Size and weight (make sure you're playing with the right ball)

For adults and older teens, the most common size is 5—with a circumference of approximately 65–67 cm and a weight of 260–280 g.

3) Surface / Material = Comfort and Control

If you want a more comfortable feel and better control, look for a softer surface (e.g., PU/microfiber). If you want durability for outdoor use, rubber is often the best choice. We offer, for example, Micro Fiber PU and PU “Super Touch,” as well as rubber options.

4) Construction (stitched/laminated) and dimensional stability

For products in this category, you'll find both "stitched" (durability, shape) and "laminated" constructions (stable shape, consistent bounce).

5) “Official” parameters vs. recreational play

If you play regularly, you’ll notice the difference with a ball that meets the specifications and performs consistently. For recreational play, a durable and comfortable ball is often sufficient without worrying about certifications (for reference: “official” specifications typically range from 65–67 cm in circumference and 260–280 g in weight).

Quick Selection Based on Your Playing Style

Outdoor recreational use / occasional play (more durable surface):
Welstar Rubber Volleyball – size 5 or Acra Rubber Volleyball – size 5
Indoor + better feel in the fingers (softer touch, more comfortable contact):
Welstar Super Touch – size 5
Training / all-around indoor use (soft surface + control):
Welstar Micro Fiber – size 5
Beach / sand:
ACRA BEACH VC4 beach volleyball – size 5

Knee Pads: What to Consider to Make Sure They Fit Well and Actually Help

1) Size and Fit

Knee pads should be snug but not too tight. If they're too loose, they'll slip down; if they're too tight, they'll restrict movement.

2) Shape (anatomical vs. classic)

Anatomically designed shoes often provide better support during movement and may be more stable during impacts.

3) Non-slip (mainly for indoor use)

If you're playing indoors, it makes sense to consider anti-slip features—select models feature the aforementioned crosswise anti-slip stripes on the sole.

4) Degree of reinforcement / filling

The lighter padding is comfortable and doesn't "get in the way," while the reinforced versions offer more protection during frequent falls.

5) Breathability and Material

When it comes to knee pads, the combination of materials and abrasion resistance are often key considerations—something you'll especially appreciate if you train frequently.

Specific tips from this category

Anatomical (good stability indoors)
Brother Anatomical Volleyball Knee Pads, Size S, Red
Brother Anatomical Volleyball Knee Pads, Size S, Blue
(alternatively) BROTHER F8022CRN-S Anatomical, Size S
Padded (more protection during frequent falls)
Brother Padded Volleyball Knee Pads, Size S, Red
Brother Padded Volleyball Knee Pads, Size S, White
Children’s / Smaller Build
Brother Volleyball Knee Pads, Size S, Red (KIDS)
Brother Volleyball Knee Pads, Size S, Blue (KIDS)
Basic (most affordable “basic” model)
Basic volleyball knee pads – 3 sizes (S/M/L)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

✔ What size ball should adults choose?
Most commonly size 5 (approximately 65–67 cm and 260–280 g).

✔ Is there a difference between an indoor ball and a beach ball?
Yes—a beach ball typically has slightly different dimensions and is designed for sand and outdoor conditions.

✔ What if my fingers and forearms hurt after playing?
A ball with a softer, more comfortable surface (“soft touch” / PU) often helps. In our lineup, examples include the Super Touch or Micro Fiber.

✔ How can I tell if my knee pads don’t fit right?
If they slide down when you move, or conversely, if they’re too tight and restrict knee movement.

✔ Is it worth considering anti-slip features?
In an indoor setting, yes—if a model mentions features to prevent slipping on the floor, that’s a practical advantage.

✔ To what pressure should I inflate the ball (indoor vs. beach)?
An indoor volleyball is typically inflated to 0.30–0.325 bar, while a beach volleyball is inflated to a lower pressure of about 0.175–0.225 bar (which is why it feels “softer” on the sand and is easier to control).

Volleyball Equipment

All Products