The best water polo balls for 2022

An interesting and exciting sport in which participants demonstrate excellent physical shape is water polo. Born in the 19th century in Great Britain on the basis of rugby, this game in official competitions brings a lot of positive emotions to players and fans. In addition, in the summer, those who wish can play at an amateur level in an open water. At the same time, along with pleasant fatigue, all participants receive a charge of excellent mood for a long time.

This review presents sports equipment for water polo, without which the game simply will not take place, as well as for outdoor activities. The ratings of the best balls used in water polo for men, women and juniors will help you choose the right model among the wide range on the market.

General information

Water polo is an Olympic team sport on the water for throwing the ball into the opponent's goal. The team with the most points within the set time wins.

In competitions, the game is played in a rectangular pool with dimensions:

• fields - 30x20x2.2 m (men) and 25x17x1.8 m (women);

• gate - 3x0.9 m.

Marking is applied to the surface:

• white middle line;
• white goal line;
• red 2m line;
• yellow 5-meter line;
• return zone line.

The team consists of no more than 13 athletes, of which seven main players participate in the game - six players in the field and a goalkeeper.

If necessary, participants can be changed:

• at a stop - anywhere;
• during the match - only from the return zone.

There are four periods in a water duel, each with eight minutes of pure time. Between periods there is a two-minute break, a large five-minute break between the second and third periods.In the absence of a winner in regular time, two additional periods each of three minutes with a one-minute break are assigned. If there is no winner again, penalty shoot-outs are awarded to determine the result.

The average duration of a match is about one hour.

Gate change occurs after the second main or first extra period.

Any team playing in each period may take a one-minute timeout.

Compliance with the rules, depending on the level of the competition, is controlled by the judging panel, consisting of:

• two referees of the game - give commands to start or continue the game, and also register a goal;
• timekeepers - keep track of the time of the match, breaks and timeouts;
• secretary - keeps minutes during the game;
• time referee - supervises the continuous possession of the ball by one team;
• timeout judges - fixes the signal about the timeout request;
• Penalty time judges - fixes the removal of participants, the number of personal remarks, signals the end of the penalty time and the commission of the third personal foul;
• statistics judges - with match analysis function;
• referee-informant - reports on the progress of the game, informs the audience about the teams, participants, coaches, referees.

The game

Before the start of the match, the players line up along their goal no closer than one meter from the posts, and the referee drops the ball in the middle of the field. After the whistle for the start of the game, one participant from each team rushes to the center to capture and attack it. 25 seconds are given for the throw in the direction of the opponent's goal. Players may pass the ball with one hand or push in front of them, but may not take it with both hands.

A goal is scored by any part of the body, but not by the fist.At least two players must touch the scoring ball while attacking. At the same time, he must get under the crossbar between the posts and completely cross the goal line.

After a goal is scored, the game restarts from the center of the field.

The team that scores more goals wins.

It is forbidden:

• attack an athlete who is not in possession of the ball;
• submerge, drag or hold an opponent without the ball;
• sink the ball;
• hold or retract the goal post;
• do not follow the instructions of the referee;
• interfere with a free throw, corner or free throw;
• hit with two hands.

Punishment for gross violations of the rules is assigned in the form of a free throw from a distance of five meters or removing the player from the field.

Benefit for health

Physical activity in the water has a positive effect on the health of a water polo player. The main positives are:

1. Endurance training - thanks to the constant presence in the water and swimming, all body systems are strengthened.
2. The development of the respiratory system - practice shows that the volume of the lungs increases in people involved in water sports.
3. Increased immunity - swimming becomes a tool for strengthening it with the development of resistance to diseases, viruses or infections.
4. Improving thinking - dynamic team play increases reaction, reduces the time for assessing the situation and making decisions, improves the ability to interact.
5. Strengthening the physical form - the muscular and circulatory systems are significantly improved, the muscles become more prominent and attractive.

However, when practicing water polo, sometimes negative manifestations can occur, including:

• injuries - small abrasions and injuries constantly accompany the players due to the rather tough and active struggle for the ball;
• Allergies - The use of chlorine to disinfect swimming pools for people with sensitive skin problems can cause increased dryness or an allergic reaction.
• development of the shoulder girdle - the appearance of body disproportion due to active and constant swimming for girls can become a serious problem.

Device

A water polo ball is a sports equipment used in the game, in the form of an elastic spherical object.

The modern design includes three layers:

• camera - provides water resistance and is made of elastic rubber;
• frame - winding of strong nylon threads, providing a round shape and preventing deformation;
• tire - a dense rubber layer made using the technology of vulcanization at moderate temperatures, welded to the chamber and carcass. On the surface there are frequent longitudinal recesses to ensure maximum grip of the hand with the ball.

Criterias of choice

Experts advise - what to look for in order to avoid mistakes when choosing:

1. Production technology - the best aerodynamic properties, increased moisture resistance and optimal rebound from water are provided by a butyl bladder reinforced with synthetic thread.
2. Material - natural leather, synthetic substitute or high-quality rubber with a special relief on the outside is used. Proper tailoring guarantees resistance to mechanical stress without deformation, preservation of shape and original appearance, moisture resistance.
3. Design - the color can be classic (yellow-red, yellow-blue) or more colorful.At the same time, the brightness should not fade and be erased by constant contact with water. In addition, the surface must be rough to reduce slip during play.
4. Sizes - models vary in circumference and weight depending on the purpose for men, women, children, juniors.

Where could I buy

Popular water polo models of various types can be purchased at sporting goods and sports equipment stores. You can check and see the goods there, and consultants will give qualified advice and recommendations - what are they, what company is better, how to choose, which one is better to buy, how much it costs.

If there is no choice of decent sports equipment in the locality, you should contact the Internet store or the Yandex.Market aggregator to order online the best inexpensive budget novelties offered by the best manufacturers. There are pages with a demonstration of products that have detailed characteristics, functionality, features, descriptions, photos.

Water sports equipment is manufactured under the brands Winart, Mad Wave, Watko. Now official products certified by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) are models of the Japanese brand Mikasa. This company produces them for all categories of athletes - for adults and children.

The best water polo balls

The rating of quality goods is compiled according to the opinions of buyers who left reviews on the pages of sports stores. The popularity of models is determined by the quality of their manufacture, reliability, long service life and price.

The review presents ratings among the best products for men, women and children's models, which differ from each other in the main standard parameters.

TOP 5 best water polo balls for kids

Winart Official Yellow

Brand - Winart (Hungary).
The country of origin is China.

Match model of the Hungarian brand, certified by the European Aquatics League (LEN), for use in junior team competitions or in training. The butyl chamber, reinforced with nylon thread, reliably retains air inside. The rubber tire does not wear out during long use and is highly wear resistant, which prevents various damages. Excellent grip is ensured by the shape and roughness of the surface.

The average price is 1,890 rubles.

• complies with LEN standards;
• 3rd size for juniors;
• reinforcement with nylon thread;
• tire wear resistance;
• rough surface.

• not identified.

Mikasa W6008W Junior

Brand - Mikasa (Japan).
The country of origin is Thailand.

Training model yellow color 2 sizes for training beginner young athletes. The surface is made of lightweight wear-resistant rubber. Butyl chamber with nylon thread winding.

Price: from 2,984 to 4,472 rubles.

• quality manufacturing;
• comfortable in using;
• easy to play;
• good grip;
• wear-resistant.

• high price.

EASY WATKO

Brand - Watko (France).
Country of origin - France.

Model for learning water polo, as well as for playing with family or friends. It has good resistance to chlorinated or salt water. Butyl rubber (70%) is used in the manufacture of the chamber. A reliable grip in the water is provided by a corrugated tire, for the manufacture of which rubber is used.Light weight makes it comfortable to hold in your hands.

The average price is 499 rubles.

• convenient for children;
• minimum slip;
• wear resistance;
• ease of use;
• small price.

• low weight does not allow to recognize the model as the official size No. 3.

Mikasa W6607W

Brand - Mikasa (Japan).
The country of origin is Thailand.

Children's model, great for both training and play for children under the age of 10. Nylon-wrapped butyl bladder provides water resistance and good rebound. The warranty period is 12 months.

You can buy at a price of 1,440 to 2,105 rubles.

• noticeable on the water;
• light in weight;
• good grip;
• great for a child;
• quality performance.

• not identified.

Mikasa W6608.5W

Brand - Mikasa (Japan).
The country of origin is Thailand.

The brand's #1 training size for beginner juniors and children. High-quality rubber tire guarantees excellent grip. Joining panels using gluing technology. The chamber is made of butyl with a nylon winding material.

Sold at a price of 1,440 - 1,884 rubles.

• high wear resistance;
• comfortable in the game;
• does not slip;
• well visible on the water.

• not detected.

comparison table

	Winart Official Yellow	Mikasa W6008W Junior	EASY WATKO	Mikasa W6607W	Mikasa W6608.5W
The size	3	2	3	1	3
Weight, g	300-320	300-340	240	223-253	340-380
Circumference, cm	58-60	58-60	59-60	50-51,5	61-63
Number of panels	16	18	18	18	18
Connection type	thermal stitching	glued	glued	glued	glued
Material:
tire	rubber	rubber	82% rubber, 18% styrene butadiene rubber	rubber	rubber
camera	butyl	butyl	30% rubber, 70% butyl rubber	butyl	butyl
winding	nylon	nylon	nylon	nylon	nylon
Color:
basic	yellow	yellow	blue	yellow	yellow
additional	blue	blue, pink	No	blue, pink	blue, pink

TOP 5 Best Water Polo Balls for Women (Size #4)

Winart Swirl

Brand - Winart (Hungary).
The country of origin is China.

Model of the standard size No. 4 for women's team games in the colors of the Russian tricolor. The rubber tire reliably protects a surface from wear and damages. Thanks to the butyl chamber reinforced with nylon thread, the air is kept inside for a long time. The parameters comply with the requirements of the European League for Aquatics (LEN).

The average price is 2,900 rubles.

• standard size #4 for women;
• bright colors;
• long air retention;
• high wear resistance;
• durability;
• good grip of the hand with a rough surface;
• compliance with LEN standards.

• not detected.

Mad Wave Water Polo Ball

Brand - Mad Wave (Finland/Russia).
The country of origin is China.

Professional standard size 4 hand combed model for women's team competition or training. The rubber tread with a rough surface guarantees a good grip when grabbing or throwing. The butyl chamber guarantees the correct distribution of air pressure. Nylon thread winding makes the product strong and durable.

It is offered at a price of 2,827 rubles.

• high wear resistance;
• the circumference of the ball is 65 cm;
• reliable grip with the hand;
• durability;
• use for competition and training.

• not identified.

Winart Stripped Yellow

Brand - Winart (Hungary).
The country of origin is China.

Size 4 model for women's team training and competition, conforming to European Aquatics League (LEN) specifications. Highly wear resistant and comfortable to use. The butyl chamber, covered with nylon thread, holds the air securely. Rubber cover prevents external damage. The rough surface has good hand grip when throwing or grabbing. Bright coloring does not allow you to lose on the surface of the water.

The average price is 2500 rubles.

• compliance with LEN standards;
• good visibility on the surface;
• rough surface;
• high wear resistance.

• not detected.

Mikasa WTR9W

Brand - Mikasa (Japan).
The country of origin is Thailand.

Weighted training model for practicing throwing technique. The rubber tire has a high wear resistance. Butyl bladder reinforced with nylon thread for long-lasting air retention. The panels are securely glued together, guaranteeing shape and volume. The bright colors contrast well on the water, allowing you to distinguish from a distance on the surface. Warranty - 2 years.

Price range from 1,703 to 2,734 rubles.

• good visibility on the surface;
• the number of ball panels - 18;
• rough surface;
• long-term air retention;
• contrast and bright colors;
• wear resistance;
• durability.

• missing.

Mikasa W6009W

Brand - Mikasa (Japan).
The country of origin is Thailand.

Standard size #4 model approved and approved by FINA for use in official competitions. Women's ball is securely glued from 18 panels. The rough rubber surface is made with high wear resistance.Long-term air retention is provided by a butyl chamber reinforced with synthetic thread. Spectacular game adds a contrasting and bright colors.

Sold at a price of 3,354 to 4,472 rubles.

• compliance with the international standard;
• good visibility on the water;
• bright colors;
• strong grip with the hand;
• wear resistance;
• durability.

• not detected.

comparison table

	Winart Swirl	Mad Wave Water Polo Ball	Winart Stripped Pink	Mikasa WTR9W	Mikasa W6009W
Weight, g	400-450	400	400-450	800	400-450
Circumference, cm	65-67	65	65-67	65-67	65-67
Number of panels	16	18	16	18	18
Connection type	thermal stitching	glued	thermal stitching	glued	glued
Material:
tire	rubber	rubber	rubber	rubber	rubber
camera	butyl	butyl	butyl	butyl	butyl
winding	nylon	nylon	nylon	nylon	nylon
Color:
basic	Red White	green	pink	yellow	yellow
additional	blue	No	the black	blue, pink	blue, pink

TOP 5 Best Water Polo Balls for Men (Size #5)

WP500 WATKO

Brand - Watko (France).
Country of origin - France.

Standard size rubber ball in FINA standard size #5 for use in practice and matches by experienced players. The best materials are used for manufacturing. Comfortable grip is provided by a corrugated surface. The bright yellow coloring is great for the pool, because it is visible from afar on the water surface.

Can be found for 899 rubles.

• weak slip;
• comfortable grip on a corrugated surface;
• high wear resistance;
• resistance to impacts on the crossbars of metal gates;
• can be used in chlorinated water;
• small price.

• not identified.

Mad Wave Medicine Ball

Brand - Mad Wave (Finland).
The country of origin is China.

Single color model in standard size No. 5 for the training process of men. The construction consists of securely glued 18 panels. The rubber cover with high wear resistance guarantees protection against external damages. The rough surface guarantees a good grip when practicing throwing techniques. Butyl chamber provides uniform pressure throughout the internal volume. Reinforced nylon threads support stable shape.

The manufacturer offers at a price of 3,450 rubles.

• standard size for men;
• increased weight for practicing throws;
• high wear resistance;
• comfortable holding in the hand;
• durability.

• missing.

Winart Swirl Orange

Brand - Winart (Hungary).
The country of origin is China.

European Aquatics League standard size 5 model for men's team play and training. The rubber tire has good wear-resistant properties for long-term use. Nylon-braided butyl chamber securely holds the injected air inside. The rough surface guarantees a strong hand grip when passing or throwing. Thanks to the attractive bright colors, you can see far on the water surface.

In stores you can buy for 2,900 rubles.

• compliance with LEN standards;
• high wear resistance;
• contrasting colors;
• good visibility in the pool;
• long service life;
• workmanship quality.

• not identified.

Mikasa WTR6W

Brand - Mikasa (Japan).
The country of origin is Thailand.

Weighted model of standard size No. 5 for the training process of men when practicing throwing techniques. The construction consists of 18 glued panels. Rough rubber cover provides strong hand grip when throwing or grabbing. The butyl chamber maintains uniform pressure for a long time.

The average price is 1,859 rubles.

• standard size for men;
• large weight for training;
• high wear resistance;
• bright colors;
• workmanship quality.

• no.

Mikasa W6600W

Brand - Mikasa (Japan).
The country of origin is Thailand.

Replica brand model type W6000W standard size #5 according to FINA standards. Suitable for use in the training process or in official men's matches. The design is a strong gluing of 18 panels. The tire is made of durable rubber, characterized by high wear resistance. The butyl chamber is reinforced with a cord of nylon threads. The bright coloring does not allow to lose in the pool.

It is offered on the market at a price of 3,354 to 4,472 rubles.

• manufacturing quality;
• high wear resistance;
• bright colors and good visibility on the water;
• compliance with FINA recommendations;
• official ball size no. 5;
• comfortable holding in the hand when grabbing or throwing.

• not detected.

comparison table

	WP500 WATKO	Mad Wave Medicine Ball	Winart Swirl Orange	Mikasa WTR6W	Mikasa W6000W
Weight, g	420	1125	400-450	1500	400-450
Circumference, cm	68-71	68-71	68-71	68-71	68-71
Number of panels	18	18	18	18	18
Connection type	glued	glued	thermal stitching	glued	glued
Material:
tire	rubber	rubber	rubber	rubber	rubber
camera	rubber/butyl rubber	butyl	butyl	butyl	butyl
winding	nylon, polyester	nylon	nylon	nylon	nylon
Color:
basic	yellow	green	Orange	yellow	yellow
additional	red	No	yellow, black	blue, pink	blue, pink

Tips "experienced" - how to properly care

Experts advise taking care of sports equipment and taking care of it in accordance with the following basic rules:

1. Use only for its intended purpose - do not play volleyball, basketball, football or other sports with it.
2. Properly inflate to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer, without sudden jerks, to maintain optimal elasticity and rebound.
3. To prevent damage to the nipple, pre-moisten the needle with special oil or glycerin during inflation.
4. After playing, wipe thoroughly with a soft cloth or sponge, followed by natural drying away from heating devices.
5. Store in a cool dark place at normal humidity.
6. Avoid exposure to high temperatures (fire, radiators) and its sudden changes.
7. In case of long-term storage, slightly deflate the air with a needle.

Enjoy the shopping. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!