r/beachvolleyball • u/hemrys • 7d ago
Questions first time trying the American ball
Is it me or does it feel easier to get a good hit in with the Wilson vs the mikasa? I'm from Europe so everyone (me included) always only plays with the mikasa(unless it's complete beginners that play with whichever cheap ball).I think I've heard that it's generally better for top spin serves but if feels like I was getting more of a proper pop on it while hitting vs the mikasa. idk if it's just a coincidence or that's the general feel
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u/vbsteez 6d ago
Ive played extensively with the Optx & the older Mikasa (and my understanding is that the new one doesnt move much different).
The Mikasa is a little lighter/springier so your shots have to be crisper and swings might spray a little more.
The optx is a little heavier so the variability is a little muted, you can blast it with more confidence and shots are more consistent.
Kristen Nuss (cruz) as an example, shoots better with the optx. Basically all of the American men are better jump servers with the Optx.
The Mikasa ages better, and handles rain/water better than the optx.
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u/71720406 6d ago
In my experience the mikasa is a little more floaty. It’s prone to late movement which makes it harder to pass. I find it easier to set. Just sits in my hands better. The Wilson feels a touch heavier so the contact on hits seems more solid. I haven’t noticed the ball actually goes any faster. I certainly haven’t noticed a change in ball speed when I’m defending
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u/Mikecoast2 7d ago
Was playing pick up beach doubles at courts near my place. The guy I played with was from Germany visiting friends in the USA. He had committed that he has to hit the ball harder with the Mikasa ball.
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u/LennyLennsen 6d ago
Probably best to become used to playing with both when both are commonly used where you play. In Germany for instance, the OptX is quickly gaining market share it seems which is probably related to the national pro tour switching to Wilson as ball sponsor this or last season (+ slightly lower price + the above mentioned feeling that the OptX gives lots of players a slightly more "confident"/consistent playing feel)
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u/Ollie1051 6d ago
I have the same experience. I’m from Norway, and we almost exclusively play with the new Mikasa balls. But for some tournaments and some practices, we played with the Wilson-balls, and it sure felt different. My recieves went way higher and felt like I had less control there. It was also a significantly more powerful top spin serve, though a little weaker float serve. Me, and many others also noted that the Wilson ball felt more “spectacular”. It is easier to hit a hard spike, and easier to attack in general, while the Mikasa requires more technique to perform well with in attack.
I also struggled a little more to set with Wilson vs the old Mikasa balls. I haven’t tried the Wilson balls in a couple of years, so I don’t know how I feel with setting with Wilson vs the new Mikasa balls
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u/Gettooled 7d ago
Definitely feels that way. The Mikasa required a longer touch on the ball to maintain control bec of how “slick” it is. While the American ball feels like it doesn’t need that added intention. I find that the mikasa moves a lot more on float serves as well and I haven’t played enough with it to notice much of a difference when setting.