The story behind this ball
This hybrid ball was created after observing soccer players in action.
The ball’s hybrid design combines the comfort of a machine-stitched ball with the durability of a hand-sewn one.
Two kilometres of thread has been wrapped around the bladder to maintain its pressure and sphericity.
A beach ball?
We know that a stable trajectory is important for players, especially goalkeepers, when kicking long balls. To ensure excellent stability, construction of the outer layer was changed. The F 550 Soccer Ball’s design has 24 identical panels, instead of the traditional 32. This improves the stability of the ball and makes it more comfortable to play with.
Too light? Too heavy? The weight is standardized.
This ball complies with official FIFA standards and weighs between 410 g and 450 g (size 5).
FIFA Basic-approved.
How big is it? What’s the circumference?
This ball measures between 68.0 cm and 70.0 cm and complies with official FIFA standards.
FIFA Basic approved.
A round ball?
Here’s how we test sphericity:
Average measured variation: 1.8% max (FIFA Basic standard).
We measure the ball’s sphericity at 4,500 different points and then examine any differences.
If the discrepancy is greater than 1.8% (FIFA Basic standard), our engineers work on improving the sphericity to ensure a consistent bounce.
Maximum pressure loss test: here’s what we do.
Here’s how we test pressure loss: We inflate the ball to the recommended pressure (11.6 psi).
The ball cannot lose more than 15% of its pressure over 72 hours, meaning a maximum pressure loss of 1.5 psi (FIFA Basic standard). The pressure after 72 hours must be approximately 10.1 psi.
This also means that it’s quite normal for a ball to lose pressure after a few days.
We’ve also tested how much water the ball absorbs.
Here’s how we test water absorption:
To simulate rainy playing conditions in a lab, we put the ball in 2 cm of water on a pivoting support and subject it to 250 compressions.
At the end of testing, the ball must have absorbed no more than 10% of its weight (FIFA Basic certification).
It’s all about the bounce
Here’s the bounce test:
The ball is dropped onto a steel plate 10 times from a height of 2 metres.
The bounce height must be between 125 cm and 155 cm, with a maximum difference of 10 cm between its highest and lowest bounce.
Not even a scratch!
The most rigorous test we put this ball through is the shooting machine test.
It has to withstand up to 2,500 shots against an inclined concrete surface at 50 km/h from a distance of 2.5 m.
At the end of the test, we check:
- The ball’s general condition: Stitching must remain intact
- Circumference: Must not have varied by more than 1.5 cm
- Sphericity: Must not have varied by more than 1.8%
Pressure: Pressure loss must not exceed 12.5%
What do you think?
Your feedback is important to us and helps us improve our products.A huge thank you for sharing your feedback.
