The story behind this ball
For this FIFA Quality football, our designers have used thermobonding technology (seamless) to guarantee perfect sphericity and more precise shots. In addition, this technology ensures better waterproofing while training in the rain. Lastly, to make the ball as round as possible, we've chosen a laminated bladder (there's a band of fabric glued to the bladder).
The robustness of our balls
We have developed a tool that allows us to measure the robustness of our balls.
Any defects that appear during use are identified and evaluated through a series of lab tests.
These tests are used to compare the overall robustness of our footballs with others available on the market.
Our aim is to offer the most robust products on the market.
A beach ball?
We know that a stable trajectory is important, especially for field players kicking long balls and for goalkeepers sending the ball down the pitch. Balls are traditionally made with 32 panels, but we've designed this Pro ball using 12 identical panels. These 12 panels are also thermobonded and have special grooves in them, along with a microfibre fabric. This significantly improves the ball's stability and makes it more enjoyable to play with.
Exclusive to Kipsta
We know that, in matches, the little details make all the difference. For this Pro ball, we wanted to create an ultra-reliable ball. We focused on the stability and feel of the ball in play. To do this, we tested different types of outer panelling and chose the one which showed the best results. This 12-panel design combined with the embossed lines is exclusive to Kipsta.
Did you say FIFA Quality?
We conducted numerous lab tests on the Pro ball in order to provide the excellent accuracy that football players require while competing. Each test is outlined below.
Too light? Too heavy? The weight is standardised...
This ball weighs between 350 g and 390 g (size 4) and complies with official FIFA standards.
FIFA Quality certification.
How big is it? What's the circumference?
This ball measures between 63.5 cm and 66.0 cm (size 4) and complies with official FIFA standards.
FIFA Quality certification.
A "round" ball?
Here's how we test sphericity:
Average measured variation: 1.8% max (FIFA Quality standard).
We measure the football's sphericity at 4500 different points and then examine any differences.
If the discrepancy is greater than 1.8% (FIFA Quality standard), our engineers are tasked with 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 (meaning 0.8 bar).
72 hours later, the ball must not have lost more than 15% of its pressure, meaning approx. 0.1 bar (FIFA Quality standard). The pressure after 72 hours must, therefore, be at approx. 0.7 bar.
This also means that it is 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:
We simulate rainy playing conditions in a lab, leaving the ball to sit in 2 cm of water on a pivoting support whilst subjecting it to 250 compressions.
At the end of the test, the ball must have absorbed no more than 10% of its weight (FIFA Quality standard).
This is one of the advantages of the thermobonded process; water absorption is limited in comparison to other processes (machine-stitched for example)
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 110 and 160 cm with a maximum difference of 10 cm between the ball's highest and lowest bounce.
Not even a scratch!
The most stringent test we put this ball through is the shooting machine test.
The ball must resist 2,500 shoots against a concrete slope at 50 km/h at a distance of 2.5 m.
At the end of the test, we check:
- the ball's general state: stitching must withstand this test
- the circumference: must not have increased by more than 1.5 cm.
- the sphericity: it must not have varied by over 1.8%
- the pressure: loss of pressure must not exceed 12.5%.
How about you? What do you think?
We value your feedback and use it to continuously improve our products.A huge thank you in advance for sharing your feedback with us.
Tips for storage and maintenance
Do not wash
Do not bleach
Do not tumble dry
Do not iron
Do not dry-clean
Storage tips
Do not completely deflate the ball because this will damage the thermobonded panels and reduce the ball's life span.
After use, store your ball in a dry and ventilated place.
Restrictions on use
Do not completely deflate or crush.
