Best Buy Soccer: 11/30/08

Optimal for training on all surfaces, the adidas F50 Xite Soccer Ball is possibly the most control-friendly ball ever produced. Its revolutionary panel shape--with a unique mix of triangular and diamond shapes--and improved carcass construction provide a smooth kicking surface to ensure consistent accuracy and power with every shot. This stylish ball is also accented with wavy, futuristic graphics.

Kick your game forward with the control-friendly, stylish adidas F50 Xite ball.

The machine-stitched construction ensures soft touch and high durability. This low-rebound ball is made from 30 percent thermoplastic polyurethane, 60 percent thermoplastic elastomerics, and 10 percent polyester. Polyurethane (PU) soccer balls offer a synthetic material that feels much like leather, but are scuff- and water-resistant thanks to the rubbery elastomers. This ball also has a glossy coating for additional protection.

At the core of the ball is the butyl bladder, which offers many of the same properties as latex but does not stretch and thus makes the ball feel harder and have a lower bounce. Butyl is also non-porous, helping the ball stay inflated longer.

Soccer Ball Sizes

Size 3: 23- to 24-inch circumference, weighs 11-12 ounces; smallest and are generally used for children under the age of 8
Size 4: 25- to 26-inch circumference and weighs 12-13 ounces; used for players between the ages of 8-12
Size 5: 27- to 28-inch circumference and weighs 14-16 ounces; international standard match ball for ages 12 and older (including all adult play)

About adidas

The vision of company founder Adolf Dassler has long become reality, and his corporate philosophy the guiding principle for successor generations. The idea was as simple as it was brilliant. Adi Dasslers aim was to provide every athlete with the best possible equipment. It all began in 1920, when Adi Dassler made his first shoes using the few materials available after the First World War.

The adidas name dates back to 1948, deriving from the first two syllables of Adi Dasslers first and last name. One year later, Adi Dassler registered the Three Stripes as a trademark. After a period spanning almost 70 years, the Dassler Family withdrew from the company in 1989, and the enterprise was transformed into a corporation ("Aktiengesellschaft"). French-born Robert Louis-Dreyfus was Chairman of the Executive Board from April 1993 to March 2001. It was he who initiated adidas flotation on the stock market in November 1995. adidas--a name that stands for competence in all sectors of sport around the globe. Today, the adidas product range extends from shoes, apparel and accessories for basketball, soccer, fitness and training to adventure, trail and golf.

Customer Review: Tough ball, not truly spherical
This is a well-made ball in that it seems tough and durable. Its skin seems thicker than most cheap soccer balls for kids. The only problem is that it is a little oblong in one place. Not enough to make it unusable though given where my boys are in their soccer skills.
Customer Review: Great ball
Bought these for my 11 year olds who play travel soccer. The balls are a hit at practice--everyone wants to use them. They look good and feel good on the field. Love the stitching. Would definitely buy more.