Using a weighted volleyball, otherwise referred to as a setter ball, is one of the easiest and quickest ways to radically improve your ability as a setter.
The additional weight of the heavy ball causes the muscles in your arms, hands, and fingers to adapt to the added load.
When you switch back to a regulation ball, you’re far more capable of setting further, with better accuracy, for longer.
I’ve just spent the last hour reading every single review on the internet for each of these different balls so I can tell you exactly what’s good and what’s not.
Top 4 Weighted Volleyballs For Setters [My Picks]
Best Overall
Perfect weight for all users, it’s made from quality materials, and usually doesn’t require much if any inflation once you get it.
Heaviest Setter Ball
Top recommendation for male athletes or stronger female high school or college volleyballers who want a slightly heavier training ball.
Best For Beginners
This makes it a great option for younger, weaker players.
Special Mention
This basketball shoes are often worn for volleyball too. The support and cushioning they offer are just some of the reasons why.
6 Best Weighted Volleyballs For Setters (Detail Review)
In this article, I’m going to run you through the top 4 setter balls money can buy and help you decide exactly which ball is right for you or your kids.
Let’s begin!
Mikasa Heavy Weight Volleyball Best Overall Weighted Volleyball
If you’re looking for a really high quality setter ball that will probably last longer than the other ones, the Mikasa ball is a really solid product.
One great thing about this ball is that it ships fairly well inflated and will occasionally only need minimal inflating once you get it.
A number of the other setter balls ship either completely deflated or slightly deflated, to the point where you can’t use it out of the box.
Having a cheap hand pump on standby is probably still a good idea.
One of the major complaints about other setter balls is that they’re too light or that the customer was expecting it to be significantly heavier…
Weighing in at 16oz, which is the standard weight for setter balls (approximately 70% heavier than a regulation ball), the Mikasa heavyweight volleyball is definitely not going to disappoint in terms of weight.
This makes it a great option for all age groups and skill/strength levels.
For male athletes over the age of 14, I’d actually recommend going for the Baden HeavySetter Training Ball instead because it weighs closer to 17oz and it’s mostly guys complaining about setter balls being too light.
In terms of materials, the ball is really nice. It feels just like a quality indoor volleyball and is super soft to touch.
It is the most expensive setter ball on this list, however.
Personally, I think paying a little extra is worth the peace of mind you get knowing you almost certainly won’t have to send it back, which was the case in numerous instances for other cheaper balls.
Ideal For
- Volleyballers of all ages and skill levels. This training ball can be used by complete beginners or by elite professionals.
Not Ideal For
- Anyone balling on a budget. This ball is a little mort expensive than the other products on this list.