This ball made our “Best Soccer Balls” list – we basically compiled the top 10 soccer balls in 2023. Click to find out why we felt this ball made the cut!
One of the biggest problems that an affordable soccer ball has is the lack of an authentic rebound. The manufacturing emphasis on cheaper balls tends to be on the durability of the cover and the strength of the bladder. With the Under Armour Desafio 395 Soccer Ball, you receive one of the most authentic rebound experiences in this pricing category.
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The secret to the authentic movements on a rebound with this ball is the inclusion of an SBR foam layer underneath the PU cover. This allows the power of a pass or shot to be transferred with more accuracy. It keeps the ball somewhat soft to the touch, but creates a realistic movement which allows players to develop an ability to start reading the game with accuracy without the need to purchase an expensive premium match soccer ball.
What We Found Out About the Under Armour Desafio 395
Here are the key features of note that are worth considering if you’re looking at the Under Armour Desafio 395 Soccer Ball for your practice and play needs.
- It comes in all of the standard sizes and offers 4 unique design options, allowing players of any age or ability to begin working on their soccer skills.
- Although the ball feels a little heavy to the touch, it doesn’t actually feel that way on the foot. This makes it possible to practice all handling skills in addition to the standard soccer drills.
- Sizing is accurate with this ball, though it is not necessarily certified for all organized levels of match play.
We did find that the maintenance needs of this soccer ball were a little higher than others in the entry-level category. This is due to the replication of a premium match ball surface on the Under Armour Desafio 395. The glossy surface does tend to get scratched up just a bit with continued use. It also makes the cover of the ball feel a little “slick” to players who may not be used to that type of ball.
What We Recommend for the Under Armour Desafio 395
This soccer ball doesn’t have the sturdiness to be used as a high capacity practice or playground ball. It seems to work best as an at-home practice solution for individual ball movement and skill development. If the ball comes into contact with rough surfaces, including the gravel from a driveway, there is a chance that it could damage the cover and bladder, rendering the ball useless for continued play.
Our recommendation would be to use this ball at your local park pitch or an artificial turf surface that is meant for the outdoors. It does not handle indoor turf very well if the turf is mounted on concrete without a padding layer. Backyards that are open without trees or other landscaping features would also benefit from having this soccer ball.
With authentic rebounds, it becomes possible for players to understand how a ball moves in different situations. For an entry-level product, the Under Armour Desafio 395 soccer ball lets players learn the game at a deeper level and that’s why it earns our recommendation.
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