Read the side of the Tachikara volleyball box and you’ll learn that Tachis were the original ball for just about every league at every level known to man. Back in the day, it was the ball of choice. But somewhere along the line, they must have fallen out of favor because Molten is now the official ball of the NCAA and USAV, and Tachikara has been relegated to small colleges and some high schools. So I thought I would compare old school to new school to see which one deserves the top spot.
Feel
Both are lightweight and have genuine leather covers, but the Molten’s Japanese leather surface feels slicker and tighter than the soft, supple U.S. Premium leather used on the Tachikara. When pumped up, the Molten is a much firmer ball giving it more bounce. It’s great for hitting, but rough on the forearms and tougher to control for digging and passing.
The Tachikara’s dual bladder construction might be why it’s so much softer when fully inflated than the Molten’s single bladder. It feels great on the arms and is easier to control when passing, setting and digging so it is great for beginners and anyone whose forearm nerve endings are still firing. It might take some breaking in before it gets that great, soft feel that Tachis are known for, so be patient.
Colors
Both balls now come in bright colors so you can see them even when they up in the lights and you can distinguish your ball from everyone else’s at the gym.
Durability
Molten seems to have the edge in durability. Your Tachikara will probably only last for about a year of heavy use before the panels peel off or the ball breaks down. Tachikara offers a defect guarantee, but nothing like the 2-year warranty that Molten carries.
Both models retail for about $50.
The Verdict
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Pick your poison: hard or soft. You really have to play with each ball to figure out which one suits you best. Me? I'll pick soft every time.
Pros and Cons
Molten Pro Touch
- Pros:
- Good bounce for hitting
- Official Ball of USAV and NCAA
- Good durability
- Cons:
- Tough on the forearms
- Difficult to control
Tachikara SV5W Gold
- Pros:
- Soft Feel
- Easy on forearms
- Easy to control
- Good for beginners
- Cons:
- Less bounce for hitting
- Low durability
