The Official MLS Matchball ($129) is identical to the balls used in the World Cup.  It is designed with a unique cover design.  It is remarkably supple with great touch and feel.  It is very consistent.

To quote from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry first sees the Golden Snitch:

HP: “I like this ball”

Wood: “Yah, you like it now, but it is wicked fast…”

My reaction was exactly the same.  On first touch, I fell in love with this ball.  It is soft, supple, easy to control and consistent.  It is easy to see why this is a pro level ball.  The synthetic cover is thermally bonded of a pre-curved material that allows for fewer panels.  This allows for a more predictable and consistent trajectory… and this ball flies.  It is easy to understand why the Keepers were scared.

The bladder is made from latex to give it a softer feel and better rebound characteristics.  Latex naturally loses air.  This is to allow it to adapt to specific environmental circumstances of altitude and barometric pressure.  It is also more expensive than synthetics and butyl rubbers.  For this reason it is not often used at lower price points.  We expected the ball to need to air every time we used it.  That has not been necessary.

I will admit that I have never used a premium match ball before.  Like many people, I felt that there would be no noticeable difference between a $50 NCAA level match ball and a $100 pro match ball.  I was wrong.  From the first touch, this ball was different.  Every one of our testers could tell an immediate difference.  The real question: “Is it worth the money?”  Not for a 12 year old.  Not for a rec league player.  Not for a training.  For a club match ball, depends on the level of the club and the age of the players.  For a High School Varsity player, maybe it is if they will take care of it.  For a college player, yes it is worth it.  For a semi-pro, it is absolutely worth it.  It is unlikely that I will buy another ball at this level for some time, but now I would consider it.