Big Toe Apollo II Training Ball
The Apollo II ($20) training ball is a basic PVC ball comparable to most retail level balls. The graphics and shape have held up to training as expected, unfortunately Big Toe doesn’t have the same credibility as better known brands.
Strictly recreational level, the Apollo doesn’t have the feel, bounce or touch of a higher quality ball. The construction is fairly standard for a training ball in this price range. The Apollo is a machine stitched PVC cover and a butyl bladder/valve. PVC tends to hold up better to scuffing and resist moisture better. Polyurethane (PU) tends to provide a more consistent feel and better control.
Natural latex tends to release more air than butyl bladders, but has much better feel. Synthetic latex has similar properties as butyl rubber. Butyl bladders generally hold their shape better.
The first thing every player notices about a ball is the graphics. At first glance, the Apollo II is an interesting ball. The Red/Black graphic on a white background is easy to see and grabs attention. After closer inspection, it loses some of its appeal. The pattern is asymmetrical within a panel, but repeated on each hexagon. Because of this, the red from one panel does not line up with the red in the neighboring panels. Add to this the machine stitching and the six sided panels do not always line up correctly. It reduces the visual appeal significantly and gives the impression of a cheaper ball.
Big Toe is catalog retailer that offers name brand and private label merchandise. They partnered with 365 Incorporated in 2006. Big Toe branded products are available through their website or through select retailers. Big Toe can be reached at 800-260-4385 or at www.bigtoe.com.
Strictly recreational level, the Apollo doesn’t have the feel, bounce or touch of a higher quality ball. The construction is fairly standard for a training ball in this price range. The Apollo is a machine stitched PVC cover and a butyl bladder/valve. PVC tends to hold up better to scuffing and resist moisture better. Polyurethane (PU) tends to provide a more consistent feel and better control.Natural latex tends to release more air than butyl bladders, but has much better feel. Synthetic latex has similar properties as butyl rubber. Butyl bladders generally hold their shape better.
The first thing every player notices about a ball is the graphics. At first glance, the Apollo II is an interesting ball. The Red/Black graphic on a white background is easy to see and grabs attention. After closer inspection, it loses some of its appeal. The pattern is asymmetrical within a panel, but repeated on each hexagon. Because of this, the red from one panel does not line up with the red in the neighboring panels. Add to this the machine stitching and the six sided panels do not always line up correctly. It reduces the visual appeal significantly and gives the impression of a cheaper ball.
Big Toe is catalog retailer that offers name brand and private label merchandise. They partnered with 365 Incorporated in 2006. Big Toe branded products are available through their website or through select retailers. Big Toe can be reached at 800-260-4385 or at www.bigtoe.com.
Comments