The second half of our spherical shoot-out focuses on the higher end match balls.  Each of these balls meets the highest standards for FIFA or NCAA match play.

• Readily available through on-line retailers 
  
• Official FIFA or NCAA Approval 
  
• Available/tested in size 5
  
• Inflated to manufacturer's recommended pressure 
  
• Survive a week with our testers

From left to right are the Bremen First Division, the Lanzera Quattro Stella and the Brine Triumph 20-600.  The adidas Official MLS Match ball was not part of our head to head comparison, but we comment on it.  Each of these balls has a retail price around $100 and represents top flight examples from the respective manufacturers.

We used similar judging criteria for the match balls as we did for the training balls.  Playability was more heavily weighted and value was replaced by consistency.  Our first test was desirability and style.  The adidas MLS match ball is the most exclusive and the most recognizable as a match ball.  Unfortunately, the cover material is delicate and has not held up over time.  Our testers loved the graphics of the Brine.  The Lanzara was close behind while the Bremen was “understated” in its simplicity.

Consistency is vital in a game ball.  Players expect a ball to react the same way every time they touch it, regardless of conditions or the point in the match.  Each of these balls scored very well in this category.  The First Division was a narrow third place.  It displayed the biggest difference between wet and dry conditions.  The Triumph was the most consistent flight and feel.  In first was the Quattro Stella.  It was the most consistent in all conditions.  Flight and feel were just short of the Brine, but there was almost no difference between wet and dry match play.

The final criterion was playability.  A match ball should have a soft touch, it needs outstanding balance, it needs enough friction for creative footwork and it needs to be visible.  The adidas MLS ball is the softest touch, but the casing can get slick when wet.  As tested before, it has a very true flight and very consistent touch. 

The three balls in our shoot-out are all high quality.  On their own, they seem fairly similar; but when tested back to back, the differences became obvious.  Against the other two, the Bremen felt more like a training ball.  The First Division was a bit stiffer than the other two.  The Quattro Stella finished in second place.  The cover provided a bit more friction, but the flight and feel could not match the Triumph.  That leaves the 20-600 alone on top.

Testing of the match balls was closer than the training balls, but the winner was easier to define.  The Bremen is a solid performer and would make a fine match ball, but it finished last in this group.  The Lanzera has style and performed well in each of out tests.  Since the Quattro Stella is a prior year model, it is available for less than $50.  Out front, the Brine Triumph 20-600 stood alone.  Brine’s flagship ball is our winner.