The Teamgeist II, used for both the Euro 2008 Europass and MLS Official Match Ball ($130), is the most advanced ball adidas has ever offered.  It is also the best.

Last year, we tested the original Teamgeist used in the World Cup, Champions League and MLS competitions.  We were impressed by the touch and feel of the ball.  It is fast and controllable.  Unfortunately, the cover was not very durable and tended to tear.  Not an admirable trait in a $100+ ball.  It looks like adidas listened, because this time around, the Teamgeist II has a much more durable cover.

It uses the same barbell panel design as all of the top tier adidas balls.  The Teamgeist II differs from the original in texture. It has goose bumps.  The cover feels almost like a street ball in the hands, but has great touch on the feet.  It moves very well and is extremely controllable. 

The cover is a thermally bonded (not stitched) polyurethane.  Thermal bonding by machine allows for much more precise balance, however the seams tend to look glued together.  The graphics are all "under glass" meaning that there is a clear layer above them to prevent scuffing and wear.  Our examples show the usual boot marks, but no wear to the graphics.  The bladder is a natural latex.  The Teamgeist II meets the highest FIFA ratings for shape retention, weight and water resistance.

The Europass ball is definitely the more exciting graphically.  There is a great deal of detail that is not evident from the pictures.  Around each of the Euro 2008 logos, there is a ring of flags representing the Euro Countries.  Each of the black spots that highlight the dumbbell panels contains a watermark image.  The line drawings are the stylized Euro players.

Statistics:

• Weight: 15.4 oz / 436 grams
• Suggested Pressure: 11.6-14.5 psi
• Tested Pressure: 12 psi