If you’ve ever watched a kid flinch away from a volleyball headed straight for their forearms, you already know the problem the Mikasa Squish No-Sting Pillow Cover Volleyball is designed to solve. This ball wraps a traditional volleyball core in a thick, cushioned outer layer that absorbs impact and makes the game approachable for younger players and casual swimmers alike.
But is it actually any good for water volleyball? After testing it through multiple pool sessions, backyard games, and a few beach outings, here is our honest take on what this ball does well, where it falls short, and who should add it to their pool toy collection.
What Is the Mikasa Squish Pillow Cover Volleyball?
The Mikasa Squish is a sub-regulation-size volleyball designed primarily for recreational play. It features Mikasa’s pillow cover technology, which is essentially a soft foam layer bonded over a smaller inner bladder. The result is a ball that feels like a cross between a volleyball and a stress ball.
It measures roughly 22 to 23 inches in circumference, which is noticeably smaller than the regulation 25.5 to 26.5 inches you would find on a standard volleyball. That smaller size, combined with the pillow cover, makes it easy for small hands to grip, palm, and toss around. If you are looking for a regulation-size option, check out our full guide to water volleyball balls for more choices.
The ball is available in over ten color combinations, ranging from bright neon patterns to more classic colorways. That variety is a nice touch if you want to match your pool aesthetic or simply pick a ball that is easy to spot in the water.
Construction and Materials
The outer pillow cover is a closed-cell foam material that gives the ball its signature soft feel. It is smooth to the touch with a slight tackiness that helps with grip. The inner bladder is a standard rubber construction, and the foam cover is bonded around it securely enough that it does not peel or shift during play.
The seams are well finished and sit flush with the foam surface. After several weeks of regular use, we did not notice any separation between the cover and the inner bladder. That said, this is clearly a recreational ball and not built to survive rough surfaces like asphalt or concrete. Stick to grass, sand, and water to get the most life out of it.
Performance in Water
Here is where things get interesting for water volleyball players. The Mikasa Squish is marketed as waterproof, and it genuinely delivers on that promise. The closed-cell foam does not absorb water, so the ball stays light even after hours of pool play. It floats well on the surface and is easy to retrieve when it drifts to the far end of the pool.
Grip when wet is surprisingly decent. The foam surface maintains enough texture that you can serve and pass without the ball slipping out of your hands. It is not as grippy as a purpose-built water volleyball with a textured rubber surface, but for casual rallies it works fine.
The tradeoff is in how the ball plays. Because it is smaller and lighter than regulation, it does not fly or respond like a real volleyball. Hard hits tend to send it sailing well past the end of the pool. Serves behave unpredictably because the ball catches air differently at that smaller size. If you want a ball that plays closer to actual volleyball in the water, you will want to look at the regulation-size Mikasa Squish VSV104 or another option from our equipment guide.
For a casual game with mixed ages and skill levels, though, the lighter weight and forgiving surface actually work in its favor. Nobody gets hurt, rallies last longer because passes are easier to control, and younger kids can actually participate instead of standing on the sidelines.
Feel and Comfort
The entire point of this ball is the no-sting promise, and it absolutely delivers. You can hit this ball full force with open hands and feel virtually no impact. That makes it ideal for beginners who are learning how to bump and set without the bruised forearms that usually come with the territory.
Kids particularly love it. The soft cover removes the intimidation factor completely. We found that children who were hesitant about regular volleyball were eager to jump in and play with the Squish. If you are teaching young players the fundamentals, pairing this ball with some basic water volleyball drills is a great way to build their confidence.
The downside of all that softness is that experienced players will find the ball mushy and unsatisfying. There is no crisp feedback on a well-struck hit, and setting the ball precisely is difficult because the foam absorbs so much energy. This is a toy-grade ball, and it feels like one.
Durability
For what it is, the Mikasa Squish holds up reasonably well. The foam cover resists water damage and does not degrade from chlorine exposure during normal pool use. After about two months of weekly play sessions, the ball maintained its shape and the cover stayed bonded to the bladder.
Where durability becomes an issue is on rough surfaces. Playing on concrete or asphalt will chew through the foam cover quickly. Even rough pool decking can scuff it up over time. Use it on grass, sand, or in the water and you will get much more mileage from it.
Air retention is average. You will probably need to re-inflate it every few weeks with a standard ball pump. Nothing unusual for a recreational ball in this price range.
How It Compares to Other Water Volleyballs
Compared to the regulation-size Mikasa Squish VSV104, this pillow cover version is smaller, lighter, and plays more like a toy. The VSV104 offers a similar soft feel but at standard volleyball dimensions, which means it flies and responds more like an actual volleyball. For older kids and adults who want the no-sting benefit without sacrificing gameplay, the VSV104 is the better choice.
Against purpose-built water volleyballs with rubber or synthetic leather covers, the Mikasa Squish is softer but less precise. Balls designed specifically for water play tend to have textured surfaces for better wet grip and weight that keeps them from blowing around in the wind.
If you are shopping for a complete setup, our guide to the best pool volleyball nets covers the net side of the equation. Pairing a good net with the right ball makes a big difference in how your games feel.
Pros
- Extremely soft pillow cover eliminates sting completely
- Waterproof foam does not absorb water or gain weight
- Floats well and is easy to retrieve in the pool
- Smaller size is perfect for young children to grip and control
- Available in a wide range of fun color options
- Affordable price point for a recreational ball
Cons
- Sub-regulation size means it does not play like a real volleyball
- Lightweight ball tends to sail on hard hits and in wind
- Foam cover scuffs easily on concrete and rough surfaces
- Experienced players will find it too soft and imprecise
- Not suitable for competitive or organized play
Verdict
The Mikasa Squish No-Sting Pillow Cover Volleyball is exactly what it claims to be: a soft, fun, waterproof ball for casual play. It is perfect for pool parties, family gatherings, and introducing young kids to volleyball without the tears. If you go in with those expectations, you will be very happy with it.
If you want something that plays more like actual volleyball while still being pool-friendly, look at the full-size Mikasa Squish VSV104 or browse our complete water volleyball balls guide. And if you are just getting started with the sport, our guide on how to play water volleyball covers everything you need to know.
For a casual backyard and pool toy that doubles as a gateway into volleyball, the Mikasa Squish Pillow Cover is a solid pick. Grab one, toss it in the pool, and let the games begin.
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Check out our full water volleyball equipment guide for more gear recommendations, and see our top picks for pool volleyball nets to complete your setup.