The Mikasa Squish VSV104 No-Sting Volleyball sits in a sweet spot that most water volleyballs miss entirely. It is regulation-sized, so it actually plays like a real volleyball. But it uses Mikasa’s soft pillow cover technology, which means you can bump, set, and spike without ending the session with stinging red forearms. For pool volleyball, that combination is hard to beat.
After extensive testing in the pool, on grass, and at the beach, here is our full breakdown of the VSV104 and whether it should be your go-to water volleyball ball.
Construction and Materials
The VSV104 uses Mikasa’s pillow cover construction, which layers a closed-cell foam cover over a standard rubber bladder. Unlike the smaller Mikasa Squish Pillow Cover model, the VSV104 is built to regulation volleyball dimensions. It measures 65 to 67 centimeters (25.5 to 26.5 inches) in circumference depending on inflation, which puts it right in line with what you would use in an organized match.
The foam cover has a smooth texture with just enough tackiness to provide grip. It is bonded firmly to the inner bladder, and after weeks of regular play we saw no signs of separation, peeling, or delamination. The seams are clean and sit flush with the surface.
The ball weighs slightly less than a traditional leather or composite volleyball because of the foam cover material. That lighter weight is actually an advantage in water since the ball stays responsive and does not feel sluggish when wet. It also means the ball is more forgiving for passes and sets, which benefits players who are still developing their technique. For more ball options, see our complete water volleyball balls guide.
Performance in Water
This is where the VSV104 really earns its reputation. The closed-cell foam cover is fully waterproof. It does not absorb water, period. After two-plus hours of continuous pool play, the ball weighed and felt exactly the same as when we started. That consistency matters because water-absorbing balls get heavier, slower, and harder to control as a session wears on.
The ball floats well on the surface, making it easy to retrieve between rallies. It sits high enough in the water that you can grab it with one hand without having to dig underwater.
Grip when wet is good, though not perfect. The foam surface maintains enough texture to serve, pass, and set without the ball slipping away. It is noticeably better than a smooth rubber ball when wet, but it does not match the grip of a textured synthetic leather water volleyball. For casual to intermediate play, the wet grip is more than adequate.
Flight characteristics are solid. Because the VSV104 is regulation-sized and has reasonable weight, it flies predictably on serves and hits. You will not get the wild sailing that happens with undersized recreational balls. Hard hits travel with purpose, and float serves behave the way you would expect. If you are working on your serving technique or practicing hitting in the water, this ball gives you honest feedback.
Bounce off the water surface is minimal, which is actually typical of pool volleyball. What matters more is how the ball responds off your hands, and the VSV104 delivers a soft but controlled contact that makes rallies flow naturally.
Performance on Land
The VSV104 works well on grass and sand too, which makes it a versatile choice if you play in multiple settings. On grass, the foam cover protects against the sting that makes traditional volleyballs uncomfortable for barefoot or casual play. On sand, it performs similarly to a standard beach volleyball but with a softer touch.
The one surface to avoid is asphalt or concrete. The foam cover will scuff and deteriorate quickly on rough hard surfaces. This is a ball designed for soft and wet environments, and keeping it off the pavement will significantly extend its lifespan.
Who Should Buy It
The VSV104 is an excellent choice for several types of players:
Families with mixed ages and skill levels. The no-sting cover means kids can play alongside adults without getting hurt, while the regulation size keeps the game feeling authentic for experienced players. It bridges the gap between a toy ball and a competitive ball better than almost anything else on the market.
Beginners learning the game. If you are new to volleyball and working through water volleyball drills for beginners, the soft cover removes the pain barrier that discourages so many new players. You can practice bumping and setting repeatedly without your forearms paying the price.
Recreational pool volleyball players. For weekend games with friends and family, the VSV104 provides a genuine volleyball experience without requiring everyone to have calloused hands. It is the most popular ball we recommend for casual pool volleyball and for good reason.
Players who want one ball for multiple settings. If you play at the pool, in the backyard, and at the beach, the VSV104 handles all three environments well. One ball, multiple uses.
Players who should look elsewhere include competitive or advanced players who want a traditional firm feel, and anyone who primarily plays on hard courts. For competitive play, a standard composite volleyball will give you better control and feedback.
How It Compares to the Standard Mikasa Squish
Mikasa makes several balls in the Squish lineup, and the differences matter. The standard Mikasa Squish Pillow Cover model is a smaller, sub-regulation ball that plays more like a toy. It is softer and lighter, which makes it great for very young children, but it does not fly or respond like a real volleyball.
The VSV104 is the regulation-size option. Same pillow cover concept, but built to standard volleyball dimensions. The result is a ball that feels soft on contact but actually plays like volleyball. If your players are old enough to handle a full-size ball (roughly age 10 and up), the VSV104 is the better choice. For younger children who need something easier to grip and control, the smaller Pillow Cover model is the way to go.
Durability
The VSV104 holds up well with proper care. The foam cover resists chlorine and pool chemicals without degrading, and the waterproof construction means there is no water damage to worry about. After approximately two months of weekly pool sessions, our test ball showed minimal wear. Some minor surface scuffing from pool deck contact, but nothing that affected performance.
Air retention is average for this type of ball. Expect to add air every couple of weeks to keep it at optimal firmness. A standard ball pump with a needle valve is all you need.
The main durability concern, as mentioned, is rough surfaces. Keep it off concrete and asphalt and you will get a full season or more of regular use out of it. That is solid longevity for a recreational volleyball at this price point.
Pros
- Regulation size plays like a real volleyball
- Pillow cover eliminates sting on serves, bumps, and blocks
- Fully waterproof with zero water absorption
- Floats well for easy retrieval between rallies
- Works on grass, sand, and in the water
- Bright colors are easy to see in the pool
- Great for beginners building confidence and technique
- Lighter weight keeps the ball responsive in water
Cons
- Foam cover scuffs on concrete and rough surfaces
- Wet grip is good but not as strong as textured rubber balls
- Slightly lighter weight may feel unusual for experienced players
- Not suitable for competitive or organized play
- Requires occasional re-inflation
Verdict
The Mikasa Squish VSV104 is one of the best all-around choices for recreational water volleyball. It nails the balance between soft comfort and genuine volleyball performance in a way that most balls in this category do not. The regulation size means your games actually feel like volleyball, while the pillow cover means everyone from kids to adults can play without discomfort.
If you play pool volleyball regularly with friends and family, this is the ball to get. Pair it with one of the best pool volleyball nets and you have a complete setup that will keep your group entertained all summer.
For more options, browse our full water volleyball balls guide, and check out the complete water volleyball equipment breakdown to make sure you have everything you need for your next game.
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