Every pointstarts with theright gear.
Buying guides and reviews for volleyballs, shoes, knee pads, nets and training gear for indoor, beach and backyard players.
Gear for your game
Indoor and beach play need different balls, shoes and nets. Start with where you play.
Play smarter
Compare the Active Ankle T2 and McDavid 195 by hinge design, strap setup, shoe compatibility and the sizing details each maker lists.
Compare the ASICS GEL-ROCKET 12 and Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 by listed construction, cushioning and fit details before choosing court shoes.
How to choose a backyard or beach volleyball net system: court size, adjustable height, pole and anchoring types, tensioning, boundary lines and setup time.
- 04
Grass Volleyball Ball Guide: What to Use
Outdoor volleyball
- 05
Indoor Volleyball Net System Buying Guide
Court equipment
- 06
Indoor vs Beach Volleyball: Rules, Ball, Court and Gear
Volleyball basics
- 07
McDavid HEX Leg Sleeves vs Knee/Elbow/Shin Pads
Protective gear
- 08
Mikasa BV550C vs Wilson AVP OPTX Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball
- 09
Molten VBU12 vs First Touch Youth Volleyballs
Youth volleyball
Volleyball Gear questions, answered
What is the difference between Active Ankle T2 and McDavid 195?
The T2 has a rigid hinged frame, molded EVA padding and a single quick-fit strap. McDavid 195 uses a lace-up fit with figure-six straps and a top elastic strap.
Read: Active Ankle T2 vs McDavid 195 →What is the difference between GEL-ROCKET 12 and Wave Momentum 3?
ASICS lists a supportive upper and TRUSSTIC midsole on GEL-ROCKET 12. Mizuno lists MIZUNO ENERZY foam, a Wave heel plate and DynamotionFit Bootie construction on Wave Momentum 3.
Read: ASICS GEL-ROCKET 12 vs Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 →How big is a backyard volleyball court?
An official beach court is 16 by 8 m (about 52 by 26 ft). Use smaller boundaries if your yard is tight, keeping the court twice as long as it is wide.
Read: Backyard and Beach Volleyball Net System Guide →What volleyball should I use on grass?
Check the organizer’s ball rule first. USA Volleyball and Molten announced an outdoor ball designed for grass and beach play; the announcement said it would be featured at the 2026 USA Volleyball adult grass national championship.
Read: Grass Volleyball Ball Guide →Can I buy volleyball posts before checking the floor sleeves?
Measure the venue's actual sleeve spacing and diameter first. Systems and floors differ, so confirm compatibility with the equipment maker or facility installer.
Read: Indoor Volleyball Net System Buying Guide →Can you use an indoor volleyball on the beach?
You can, but a beach ball has lower pressure and a slightly larger size that floats and handles sand and wind better. An indoor ball feels hard on the beach.
Read: Indoor vs Beach Volleyball →Clear answers about volleyball gear
Every recommendation starts with where you play, because indoor, beach and grass volleyball each need different gear.
Each review says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to know before you buy. No filler, no hedging.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product or rule changes.
The volleyball gear index
- 01BallsIndoor, beach, youth and training volleyballs.8 pages
- 02Shoes & apparelIndoor court shoes, sand socks and volleyball apparel.5 pages
- 03Protective gearKnee pads, ankle braces, arm sleeves and finger tape.4 pages
- 04Nets & trainingOutdoor and indoor net systems, rebounders, ball carts and training aids.7 pages