Molten lists the VBU12 as an official-size, lightweight indoor ball for players 12 and under, with a microfiber composite cover. Its First Touch range is also an indoor youth option, with three listed weights and manufacturer age ranges. Choose the model and variant that match the child’s club or league requirements.
Choose a youth volleyball by the ball format required by the player’s program, then compare the exact model and listed weight. Molten’s VBU12 is an official-size, lightweight indoor ball for players 12 and under; the First Touch line offers smaller weight choices and a soft cloth-and-foam cover.
Compare the two Molten lines
| Model | Manufacturer-listed details |
|---|---|
| VBU12 Light Volleyball | Official size and lightweight; intended for players 12 and under; USA Volleyball official and USYVL approved; microfiber composite cover; indoor use. |
| First Touch V140 | 4–6 oz; listed for players 8 and under; soft cloth and foam cover; indoor use. |
| First Touch V180 | 6.5 oz; listed for players 8 and under; soft cloth and foam cover; indoor use. |
| First Touch V210 | 7–8 oz; listed for players 10 and under; soft cloth and foam cover; indoor use. |
Choose by the program’s ball rule
USA Volleyball’s simplified youth rules describe an adult-size ball made with lighter materials for children under 12. That guidance is specific to its simplified rules; your club or tournament may use a different format. Ask which ball the division uses before buying a team or practice ball.
Compare the feel and construction
Molten describes the VBU12’s microfiber composite cover and cotton-wrapped bladder construction, while First Touch has a soft cloth-and-foam cover. Use those published details to distinguish the lines, then choose the exact First Touch weight or VBU12 variant required by the coach or program.
Official sources
Checked November 5, 2026.
- Molten: USAV Official VBU12 Light Volleyball, intended age, approval, cover and indoor use.
- Molten: First Touch Volleyball, listed weights, ages, cover and indoor use.
- USA Volleyball: Simplified youth rules, under-12 ball description.
Related guides
Common questions
What is the difference between the Molten VBU12 and First Touch?
Molten lists the VBU12 as official size and lightweight for players 12 and under, with a microfiber composite cover. First Touch uses a soft cloth-and-foam cover and comes in three listed weight variants for players 8 and under or 10 and under.
Is the Molten VBU12 an official-size volleyball?
Yes. Molten lists the VBU12 as an official-size, lightweight indoor volleyball for players 12 and under and identifies the model as a USA Volleyball official ball.
How much does a Molten First Touch volleyball weigh?
Molten lists V140 at 4–6 ounces, V180 at 6.5 ounces and V210 at 7–8 ounces. Its product page associates V140 and V180 with players 8 and under, and V210 with players 10 and under.
Which youth volleyball should I buy for a team?
Ask the coach or league which ball the division uses, then compare that requirement with the exact Molten model and variant. USA Volleyball’s simplified youth rules describe an adult-size ball made with lighter materials for children under 12, but programs can set their own equipment rules.