Latex vs Butyl Bladders

Why match balls feel livelier and training balls stay pumped.

Latex (natural rubber) is softer and more responsive, but it is porous and loses air within days. It is used in many top match balls.

Butyl (synthetic rubber) holds air for weeks and is slightly firmer. Most training and club balls use butyl.

Which to buy

• Coaches with a bag of 20 balls: butyl, every time.
• Match-day ball pumped before kick-off: latex is fine.