I'm comparing this against the Mitre Tactic which is a similarly priced training ball which I also own. They are both actually quite different beasts, and I'll explain why.
The Malmo flies further and is easier to kick than the Tactic. The tactic is heavier and harder to kick.
The Malmo has a smoother, quite hard surface, made of a PVC type material, whereas the Tactic is made of a dense vulcanised rubber. The difference this makes is that on harder surfaces, the Malmo rolls smoother and doesn't rub when rebounding so it's trajectory can be more straight.
Both are hard wearing balls. Having tested and played with both these balls on concrete and against walls repeatedly (the most abrasive condition/surface) The Tactic is more durable as it appears almost indestructible. The Malmo is quite hard wearing, although if used against an abrasive surfaces/walls wears down quicker than the Tactic as the surface of the PVC is marginally more easily split/scratched than the Tactic, although it can still take a fair bit of punishment, and it'll certainly last much longer than any cheap brand ball, and technically The Malmo is not an all surface ball whereas the Tactic is.
I bought a few of these to try them out but found it difficult to differentiate them from the Calcio, with the same advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side it retains air well, but on the negative side tends to go rock hard and never recovers from the cold.
Personally, I would recommend the Mitre Tactic as a good all round training ball, suitable for all surfaces and very durable. It has a nice cushioned feel which lasts well passed the point when the Calcio and Malmo become painful to head.
I bought one of these in yellow as a gift for an 8 year old - but once pumped up it was clearly damaged along the stitching and could not hold the air. I contacted the seller, who asked me to return the item (at my own cost) but said I had more than likely caused the damage myself by over-inflating the ball and so would not get a refund. There is no way this is possible as a football coach inflated it for me, and not fully, as he said it was safer for young children that way!
Hence, all in all, I would highly recommend looking elsewhere for a football, and to a company where the postage is free in the first place, as are the returns!
Amazon itself is a fantastic company and should only allow sellers with similar great customer service to trade via their website.
Very disappointing. Avoid.
Click to>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mitre Football & Mitre Net
