A great netball should feel like an extension of your hands. Whether you're delivering a pinpoint centre pass, shooting under pressure or making a crucial interception, the right ball can make all the difference.
But have you ever wondered what actually makes a good netball?
From the surface texture to the materials hidden beneath the outer layer, every Gilbert match ball is carefully engineered to deliver the perfect combination of grip, flight and feel. Here's a closer look at the technology behind the ball and why choosing the right one matters.
Why Does Netball Design Matter?
A netball isn't simply made from rubber. Every layer has a purpose. The surface determines how confidently you can catch and pass. The bladder affects how long the ball stays inflated and how consistently it performs. The construction influences how the ball responds in your hands throughout every quarter. When all of these elements work together, players experience a ball that performs consistently, match after match.
Grip: The Foundation of Every Great Pass
One of the biggest factors in netball performance is grip.Whether you're playing indoors or outdoors, a reliable grip gives you confidence to catch cleanly, pass accurately and shoot consistently. Gilbert's Duragrip Pimple technology has been developed to improve handling by increasing both the height and size of the surface pimples. This creates more contact between the ball and your hands while maintaining excellent aerodynamic performance.
The result?
-
Better control when passing
-
Greater confidence when shooting
-
Improved handling in different weather conditions
-
Consistent performance throughout the match
Different Gilbert match balls also use carefully selected rubber compounds depending on how they're designed to be used.
Hype
The Hype Match Ball uses a quality blended rubber compound with a high natural rubber content, providing outstanding grip whilst remaining an excellent value option for clubs.
Fizz
Fizz features a blended rubber compound with a higher synthetic rubber content, increasing durability for clubs and schools using their equipment multiple times each week.
Boost
Boost uses Gilbert's premium G-X Rubber Compound, delivering dependable grip and consistent handling for competitive club matches.
Flight: Why Consistency Matters
Every player wants the ball to travel exactly where it's intended. That's why Gilbert engineers every match ball to deliver stable flight and predictable performance. The Duragrip surface pattern doesn't just improve handling - it also helps maintain consistent aerodynamics, ensuring accurate passing and reliable shooting. Inside the ball, the bladder plays an equally important role.
Performance Butyl Bladder
Found in both Hype and Fizz, the Performance Butyl Bladder offers exceptional air retention, helping the ball stay inflated for longer whilst maintaining reliable performance. This means less time pumping the ball up and more time focusing on the game.
Synthetic Latex Bladder
The Boost Match Ball features a Synthetic Latex Bladder, providing an excellent balance between air retention and responsiveness for players looking for a lively feel during competitive play.
Feel: The Feature Players Notice Most
Ask any player why they love a particular ball and they'll often answer with one word:
"It just feels right."
That feeling comes from the construction inside the ball. Every Gilbert match ball uses a multi-laminate construction, engineered to balance:
-
Shape retention
-
Energy transfer
-
Responsiveness
-
Durability
- This allows the ball to keep its shape over repeated use while providing consistent handling from the first whistle to the last.
Whether you're training once a week or competing every weekend, that consistency gives players confidence every time they step on court.
Built to World Netball Standards
Every Gilbert match ball conforms to World Netball specifications, ensuring consistency in:
- Size
- Weight
- Circumference
- Performance
This means clubs, schools and teams can trust they're training and competing with equipment built to the highest standards of the game.
Which Gilbert Match Ball Is Right for You?
Hype
Perfect for clubs looking for a dependable and affordable match ball.
Best for:
-
Community clubs
-
Junior leagues
-
Weekly matches
-
Teams wanting outstanding value
Fizz
Designed for clubs and schools where balls are used regularly throughout the week.
Best for:
-
Schools
-
PE departments
-
High-volume training
-
Clubs needing maximum durability
Boost
A performance-focused match ball built for players wanting dependable grip and responsive handling.
Best for:
-
Competitive club matches
-
Regular league fixtures
-
Players wanting enhanced feel
-
Performance-focused teams
Looking After Your Netball
Even the best netball will perform better when properly cared for.
To extend the life of your match ball:
-
Inflate to the recommended pressure.
-
Store indoors when not in use.
-
Wipe clean after outdoor matches.
-
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
-
Rotate balls during training to reduce wear.
Why Choose Gilbert Netball?
For generations, Gilbert has been trusted by clubs, schools and players around the world to deliver high-quality netballs built for every level of the game.
Whether you choose Hype, Fizz or Boost, every Gilbert match ball combines innovative materials, precision engineering and proven performance to give players confidence every time they take to the court.
Because great performances start with great equipment.
[button]
