We bought four of these balls last winter (Jan/Feb) for our 10 year old's science fair project. It was a simple thing, just punting and throwing with balls at various air pressures ranging from deflated to inflated (to a normal pressure, not over-inflated). After that, he just used them for playing with friends. We kept them indoors when not in use, so they were not abused in any way. Nonetheless, in the subsequent six months the seams tore and the bladder bulged out on all four balls. How's that for consistency? Bottom line: these balls simply don't last. Spend your money on something else.