The Top 5 Bubble Balls
Bubble balls are a great way to amplify an afternoon. For those out of the loop, a bubble ball, also known as a bumper ball, is essentially a giant inflatable tube that you can slip inside. Once protected by the bouncy outer bubble, you can freely jump, roll, and crash around. Popularly found at backyard get-togethers, company picnics, and summer camps, these durable PVC inflatables are safe and fun. Those in the market for a new bubble ball have come to the right place. Here, we've whittled down the options to the best of the best. Read on to discover our favorites, from the best budget option to our premium pick.
Body Bumper Bubble Soccer Balls for Kids/Adults, 5 FT Zorb Ball
Great balls of fun
There are tons of bubble balls out there that just don’t cut it. Whether they’re too susceptible to popping, not big enough, or not strong enough, most options fail to meet our standards. Bataru is an exception to the norm. This pick is super strong, with a 0.8-millimeter thick PVC outer material. A bubble that thick can handle all sorts of smacks and crashes and will always bounce back. In fact, the Bataru bumper ball can support up to 250 pounds. Better yet, it has a 5-foot diameter, making it one of the biggest “human soccer balls” on the market. Plus, it has ergonomic handles on the inside for holding tight as you go rolling down the hill.
Pros
- Thick, durable materials
- High, 250-pound bearing capacity
- Wide, 5-foot diameter
Cons
- Pricey but high value
Theefun Sumo Bumper Balls, Inflatable Body Bubble Ball Bumper Bopper for Kids and Adults, 2 Balls
Bouncing on the cheap
Those on a tight budget that want to experience the hilarity of a bubble ball can still join in on the fun. This option from Theefun is super affordable and comes as a pair. At 36-inches in diameter, it’s enough to cover your entire torso with a protective bubble of air. That being said, it’s more popular among kids, since taller adults may find the dimensions to be slightly inadequate. Nonetheless, this option is well-designed and sports armholes for getting back on your feet when you inevitably fall over. Best of all, the thick material and heat-sealed seams make for one surprisingly pop-resistant bubble ball. Of course, at this price point, it’s more of a biannual toy than a perennial purchase, if you catch our drift.
Pros
- Pack of two
- Super affordable
- Easy to inflate and collapse
Cons
- Small diameter
- Not very durable
Banzai Bump N Bounce Body Bumpers
The Bonzai blast
This option from Banzai offers a great outlet for all that wild energy of a young child. With this pair of bubble balls, your kids can bounce off the walls safely. At 25-inches in diameter, it’s best-suited for those between the ages of 4 and 12. Made out of a durable PVC, these inflatables are surprisingly resistant against the wild impulses of a youngster. So slam, bump, and bounce away. And if your kid does manage to pop one, fear not. This option comes with a wide repair patch to take care of any unexpected hissing sounds. Best of all, the price is unbeatable, so you can buy more than one pair and get all the youngsters in the neighborhood outfitted with bubble balls for one epic showdown.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Durable PVC
- Includes patch
Cons
- Each chamber must be inflated individually
Keenstone Two Bumper Balls Inflatable Bumper Ball for Adults of Child
Double the bubble
Never bounce alone. Those on the hunt for a quality pair of bumper balls, search no further. This option comes with two bumper balls, each with a diameter of 4 feet and a height of 5 feet. They’re large enough for folks of all ages, though those over six feet tall may want to look for something a little larger. Inside, there are shoulder straps and handles for holding on as you tumble and roll. Great for birthday parties and summertime bump battles, they sport an 0.8-millimeter thick PVC material that’s rated to last three to five years. Best of all, this option has the fastest inflation we’ve come across, with a single air valve for rapid deployment. Safe and affordable, Keenstone makes summertime bonding a blast.
Pros
- Two for the price of one
- Inner handles and straps
- Quick inflation
Cons
- Prone to slow leaking
- Requires reinflating with each use
Ancheer Inflatable Bumper Bubble Soccer Ball, Giant Human Hamster Ball for Adults and Teens
Big people need big bubbles
Most adults are kids at heart, so it’s no wonder why bubble balls are a popular pastime for folks of all ages. However, adults in motion have quite a bit more inertia and don’t bounce back as easily as kids do. Fortunately, there are grown-up sized bubble balls. This option from Ancheer is tall, wide, and strong. With a whopping 5-foot diameter and a 50-inch height, it’s perfect for grownups and teens to join in on the fun. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a bubble ball based on the dimensions alone. This is another great option for anyone over the age of eight and is designed to withstand some serious bumpage. The high durability stems from the taut inner strings that help keep its shape. Pop-resistant, tear-resistant, and plus-sized, this pick from Ancheer gets the fun rolling.
Pros
- Tall, 50-inch height
- Wide, 5-foot diameter
- Pop-resistant design
Cons
- Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bubble balls safe to use?
This depends on how you use them. To maximize safety, we recommend only using your bubble balls on soft surfaces, such as grass or sand. Not only will this prevent popping and tearing the materials, but you’ll also protect your body. Also, don’t use these products as flotation devices.
To those that intend to really go wild in their bubble ball, we say go for it. However, we strongly encourage users to wear a helmet, especially when bumping into one another. Young kids can get pretty reckless with their new-found inflatable freedom, so some head protection is necessary.
Does my bubble ball come with a pump?
None of the options on our list include a pump. However, they’re generally quite easy to inflate with a simple bike or mattress pump. These products contain a large volume of air, so we don’t recommend attempting to inflate them with your breath.
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