Test result preview
We really enjoyed testing the children’s football from FussiStar. In general, the manufacturer provides a nice toy for children aged between 3-7 years that combines a child-friendly and loving design with the necessary quality and functionality. This means that even younger children can develop an interest in ball sports, especially football.
We were also particularly impressed by the durability of the product. Even after several hours of use, there have been no weak points in the test so far, although a real long-term test could certainly provide more information here. The only negative aspect was the slight chemical odour when unpacking and during initial use. However, this quickly disappeared after the ball was used for the first time, so we do not attach too much importance to this point. Overall, our experience with the product is therefore reflected in a very positive rating.
Advantages
- Child-friendly design
- Child size (3)
- Air pump attachment included
Disadvantages
- Light, chemical odour
The test
General information
We took a close look at and tested the product in a practical test. In the following, we take a closer look at the features and impressions. From the packaging, materials and quality to the range of functions and handling, the product is subjected to our test procedure.
To give you a quick overview, we work with a points system. The maximum achievable score per area is 100 points. The final overall score is calculated from the average of all tested features, taking into account the respective weighting. For a detailed insight into our comprehensive evaluation process, which forms the basis of all our product ratings, please click here.
The first impression
Packaging and contents
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Product protection
Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected
Points
Sustainability Packaging
Unnecessary packaging waste was avoided; recyclable cardboard packaging was used.
Points
Package contents & scope
complete: 1 ball, 1 air pump attachment
Points
Instructions for use
Product is self-explanatory, but instructions for use are included
Points
TOTAL
100
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The FussiStar brand lion football makes a very good impression when unpacked. It is delivered in a yellow and blue cardboard box, which is printed with a picture of the product and the most important information and warnings. The box is sturdy and offers adequate product protection. At the same time, the cardboard is kept as compact as possible and is fully recyclable. No additional plastic was used in the interests of sustainability . Inside the box are the ball, an air pump attachment and instructions for use, even if these seem almost unnecessary for such a self-explanatory product . The instructions refer to customer support for questions and comments, as well as an extended robustness guarantee of 6 months, which promises immediate assistance and the replacement of a defective product.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Attractive and child-friendly design
Points
Processing
Good workmanship, no recognisable defects
Points
Stability
Robust and resistant
Points
Sustainability of the product
TPU upper material
Points
TOTAL
100
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
After unpacking, we take a closer look at the product. The first thing that catches the eye is the ball’s very loving and child-friendly design. The little lion in football kit seems particularly appropriate and motivating for children between the ages of 3 and 7.
The quality and finish of the ball are also impressive. The surface is even and very smooth. All seams are visibly clean, so that no defects can be detected. Even under load, the ball appears resistant and dimensionally stable.
In terms of sustainability, the manufacturer states that the upper material used is made of TPU . This material is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Due to the good quality of the product and the extended robustness guarantee of 6 months, a certain level of sustainability and a long service life can be assumed.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Optics
Child-friendly, suitable design
Points
Assembly
Easy inflation thanks to attachment, pump may be desirable
Points
Functionality
even surface, good feel for the ball
Points
Durability
Stable production
Points
Odour
Slightly chemical odour, evaporates
Points
TOTAL
96
Points
Weighting: 45%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
We carried out our practical test in the garden at home and on the nearby football pitch. We and our “smaller testers” initially liked the design of the ball. The manufacturer has definitely found an appealing look for smaller children, even if the focus is more on functionality during use.
Inflating the ball was done without any problems and within a minute. Even if it was superfluous for us: The manufacturer provides instructions and information on how to inflate the ball optimally as well as precise air pressure ranges both in writing and graphics as well as in video form via QR code. However, a set with an air pump might be useful for customers who do not have one, so that nothing stands in the way of immediate use.
In terms of functionality, there is nothing to criticise in our test. The ball fulfils all the requirements of a toy with an even surface and a dimensionally stable curve. The slightly padded surface gives the product a pleasant ball feel. For use as sports equipment, a texture on the surface might be useful. In our opinion, however, the product should be seen as a toy and not as a piece of sports equipment, although in view of the target group (children aged 3-7), the usefulness of professional balls can be questioned anyway.
The ball is hard-wearing and sturdily made, so that after extensive testing we could not detect any damage or similar. A long-term test could certainly offer added value here, but we were unable to do this in our test.
The only point of criticism for the product is a slight chemical odour, which we noticed when unpacking the product. However, this was no longer noticeable after a short period of use, so we consider this to be rather harmless.
Overall, we therefore believe that the manufacturer delivers a very good product that impresses with its functionality, quality and design.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Price / performance ratio
Very good performance in the mid-price segment
Points
Rating cut
No rating
–
TOTAL
80
Points
Weighting: 15%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
At the time of testing, the product was not yet officially listed on Amazon. Therefore, no other reviews are available, so this point is neglected in the evaluation.
Prices of up to €23.99 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very cheap products are available from as little as €12.00 . The children’s football from FussiStar is therefore currently in the middle price segment with an expected price of €19.99. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Overall result
Weighting
Points achieved*
1. packaging & contents
20%
Points
2. product processing & appearance
20%
Points
3. in the practical test
45%
Points
4. price/performance & consumer reviews
15%
Points
TOTAL
Points
*Themaximum score is 100 points
