The Mammoth Set has arrived and is already available in the US. As I was in the States for the Spikeball Championships 2023, I could have a look at the finished product.
First of all, it is a bit different from the prototype that we saw on various occasions such as Worlds 2022 and other events. On the side of the paracourt system, there is now also a clip so that you can tighten it on the frame, but this does not affect the net tension overall.
I got to try the Mav1 ball. It is a bit heavier than the pro ball and comparable in size to the rally ball, so overall somewhere between the Spikeball pro ball and a handball. The texture of the ball feels like artificial leather but has a good grip. It is produced in a similar way to a soccer ball, with a bladder, outer cast, and stitches. The handling of the ball feels very different from a pro ball. When you set it to your partner, you really need to put some force into it. It doesn't bounce off your hand.
On Sunday, we could see the Mammoth division, where a lot of top teams competed against each other. It was visible that serve pressure is still dominant even with this new set. You can still give the ball a good amount of spin, and sometimes because the net tension is not as tight, the ball comes off in an unpredictable way. Drops are pretty deadly due to the ball not bouncing. This can also be a positive attribute because this way, the booms are not as far as they are on a Pro Set.
We have been traveling to New York after the tournament, and the Mammoth Set and its bag are massive and quite heavy. So, for you to just grab it and take it with you to the park will be more difficult than the Pro or Standard Kit. Still, we could fit in a lot of t-shirts and other goods because, again, the bag is massive.
In conclusion:
The Mammoth Set feels a bit like a prototype that was rushed out on the market. In my opinion, it is a step in the right direction, but the pricing at $300 is quite expensive, and you need to think about it for yourself if you really want to invest this amount of money. I personally don't think that the competitive scene will switch to this Kit anytime soon.
Mav1 Spikeball Ball
For more detailed review, feel free to check my full video on Youtube.