Why Equipment Quality Matters
Bubble football is a contact sport, and the inflatable shell is the only thing between a player and the ground. Cheap suits with thin walls, weak seams and flimsy harnesses do not just spoil the experience — they create genuine safety risks. A poor-quality suit might lose air mid-match, leaving a player exposed in a collision. Seams can split under impact, and badly designed harnesses chafe and restrict movement. At the other end of the scale, premium suits from a reputable supplier like Bubble Allstars are built to take thousands of collisions, hold their pressure across long sessions and keep players comfortable with padded, adjustable harnesses. Paying for quality up front saves money over time through fewer replacements, fewer injuries and happier players.
PVC vs TPU: Which Material Should You Choose?
The two dominant materials for bubble football suits are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). PVC is the more affordable option and performs well in a mild British climate. It is slightly heavier and can stiffen in cold weather, and new PVC suits may carry a noticeable chemical smell that fades over time. TPU is lighter, more elastic, odour-free and performs consistently across a wider temperature range. It is also more environmentally friendly and recyclable. TPU suits cost roughly 20–30 % more than PVC, but their durability often makes them the more economical choice over two to three years of regular use. For an in-depth comparison of both materials — including side-by-side durability tests — see our dedicated PVC vs TPU guide.
Size and Fit
Bubble football suits come in three common sizes. Junior suits (diameter around 1.2 m) are designed for children of roughly 7–12 who are about 120–160 cm tall. Standard adult suits (1.5 m diameter) fit most players from about 160 cm to 185 cm. Large or XL suits (1.7–1.8 m diameter), offered by some sellers, accommodate taller and broader players. A poorly fitted bubble is a problem either way — too large and the player floats inside it with limited control; too small and it restricts breathing and movement. When ordering a set for mixed-age or mixed-height groups, it is wise to include both 1.5 m and 1.2 m suits. Bubble Allstars offers mixed-size sets specifically for event companies and schools.
Key Features to Look For
Beyond material and size, keep an eye on these features when comparing products. Wall thickness: premium suits use 0.8 mm TPU or 1.0 mm PVC; anything thinner is a red flag. Seam construction: heat-welded seams are far stronger than glued seams and should be your minimum standard. Harness design: look for padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a waist belt; rucksack-style harnesses distribute weight best. Handles: internal grab handles help players brace on impact and get back up after a fall. Valve quality: a reliable Boston or double-layer valve prevents slow leaks. Repair kit: reputable suppliers include a patch kit and spare valve with every order. Bubble Allstars suits include all of these as standard across both our PVC and TPU lines.
How Many Suits Do You Need?
That depends on what you are doing with them. For a knockabout in the garden, two to four suits are enough for small-group games. A typical five-a-side match needs ten suits (one per player) plus ideally two spares for punctures and rotation. If you plan to run events or a hire business, sets of 12 to 20 give you the flexibility to serve larger groups and run concurrent games. Event companies running corporate team-building days usually find 16 suits is the sweet spot — enough for two simultaneous matches while still fitting in a single van. Bubble Allstars prices its sets with discounts that increase with quantity, so larger orders deliver better per-unit value.
Price Ranges and What Drives Cost
Budget PVC suits from unverified online marketplaces can cost as little as £50–80 per unit, but the compromises in material thickness, seam strength and harness comfort make them unsuitable for anything beyond occasional light use. Commercial-grade kit sits in a different bracket: our own PVC suits start at £229 per unit and TPU at £269, depending on size and customisation options such as printed logos. The gap between a £60 suit and a commercial one is not just durability — it is player safety, consistent air retention, comfortable fit and professional appearance. For hire operators the suits are the business: cutting corners on kit undermines the customer experience you are selling.
Red Flags When Shopping
Watch out for these warning signs: no verifiable manufacturer information or certifications (look for CE, EN 71 or equivalent); stock photos instead of real product images; vague or missing warranty terms; no repair kit or after-sales support; unusually low prices paired with inflated delivery charges; and sellers who cannot give you material thickness specifications. A trustworthy supplier will happily share test reports, reference customers and detailed product specifications. Bubble Allstars publishes full spec sheets for every product and provides a two-year warranty on seams and materials.
Making Your Decision
Start by defining your primary use case — casual private use, a school or youth programme, corporate events or a commercial hire business. That determines the material, size mix and quantity you need. Set a realistic budget, and remember that the per-suit cost drops significantly with larger orders. Request quotes from at least two suppliers and compare more than the unit price: weigh up warranty terms, delivery charges, lead time and after-sales support. If you are still unsure, Bubble Allstars offers free personalised consultations — tell us your use case, group size and budget and we will recommend the optimal setup. Request a quote today and we will respond within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy PVC or TPU bubble football suits?
Buy PVC if you play occasionally in mild weather and want the lower upfront cost. Buy TPU if you play often, outdoors in the cold, with children, or rent the suits out: it is lighter, odour-free and lasts longer, so it usually costs less per use.
What size bubble football suit do I need?
Use 1.5 m suits for teenagers and adults from about 1.60 m tall, and 1.2 m suits for children of roughly 7–12 who are about 1.20–1.60 m tall. Mixed groups such as schools or rental fleets usually need both sizes.
How many bubble football suits should I buy?
For five-a-side you need ten suits plus ideally two spares, so twelve is the usual set. Two to four are enough for small private games; event and rental businesses typically run 12–20 to cover larger groups or two pitches at once.
What is included when I buy from Bubble Allstars?
Every suit comes with a free carry bag and repair kit, and the suits carry a 24-month warranty on seams and materials. Electric pumps and logo printing are available. You get a personalised quote within 24 hours, and delivery typically takes 14–20 working days across Europe.