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Why do college football teams take bags of their own "broken in" footballs to games? Because new ones are harder, slick, and hard to handle. Worn volleyballs will also be a little softer and not as slick as new ones. They'll feel and obviously bounce differently.

Since we are on gauges and I'm getting ready to buy a new one when I order new basketball pants, I assume the dial gauges are far superior to the silver auto tire type, correct? Chime in friends.

I previously owned one of the inexpensive dial-type gauges and would compare it to other dial-type gauges owned by other VB refs. I saw differences between those types of gauges quite often. Since then I (and other refs in my area) have purchased one of the digital gauges mentioned and been pleased with the results.

I use the Molten Gauge
 

Requires a lithium ion battery, needs to be changed about 1-2 times per year, but has a digital readout and a pump built in, so you don't have to put in the air gauge and then pump, then the gauge, etc.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg

I admit it, I'm a gadget geek. I want one of these. :D

Now, if they'd combine the digital gauge with a small electric air compressor and an electrically actuated pressure release valve, so that you can dial in the exact pressure you want and it automatically adjusts it for you...

THAT would be ultimately cool.

Regarding the Molten Gauge... I love it, and I use it all the time. And I would buy it again and again. But one note of caution from my personal experience... I've had to replace the battery twice (not a concern)... but the problem I've found with it is that when the battery gets low, normally you would expect the display to start fading, but not mine... the first thing that happens is the gauge begins reading inaccurately, THEN the display starts fading. Example, I keep pumping up a ball because the gauge is reading 3.7, but the ball feels hard as a rock... I use my non-digital gauge, and it's reading 7.6 Like I said, it's a definite concern to be aware of, but even with that, I love it and would buy it again and again.