The skin of the balloon is really good. It smells like leather (certainly subjective) because it is not.
Personally, I easily inflated the balloon with a compressor but a bicycle pump will do just as well if you have adapted to tip.
The ball is soft. It does not hurt when you play with (I remember my high school years with balloons that made them red arms before). Play volleyball is a true pleasure. The ball bounces well. The ball flies well and is of good quality.