Is it really a good idea to take beads out of a stitched footbag?
No it is not a good idea. Many kickers think they would like to do that because the footbag is harder than they would like it to be at first but after kicking it for awhile it will break down considerably. If you really want a softer footbag it is better to buy a soft one like the deCinco, the Stalling Star, or the Matrix.