Adidas adiPOWER SL:
Background/opinion on adidas line & opinion/questions regarding adiPOWER Predator.
Footy fans here is a picture of the adidas adiPOWER Predator SL, soon to be the lightest Predator to ever hit the pitch. With the normal version weighing 8.2 oz, I am predicting that the SL version will be around 7oz.
Like Nike, adidas is making an elite version of their boots called the SL series which features adidas patented sprint frame outsole that drastically reduces the overall weight of the boot. With the speed boot craze still in demand these SL/ elite boots by adidas will be a big hit with consumers .
With the success/popularity of the adiZERO in 2010, adidas is looking to use that momentum to dominate the boot market in 2011. Not only is adidas looking to build momentum but for so long like Nike at the moment was at a stand still, adidas was not able to innovate and create new styles/boots which is where Nike still holds holds the upper hand; especially with the insertion of the CTR into their line of boots. With the SL series it will give adidas consumers more options and allow adidas to have more styles, which they lack. When you look at adidas boots/line you have the predator, adiPURE, and the F50. From my perspective, as a consumer I feel limited looking at the adidas line. In addition, by making the predator lighter I feel like adidas is killing the once ever popular power boot. With the new predator being lighter I am interested to see the comfort, durability, and technology all footy fans associate with the power boot. The predator will always be a power boot in my mind and I'm not sure if this is the direction I would have taken the boot. Sometimes what you give up in weight you sacrifice protection and power which I think matters to some consumers and professional athletes. In the end, what I am trying to say is that too much emphasis is being put on how lightweight boots are, but in this instance I think the predator fans will categorize this boot as a speed boot rather then a power boot.
In addition, thanks to eBay I have found another image of the soon to be adiPOWER. Looking at other images floating around the net I believe adidas has learned that they can no longer play it safe and from the look of their color ways it looks as if adidas has really stepped their game up. Let's face it, when you are watching games on the tele the brighter the boots the more they standout. Like Nike, adidas is following the bright color demand from a younger generation of footballers who love the flashy colors.
Concerns about the adiPOWER predator:
- Due to it's decreased weight will the boot have durability and comfort issues?
- will it still offer the patented predator game changing technology or will it just be another speed boot labeled the predator with plastic on the top for another market gimmick.
-Will the price of the SL version be reasonable or will they make the same mistake Nike made and kill the boot off with a 400 dollars price point?
What do you think about the Predator SL and about the direction adidas is taking the line?