NEXT Video Boot Review: adiPower Predator SL

#Footy Guru Boot Gallery

Boot collection sent in from Mark representing Canada. 

Just Arrived: adiPower SL, PUMA SL, UMBRO GEO, GT PRO & SPECIALI

I will be busy this month reviewing these boots. Let me know what you want reviewed pronto. 

In addition, at the end of February I will be giving away a couple of boots away as a thank you and to spread some footy love. Stay tuned and please let me know what review you would like to see first.

Adidas AdiPower Predator Kinetic SL - Black-Electricty-Blue - Hands on

adiPower Predator SL was one of the most unique concept boots produced in 2011. I was never able to see this color way, which I refer to it as the "PlayStation" release in person because it was a soccer.com exclusive. 

An un-boxing is like Christmas and I think this video showcases these boots perfectly.

Adidas adipower Predator SL TEASER...

One of the best releases of the year in the boot world came in 2011 and that was the introduction of the Predator SL; a hybrid boot which features the F50 sprint frame and the style/build of the new adiPower Predator. Many consumers are comparing the SL to the regular Predators but before you get started and start to think you should stop because you cannot compare these boots because they are completely different boots.

The SL is made of a synthetic upper which is what you get when you buy a pair of the adizeros. The synthetic has its advantages as much as consumers like to hate on it but with the insertion of a synthetic upper to a boot it increases the boots durability along with making it very easy to break in. Along with the durability and the aspect of easy break in time the synthetic upper drastically decreases the weight of the boot which is what many consumers are all about. I do not know how many times I get asked that question…How much does the boot weigh??? With the weight of the boot decreased it allows players to still feel light and fast in not so great conditions like a rainy day or a water soaked pitch.

Just like on the adipower the SL version has the same off center lacing system that enables the boot to form a glove like fit around your foot and with this fit which I think is the best on the market allows  your striking surface to increase so you have a better/bigger surface area to connect with the ball. The biggest complaint about the SL comes when you get to the Predator Element. In fact the SL has no Predator Element as all because in order to decrease the weight adidas had to forgo the technology in order to keep the weight of the boot down. Some consumers believe that if you call it the Predator SL you should have the technology because at the end of the day it is kind of like false advertising. However, my opinion and the statement I originally made is that you cannot compare these boots at all because with this release adidas created a concept boot for consumers to spark consumers and to show their creative side/imagination. In the end, the release/ introduction of the Predator SL was one of the most unique boot releases this year and from many consumers responses they like the idea of a concept lighter weight boot that has the properties of the predator but by no means is the Predator.

Blogger Note: Check out the teaser images of the next Predator SL color way. Once again, unlike any other boot this boot will fade from bright green to a navy all the way back to the heel. By far this is one of the best color ways I have seen in the boot!

adiPower Predator SL Teaser...

Phantom/Warning/Silver Metallic Adidas adiPower Predator SL

Adidas has recently released the Phantom/Warning/Silver Metallic color way in the adiPower Predator SL in the US. The SL which has caught many boot fans by surprise because it is a concept boot that is unlike any other boot on the market. The SL features a synthetic upper and a sprint frame outsole which includes the power Spine technology which helps increase the force of your strike. The paint job on the boot is unlike anything I have ever seen on the market. The boot design/color starts at the toe and as you make your way back to the heel of the boot it gradually fades into a blackout heel. During the first initial release of these boots many Predator fans were discouraged because they thought adidas had altered the Predator too much.

For example, in order to decrease the weight of the boot adidas did not include the power zone on the boot but sill kept the Predator name which many fans did not agree with because they believed it was a falsification of the Predator boot/silo. However, with this release adidas focused on the concept of speed and lightweight and in my opinion I do not think they were trying to fool any consumers. I believe they simply wanted to go outside the box and create a concept boot that resembled similarities of the Predator but also had the tools to make it a concept/elite speed boot on the market. Many consumers between the ages of 16-18 want boots that no one else has and view the SL/Elite boots that Nike and adidas produce as limited boots and when something is limited or elite consumers want the best.

In the end, if you are an attacking player that is always on the move and is in need of an elite boot the Predator SL might be the boot for you. Registering in at 6.8 oz the SL is truly a concept boot made for the modern day fast paced game. Price of the boot is $250.

Blogger Note: Have not had the opportunity to test these boots but with the help of adidas I am hoping to test these boots in the coming months.

  

The Super Light adidas adiPower Predator SL

Cool video from Soccer.com that shows the new adipower Predator SL floating in the background!

adiPower Predator SL Teaser...

Released late November...

Thanks Jeremy!

Take your pick but any of these boots are top class/elite boots.

Blogger note: Jeremy just wanted to say thanks for the leaks along with the support. 

Awesome boot collection and I love how it is a mixture of Nike and adidas.

Adipower Predator SL Un-Boxing...

Adipower Predator SL Un-Boxing.

Blogger Note: It is official Footy Guru has a You Tube Channel called "FOOTYGURUinc" where i will mostly show/upload videos of boots and other interesting footy stuff. In addition, expect some other interesting/cool changes and upgrades to the site in the next month.

adidas adipower Predator SL TRX FG TEASER...

One of the most exciting launches this year in the boot world was the introduction of the hybrid version of the adipower Predator SL. Basically considered as the elite version of the current adipower Predater adidas showed their creativity by recreating a boot  which in my mind is a pure concept boot. 

The SL which is very similar to the regular Predator is different in two major ways. The first big difference is that the SL boot does not have the predater technology which stirs the question to many consumers that why in the world did adidas call this a Predator when it does not have any Predator technology. Secondly, the SL version comes with a synthetic upper which is unique because forever the Predator has only had a leather based upper. By changing the upper and going with synthetic it allows adidas to greatly reduce the weight of the boot and market it has a SL/elite silo in the range of boots. However, one draw back about the SL range is the price increase and if you are a true predator fan it makes you wonder about this boot because it does not have the technology but is called the Predator SL. Price of the boot is $250 and both the black and white color ways are available at soccer.com. This color way will be released mid-November which is a pretty sick color way in my opinion because the boot has a faded pattern on the toe box which we have never seen before.

RELEASED MID-NOVEMBER

Adidas adiPower Predator SL TRX FG Soccer Cleats (Phantom/Warning/Metallic Silver)

The Predator SL is a super-light version of the adiPower Predator. The adiPower Predator is designed for those who attack their opponents. The adiPower Predator is designed with the player in mind. The adiPower Predator SL is the newest generation of Predators, weighing in at a rediculous 7 ounces, which is thelightestPred to date. Besides being so light, you'll almost forget your wearing soccer cleats, they are given the name Predator, which means they have Predator technology, giving you the ultimate in ball control, swerve and power. Start finding the back of the net in these bad boys while wearing a cleat so light and comfortable, you'll be able to go the entire 90! The lightest adiPower Predator SL has evolved into one of the top shoes in the game today, just turn on the TV, you'll see plenty of stars putting their trust in the Predator. Predator is a line not to be messed with, it's time to take your game to the next level!

UPPER:TheAdidas adiPower Predator SLis able to reduce the weight even more by unleashing a super light version of the adiPower Predator. Crafted with a synthetic upper for the ultimate in fit, feel and performance.INSOLE:Pre-molded EVA sockliner with additional anti-slip EVA inserts on the backside.
OUTSOLE:Sprint Frame construction outsole. Traxion offers maximum ground penetration and minimum stud pressure. Quickly change pace and direction due to the unique placement of the studs.

The adiPower Predator SL is ALL IN, we think it's about time that you do the same, pick up your pair today! Your game will thank you.
Blogger Note: Just wanted to thank Footy Guru follower Jeremy for sending me the picture/information regarding this leak. Working on getting a pair of these to review but at $250.00 this boot is an investment.

Black/Electric adiPower Predator SL close up...

Adidas adipower Predator SL: PART 1

Adidas adipower Predator SL REVIEW: PART 1

The Good: The SL version of the predator which is this year’s hottest boot is brought to you by adidas as a limited edition special boot. The SL version is even lighter than its predecessor and comes with a synthetic upper to further decrease the overall weight of the boot.

The Bad: The boot does not have the Predator technology and even though it is lighter than the regular predator without the technology this boot is not a power boot but rather a F50 with the Predator NAME.

The Bottom line: The boot is an investment at $250.00 and without the Predator technology/element as a consumer I question the value/point of the boot. Rather then focus on the weight, I would have liked adidas to make the predator in a synthetic version to satisfy a majority of the consumers needs/wants but by removing the predator element I think it devalues the boot and what it is made for.

adidas adipower Predator SL TRX FG

Teaser image of the adiPOWER Predator SL...

PREDATOR SL RELEASED

It is now fact that the adiPower Predator SL exists and will be available to the public/soccer specialty consumer. I doubt adidas will offer this to the big box store also known as Dick’s Sporting Goods but you never know. There are some boots that I think Nike and adidas need to keep in soccer specific stores in order to keep them unique/limited.

Released in October

Furthermore, with this elite boot adidas created a hybrid/lightweight power boot that weighs 7.4 oz. The difference, between the regular Predator and the SL is the upper along with the Predator technology. In order to decrease the weight adidas used the synthetic/single layer sprintskin upper rather than the Taurus upper which is a result of a difference of 0.4 oz less than the regular Predator. This boot will retail at $250 which will be interesting to see how consumers perceive this SL/Elite boot. In a way, when companies make an elite silo for the elite player/professional sometimes it devalues the regular model but with this price point I think adidas set it at a realistic.  

PREDATOR KINETIC SL TRX FG

PREDATOR KINETIC SL TRX FG

Consider these football boots your new secret weapon on the pitch. Built to dominate firm natural playing fields, these adidas PREDATOR® Kinetic SL TRX FG boots feature a lightweight welded sprint frame, a SPRINTSKIN upper and a powerspine forefoot for maximum shooting power.

Features

PREDATOR Kinetic SL TRX FG Boots

Consider these football boots your new secret weapon on the pitch. Built to dominate firm natural playing fields, these adidas PREDATOR® Kinetic SL TRX FG boots feature a lightweight welded sprint frame, a SPRINTSKIN upper and a powerspine forefoot for maximum shooting power.

PREDATOR® technology in the forefoot for more power, swerve and ball contact; SPRINTSKIN single-layer synthetic upper for incredible ball feel and reduced weight

Welded sprint frame upper provides lightweight support and breathability

Powerspine technology in the forefoot creates maximum shooting power

AgION™ anti-microbial treatment stops odours and prevents bacterial and fungal growth (ultra-light sockliner only)

Check them out on the adidas website and for more information visit my original post on the boots.

adiPower SL/adidas

FOOTY GURU Post/SL

What do you think of adidas creating an SL series?

Massive adidas leak 6/15/11

It seems as if adidas is not letting up on their boot releases and the adiPower Predator SL, adiPure SL, and the next color way in the adiZero Prime are on their way to the pitches soon. Check out some of the leaked images of the boots.

 The adipure IV SL is one of the most amazing boots on the market at the moment from adidas. The three stripe company took the beloved adipure IV and made a hybrid version of the classic/sleek heritage boot by putting the Sprint Frame out sole on the boot to decrease the weight of the boot and to make it the perfect modern day speed boot designed with the old school feel/style that all true footballers love.

 The next color way in the Prime is already in production. Weighing in at an astonishing 5.2 oz the boot is the lightest boot on the market. However, due to the cost and seeing that the original adizero is only a little heavier I have seen consumers stay with the regular adizeros due to the high price of the Primes.

With the adiPower Predator recently released many consumers have already begun to look in the future at the adiPower Predator SL version which will be produced and sold sometime this year. In addition, rather then feature the calf skin upper like the normal Predator this boot will use the adidas sprint skin along with the sprint frame out sole which has consumer in a buzz. I am estimating that the Sl will weigh around 6 oz and be a hit with Predator fans.

AdiPOWER Predator; adidas sells out. RIP power & accuracy

Passion for the Product- above me/footy guru
 T-shirt I made for an interview I had at adidas.

GOOD OLD DAYS...

Besides the hoopla that adidas has set the tone in 2011 by creating the lightest boot on the market, blah blah Lighter is not always better, market gimmicks make poor consumers believe that the lighter the boot the faster you are. You could put messinator and ronnie in a boot that weighs a ton and they are still going to be the fastest players on the pitch. Let me make this clear, players make the boot, the boot does not make the player. You can not teach speed and if you have ever truly been tackled so hard wearing these speed boots you will think twice about how light and rather focus on how much protection is this boot going to offer me. I am more concerned with one of the most popular boots of all time. A boot that changed the game of soccer in terms of technology, style, and comfort. A boot that in the past couple releases has begun to die little by little. What boot is on my mind....

The predator which at one time was the best boot you could buy, now days however people are walking right by it and going for the super light weight boot that looks like something you would wear to a ballet reception. Sure the trend is light weight boots, but I think the predator line has struggled to innovate and put their one of a kind technology what got them to soccer supremacy in the boot world on the back burner and focussed more on how light they could make the boot. With the new adiPower getting ready to hit a store near you, it will be interesting to see if this boot flops like the predator x did on the Footy market. The predator has always been a power boot, a boot that possess the technology to allow you to make that game changing cross or shot that changes the game. Again, the player makes the boot but the predator used to be that go to boot that elite players flocked to in order to raise their game or to get more power/accuracy around their shot. With adidas giving in and making the boots super light you have to think the power, technology, comfort, and protection this boot once produced is now gone. Lighter is not always better and if you are an elite player you need a stable boot that provides comfort/protection in order to get you through your season. Back in college I would take knocks while wearing the vapors and playing a Friday, Sunday schedule it would be hard to recover if I had a bone bruise at the top of my foot...

In the end, only time will tell but in my opinion the past couple of predators have taken a back seat to innovation. I think the power swerve technology is a interesting technology and something that combined with a new upper/rubber knobs then the predator could be the power boot that elite players go to. Making the predator lighter is not the option that I would have taken the series and if adidas was smart they would make a power boot/hybrid that was the weight of 9 oz that packed power behind your shot. I can not imagine how much power of increase in surface area you can get with a boot that weighs 5.8 oz. Should be interesting how consumers perceive this boot and technology. I still believe this boot has all the tools it needs to be the power boot it used to be but ultimately I believe adidas sold out and followed the trend of making a boot as light as possible with a sticker on the boots that says defenders please step on my foot, I have no protection.

Issues i see on the adiPOWER Predator?

How much protection will these boot provide?
RIP power, accuracy? Will this boot be a game changer or has all the technology gone into making it as light as possible?
How durable is this boot going to be? With the sprint frame outsole will the cleats be snapping like they did on the F50?
Will this be the boot/predator that people take a chance on, or will it flop like the predator X?

From the fans of the predator, are you happy where adidas has taken the predator line?

Consumer feedback regarding this post:

"Just checked out your newest blog.....love the Predator t-shirt.

Also love the post. Predators are may favorite footy boots of all time; CTR is 2nd though I have never used them; but appreciate the concept and reviews that I have read about them.

My favorite Predators are the Pulse's. I have a pair of the lower level ones and love them.
I also love the PowerSwerve ones with the ClimaCool technology (love the black and white color).

I am really disappointed in the direction Adidas has taken Predators. I thought their new release was a chance to get back to their roots and make up for the mistakes they made with Predator X........I think adiPower just took an even larger dent out of the Predator legacy. Predators are not meant to be a speed boot. they are pure power and control plain and simple. They are trying too hard to be something they are not; which is very disappointing."

-Anonymous

Adidas adiPOWER Predator SL:

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?