Robin Van Persie Sticks With the adiPower Predator

I already brought his up a few weeks back (The Curious Case of the Adidas adiPower Predator) but again the Adidas adiPower Predator needs to be highlighted while it takes the spotlight. Robin Van Persie is the player who has really brought the boots to center-stage, choosing to wear them over the new Adidas Predator LZ and scoring hat fulls of goals in the process.

We normally don’t see older models of boots hanging around so much, with brands requiring their players move to the newer models. By choosing to stick with an older model, it really makes the new range seem less effective – a pro-players endorsement can play a big role in how consumer view and buy boots and Van Persie is making a HUGE statement. I’m sure Adidas would prefer to see him in the Pred LZ, but then again I doubt they are complaining since he is scoring goals and gaining plenty of attention at the moment while wearing the signature 3-stripes.

*If you are interested in picking up a pair, there are still plenty on offer, with the best line-up left on Soccer.com.

Realistically, the Predator LZ is a completely different boot to the adiPower and they are designed to offer players a different type of performance. Having tested both, I don’t necessarily think the adiPower is a better boot than the Predator LZ, but it is a much more effective power boot. And RVP obviously feels more confident in them. And it really is as simple as that – he feels confident in them, is scoring goals and probably feels like this particular boot compliments his current style of attacking play. 8 goals in 10 games is a pretty solid return.

The big question is how long will RVP continue wearing them and will his decision influence the direction Adidas head with future releases? I’m not sure about the rest of you, but I am becoming increasingly tempted to pick up a few pairs of adiPowers before they sell out. As I have stated before:

I regularly get into conversations with fellow players about the Predator range and I must admit that the performance benefits of the adiPower rates amongst the highest in the market. Plus the fact that you can get them on sale now also adds to the value they offer.

Just in case you don’t find a pair at Soccer.com, check out the price comparison listings from all other stores below.

Predator LZ – What you need to know
The one thing we do know is that the Predator LZ takes the range in a new hybrid control/power direction. So, what makes the new Predator so different from previous editions? On this release, you get 5 different areas where technology has been employed, producing 5 different levels of performance. Rather than being a Power boot, this latest release is more of a hybrid that offers players more control right throughout their game. As is the current trend with new releases, the upper has been re-engineered to combine the properties of a leather and synthetic upper. The material used is a mix of synthetic and a new Hybrid SL, adding an interesting twist to the release.

adiPower Predator – What you need to know
The adiPower Predator itself is a pretty fantastic boot and it mimics the qualities we expect from a top line Adidas release. The overall look and performance of the 11th Predator incarnation is very competitive and they offer a great mix of power with a lightweight feel. Adidas has re-engineered the entire Predator Zone in a pretty cool way and now refer to it as the Predator Element. Basically, a silicon rubber is strategically positioned and tuned to create a uniform surface with rebound effect, for those times when you need some extra power behind your shots.