Nike Ordem Ball Released – Flight Perfected

Introducing the Nike Ordem, a ball that will be used by all Nike-sponsored Federations (including the ten teams who will play in Brasil next summer) in international friendly games from early 2014. In typical Nike fashion, the Swoosh has released a new high-profile soccer ball the same day as Adidas released their World Cup 2014 ball, adding another option for fans to choose from (and possibly taking some of the spotlight away from Adidas!)

The Nike Ordem is designed to offer optimal touch with new Fuse-Welded panels; unprecedented flight control with new aerodynamic NIKE AEROW TRAC grooves; and maximum visibility with Nike RaDaR technology to help see the ball quicker.

Note: “Ordem” is a Portuguese word which means “Order”, Nike are playing off the fact next Summer’s World Cup is being hosted by Brazil.

Fuse-Welded Panels

Controlling the ball starts with the first touch, and the Nike Ordem ball is designed and engineered for a highly sensitive feel and explosive response off the foot. The ball consists of 12 fuse-welded panels in a 3-layer casing system, and a poly-blend wrapped, free-floating carbon latex bladder.

AEROW TRAC Grooves

The surface of the Nike Ordem is debossed with NIKE AEROW TRAC grooves. Nike Football’s newest proprietary innovation, these grooves are engineered to grip and channel the air to produce the truest trajectory and most consistent flight, which help ensure stability and accuaracy in mid-air.

RaDaR Technology

Across the surface of the Ordem you also get Nike’s RaDaR (Rapid Decision and Response) technology. This is a graphic pattern that creates a flickering effect as the ball rotates making it easier to see in a player’s peripheral vision and allowing for faster reactions and decision-making. The colorway is bold and has that burnt Red/Yellow effect that has become synonymous with Nike releases in recent times. The one thing that Nike do really well is connect the visual cues to create eye-catching designs. I’m excited to see how this ball compares against its predecessors.

Buying A Ball

The Nike Ordem will be available to purchase beginning December 5, 2013, but we are yet to hear about the retail price. We already have a ball on the way for testing – stay tuned for further detail on performance!

Straight Down the Middle

Along with the ball release, Nike has created a new short film called “Straight Down the Middle” that features a lighthearted golf game between iconic athletes Wayne Rooney and Rory McIlroy. In the new film, Rooney and McIlroy exchange impressive shots over the course of 18 holes – Rory with his Nike VRS Covert 2.0 driver and Wayne with the new Nike Ordem football.

Check that video below, which details the ball and its flight characteristics really well.