Soccer Improved

2 Responses to “ adidas adiPURE Competition Soccer Ball ”

1. Jesse Burk-rafel // Dec 14, 2009 at 5:28 am

   I would say that this makes an excellent practice ball. I have owned it for several weeks now.

   It has a nice touch, comes off the foot moderately quickly, and is an appropriate value/price for the quality. It holds its air well and has a relatively true shape. The white panels are of a different material than the silver panels and are a bit more rough, which helps give the ball good feel. The panels are thermally sealed as advertised, though not as seamlessly as is the case in the Adidas MLS match ball. We’ll see how the ball holds up to the elements, but it is FIFA approved, whatever that counts for.

   All in all, a decent ball. I was looking to find a ball that was of near or comparable quality to the Adidas TGII MLS match ball for a cheaper price. This ball does not achieve that — it does not come of the foot in quite as satisfying a fashion as its premium counterpart nor does it have as good of feel or swerve. But it is a nice little package that I’d recommend if you can get it for $40 or so and intend to use it mostly in practice situations, not match situations.

   Rating: 3 / 5

2. I. Hutchison // Dec 14, 2009 at 8:02 am

   I could NOT find any online reviews about this ball, so let me be the first (2009-June-23).

   Based on others’ online reviews, I had talked myself into a Nike T90 Catalyst at this price point (also in the running was the Puma v1.08, Puma King XL, and Adidas Teamgeist II MLS). But between the thermally bonded seams, a few glowing first-hand (i.e., not online) reviews from some local players in my area (one an ex-professional and soccer shop owner who had used all of those balls), and the total cost, I decided to give the AdiPure Competition a shot.

   The ball is “FIFA Approved” which means official size and weight and has gone through the complete battery of testing for shape retention and bounce characteristics (this was an important feature to me, being an engineer). It also has a two-year shape guarantee from adidas printed on the ball.

   This ball has BOUNCE–it is lively and responsive compared to the lower price point balls ($20-$30 range) that I am used to (Nike T90 Spectra and Club Team).

   This ball has thermally bonded seams, no stitching–rolls and flies true AND doesn’t absorb water.

   The graphic is growing on me (I like the newer 2008 graphic sold here over the 2007 version). It’s kinda “elegant bling”.

   In the $40-$70 range, this ball is hard to beat (paid $49 with free shipping).

   The silver panels are smooth polyurethane. The white panels have a bit of surface texture that gives the ball some grip.

   It’s manufactured in Pakistan. Ball pressure range is 11.6 to 14.5 psi (0.8 to 1.0 Bar)–it felt “right” to me at just under 12 psi. It has a latex bladder and seems to hold its air well.

   I have not had the ball long enough to comment on its durability, however.

   Hope that helps!
   Rating: 5 / 5