Wednesday 22 June 2011

Boot Families Pt.1 - Nike Mercurial Range

There are 5 different mercurial boots, all with different features and price tags which might make it confusing for some. This is why I've decided to make a guide to the Nike Mercurial Range.
Remember once again all prices are according to Pro Direct)

Nike Mercurial Victory II
Price: $80
Weight: 277g
Available in: FG/SG/AG/Indoor/Astro

The Nike Mercurial Victory II starts off the guide being the cheapest and the heaviest of the range. Weighing in at 277g it is hardly heavy and is one of the most popular boots for players after an affordable pair that still offers that unique "mercurial" look. Available in Firm-Ground, Soft-Ground,Artificial Grass, Indoor and Astro and costs $80 regardless of which outsole you buy.



Nike Mercurial Glide II
Price: $110
Weight: 255g
Available in: FG/SG/AG & Astro
Weighing 22g less than its little brother, the Nike Mercurial Glide II is a big hit with Mercurial fans due to its low price tag and of course its famous lace cover. The lace cover Nike has removed from the Vapors VII remains on the Glides which is a major reason some players stick with the Glides. It is available in Firm Ground, Soft Ground, Artificial Grass and Astro and is priced at $110.



Nike Mercurial Miracle II
Price: $150
Weight: 243g
Available in: FG/SG
The halfway point in our guide being the Nike Mercurial Miracle II. Being only a fractionally heavier than the Vapor VII, the Miracles are very popular with fans due to their similar look compared to the vapors and superflys. Containing a soleplate with a glass fibre heel section makes the boots strong yet lightweight. Weighing only 243g and only priced at $150 the Nike Mercurial Miracles II are available in Firm Ground and Soft Ground.


Nike Mercurial Vapor VII
Price: $240
Weight: 230g
Available in: FG/SG
The seventh incarnation of the original speed boot, the Nike Mercurial Vapor. The Nike Mercurial Vapor VII is the "prince" of the mercurial range. The famous lace cover has been removed but a full glass-fibre soleplate is a favourite feature that remains. Weighing 13g lighter than the Miracle II the Vapor VII weigh in at 230g and come in at 8th in our Top 10 lightest football boots in the world list. Priced at $240 it is available in Firm Ground and Soft Ground.

Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III
Price: $450
Weight: 210g
Available in: FG
The pinnacle of the Mercurial Range the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III is the boot that is worn by professionals all over the world. One of the most technologically-focused boot containing Flywire, Nike Sense Adaptive Traction Studs and a full carbon fibre soleplate which offers strength whilst being light and flexible. Weighing only 210g it ranks 7th in our Top 10 lightest football boots in the world list. Costing a hefty $450 it is a boot not seen very often in amateur leagues with players opting for the "take-down" versions.

So that is my brief overview of the Nike Mercurial range. I hope it has made your decision easier when purchasing a pair of mercurials. If you would like to see more guides on Footballer's Weapons if so comment below. (:

Top 10 Lightest Football Boots - 2011

The weight of a football boot is something a player always checks before purchasing his weapon of choice for the season. Surprisingly not all of these boots below are considered "Speed" boots. (All prices all according to Pro-Direct)

1.Adidas F50 adizero Prime (Synthetic) - 145 grams
The record breaking Adidas F50 adizero Prime weighs in at just 145g, 20 grams lighter than the standard adizero. Priced at $335, not many would complain about the adizero Prime's heavy price tag. They're a very unique boot but many question if it is worth over $300.
Available in: FG




2.Puma V1.11 SL - 150g
The Puma V1.11 SL (Super-Light) has been developed for super speed enhancing performance. Weighing an incredible 150g it is priced at $320.This Puma V1.11 SL shouldn't be judged by the fact that is is only slightly heavier than the adizero Prime, considering that it is a bit cheaper.
Available in: FG



3.Adidas F50 adizero TRX - 165g
The Adidas F50 adizero TRX is 20g heavier than its father boot, the adizero Prime, but then again the adizero TRX are over $100 cheaper and also are still 45g lighter than the Nike Mercurial Superfly III. Weighing only 165g and priced at only $230, these are only classified as a "PRO" boot and will be the better option for players who aren't willing to cash out on them "ELITE" boots.
Available in : FG/SG/HG

4. Adidas F50 adizero TRX (Leather) - 175g 
The Adidas F50 adizero TRX Leather version is the third boot in the "F50" range featuring on the list. Costing the same $230 as its synthetic brother it weighs an extra 10g compared to the synthetic version and carrys an extra 30g compared to the adizero Prime. Worn by Lionel Messi as he himself says "that touch on the ball is invaluable to me", opting to go for the leather option although they are heavier.
Available in: FG

5.Adidas adiPURE IV SL TRX - 200g
The Adidas adiPURE IV SL TRX is the first non-speed boot to appear on the list weighing only an incredible 200g. The leather boot are the lightest adiPUREs ever and weight less than the Nike Mercurial Superfly III something which many adiPURE fans would be happy about. Costing the same as the adizero Prime at $335 it is still a bit costly.
Available in: FG


6.Under Armour Blur Pro - 200g
The Under Armour Blur Pro is the cheapest boot on the list costing only $160 and weighing just over 200g. A speed boot created by Under Armour ,who's significance isn't as big as Nike or Adidas, making the boot an affordable one.
Available in: FG



7.Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly 3 - 210g
Our first Nike boot on the list, the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III is one of the best looking boots in the market at the moment.Weighing in at 210g and is probably the most technological boot meaning a hefty price tag. Costing an astonishing $450 it is an expensive boot also being heavier than the adizero range many people complain about this boot being overpriced. I personally own a pair and love them preferring these over the adizeros but don't let my opinion affect yours when you are buying. Available in: FG

8.Nike Mercurial Vapor VII - 230g
The Nike Mercurial Vapor VII is the Superfly's little brother and is preferred by many players who can't afford the Superfly. It weighs 230g and costs almost $200 cheaper than it's older brother at $230 and around the same price as the standard adizero. This is the seventh incarnation of the Nike Mercurial Vapor series with the first being made all the way back in 2002.
Available in: FG/SG

9.Mizuno Morelia Ultra Light Hulk - 235g
The Mizuno Morelia Ultra Light Hulk is a leather boot weighing in at 235g and costing $175 which might appeal to some players on a budget.
A very popular weapon used by many South American players with skill, flair and control.

Available in: FG


10.Adidas adiPOWER Predator TRX - 235g
Adidas adiPOWER Predator TRX is the 5th Adidas boot on the list and finished in 10th of the lightest football boots in the world. Weighing only 235g and is 25% lighter than the last Predator boots. Priced at $250 this is the boot for players who require power AND speed in their game. Available in:FG - 235 / HG - 245g / SG - 250g
                                                    

There it is, the Top 10 Lightest Football boots in the world. If there are any errors made or missing from the list please comment below. Thank You (: