Reviews
Reviews
IGOAL
Jumpers for goalposts is all very well, but why not sort yourself out with something altogether more special this Christmas and actually get some goalposts?
The boffins at www.redyset.com have created IGOAL, a range of fully inflatable goals of differing sizes which can be set-up, in the case of the 6′ x 12′ ‘Junior’ version we tested, with the minimum of fuss. Much impresses about the IGOAL; from the sheer ingenuity of the idea, the rather cunning bag in which the goal is stored, the ease of getting the goal inflated and ready to use (it took about a minute), to the design and overall quality of the product itself. The fact that the IGOAL comes with the pump and pegs required to inflate and secure the goal means that all you need in order to get playing is a ball and a mate. Aside from the inevitable jokes about inflatables from the more churlish, lowbrow members of the ESPN team the overriding sense was one of jealously from those who passed by casting admiring glances at the IGOAL in action. I know what you’re thinking; ‘that all sounds good, but I bet getting back in the bag is a hassle’. Well, you’d be wrong. We managed to get it deflated, packed and stowed with remarkable ease. The versatility of IGOAL is also worth spelling out. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a toy or something for simple recreational use, the quality and durability means it can comfortably be put through its paces in a competitive game or used by coaches for training and would be particularly suitable for schools or grassroots football. With sizes ranging from the 6′ x 4′ ‘Mini’ to full size there’ll be a version of IGOAL to suit any needs and as it comes with its own bag taking it from A to B and back again is not a problem, in fact it couldn’t be easier.
Galaxy’s global brand led by Beckham
Shirt design is important to clubs across the world, so much so that they often employ lots of designers to sit in small rooms for 18 hours a day before they are allowed to come up with a new offering for the fans.
To welcome David Beckham to the MLS, LA Galaxy did just this (not a moment too soon, given the garish nature of their previous shirt) and have come up with one of the fastest selling shirts in history. Ok, that may be more down to the fact that they have signed a global celebrity like Beckham than the excellent design of the shirt itself, but it’s still impressive, regardless of the wearer. Most shirts being sold around the country are replicas, as you would expect. This one, however, is the real deal. The two stars above the newly designed quasar badge that represent the club’s two MLS Cup wins tell you so, and soccernetstore has the exclusive on the authentic that the players themselves wear. Before Becks’ arrival in LA, Tim Leiweke, president of AEG who own the Los Angeles Galaxy, had said: ‘We have a good name but we need a more legendary, traditional kind of look and the kit and badge will change. We made a decision that it was time to start thinking how we can create a world brand. David Beckham will obviously help enormously with that.’ And he has. A quarter of a million shirts were ordered before it was even unveiled, which says a lot. Indeed, with Beckham in mind, the Galaxy designers decided to look around the global scene and ended up with a home shirt that looks vastly similar to Real Madrid’s home kit. Not a bad move given the Spanish club’s popularity worldwide; while the away version is a decent looking navy number with a yellow trim. Galaxy chief Alexi Lalas has been more specific in the past, saying: ‘When I think of the Galaxy I think of dark blue.’ An odd choice perhaps, but he’ll certainly be happy with the away kit. For the wearer, the flattened seams are important for comfort and, as with most of the new shirts out there these days, it is made with the latest technology, three dimensional design and other such exciting innovations to keep the player happy. Comfortable, good looking and a vast improvement on the yellow and green outfit they sported pre-Beckham, Galaxy’s new shirts are designed to take them into the global consciousness. Whether or not a shirt can do this on its own is up for debate, but the Beckham 23 (no mistake that Chicago Bulls’ basketball superstar Michael Jordan wore the same number by the way) has broken all kinds of records, so the proof is in the figures. Beckham was worth over $600 million in marketing revenue for Real Madrid. Galaxy can expect the same and with a considered shirt design like this, they won’t be far behind. • Click here to get your own Galaxy shirt from soccernetstore.com
Tiempo Ronaldinho cleats
With a new cleat to come up with, Nike have gone to one of the best players in the world for ideas over their new design.
Brazilian genius Ronaldinho was asked for his opinion on how Nike’s previously excellent Air Legends could be changed and improved, and what he came up with was used to make the Tiempo Ronaldinho cleats. Overall, these cleats are strong and a good buy! They are made from Kangaroo leather that repels water well and they’re very soft, strong and easily mold to your feet, which is a real bonus. The only problem is that they have the extra cleat near the ball of the foot so you might get a blister for a while until your feet get used to them. Ronaldinho wanted the boots to feel as much like playing barefoot as possible, and with high performance air cushioning Poron, the cleats will eventually provide enough comfort while bringing the feet a bit lower to the ground. They certainly dig well into the turf/grass and don’t slip, while they also have a flexible outsole plate and some pretty cool textured tips on each stud to give the cleats better control of the ball. There’s also a massive ’sweet-spot’ on the in-step and inner foot area for purer ball contact, which is great for free-kicks and volleys. They are a bit on the expensive side but worth the cash. If it’s good enough for Ronaldinho, then it’s good enough for you!
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