Categories
FC Barcelona Product Reviews

Review: FC Barcelona pre-match top

 

2011-2012 FCB Training Jersey

 

By FC Barcelona ambassador Gerard Banez

 

 This is the jersey that you see Messi and the rest of the FCB gang wear prior to game time. As much I like to identify with those guys, I fall short of putting this shirt on during the pregame and switching to the game shirt once play begins. That said, I really like this jersey and find it a versatile piece of soccer fashion. It’s a good piece of casual wear for activities like running errands or cheering on your kids as they play. The shirt allows me to support FCB in a way more subtle than donning the game jersey. It looks like it may also be a great workout shirt, but it feels too nice for me to use in that way.

 

FC Barcelona pre-match top black

 

The Look

Like all the FCB merchandise I have reviewed or purchased, this jersey is relatively simple in design but stylish. My favorite features are the red & yellow ribbed neck/sleeve cuffs and stripe across the center of the shirt. They contrast well with the black body of the jersey. Also of note is the screened FCB on the back of the jersey. Just in case people don’t recognize the badge on the front, the FCB provides another clue as to who I root for.

 

FC Barcelona pre-match top backside FCB

 

 

The Cut

This shirt fits just like the authentic & replica game jersey. I prefer a slightly looser fit, and the size ‘L’ training jersey fits just like the ‘L’ game jerseys.

 

The Feel

Like the other FCB jerseys, this shirt is made of Nike Dri-Fit fabric. The fabric appears to be thinner and of a lesser weight than the game jersey fabric, but it has substance and seems durable. The fabric will do well in warmer temperatures and is very comfortable.

 

Bottom Line

Another excellent piece of FCB merchandise and a good alternative to game jersey. I can see this one quickly becoming one of my favorites because it looks so nice and is appropriate to wear in many different situations.

 

Categories
FIFA WC | UEFA EURO Product Reviews

Review: Denmark DBU shorts and socks

Review: Denmark soccer shorts and socks

By Aaron Holtsclaw

 Today I am reviewing the remainder of the kit for the Danish National Team. I previously reviewed the jersey and I went into the history of the team and their success on the European level. That being done, I am going to focus on the parts of the kit that is often overlooked and under purchased by football fans. Myself being a Manchester United supporter, I own plenty of their jerseys but do I own the equal amount of shorts? No. There is not often times where you would wear the full kit for a team but seeing it together in this light makes me want to. The shorts are mainly white and made out of Adidas Climacool fabric. The fabric feels nice on your legs as you run or walk in these shorts and the contrast to the mainly red jersey looks very attractive to the eye. Above the right knee is the crest of the team which I explained the meaning of in my previous review. On the back of the left leg is the Adidas logo which features the manufacturer prominently but doesn’t detract from the main focus of the kit which is the team logo. As always, the Adidas stripes run down each leg in red rounding out the details. Of the few football shorts I own, these are one of the nicest. The overall look and feel is awesome. I would highly recommend these shorts to any supporter of the Danish National Team or to any American Football fan that has Danish roots. It’s a nice way to show off your heritage and support a great side in Europe. The last part of the kit is the socks. The socks are the same color of red as the jersey. The only other color is white in a few places. First, the Adidas stripes at the top of the sock where the elastic is dominates the look and says, “These are Adidas socks.” On the front of the sock is the DBU from the crest letting the wearer know that these aren’t average socks, they belong to the remainder of the Danish kit. The back of the calf has the Adidas logo in a raised pattern sewn into the socks like the DBU showing the quality of the craftsmanship put into these socks. Some socks have a heat transfer or thin construction to them which gives draws attention to the bootleg quality. It is clear that these socks are made of pure quality. The last feature is a number 5 within a circle. I am not sure if that is a sock size or something else but in US sizes, I wear a size 13 shoe and my feet fit comfortably inside these socks. They have the right amount of compression and room so they aren’t too constrictive. I am a big fan of socks and these are some of my favorites.  Though I am American, getting the chance to review this kit and explore the history of this team has turned me into a supporter. I can proudly wear these when I watch the team play in the future.

Categories
Chelsea Product Reviews

Product Description: Chelsea youth shorts 11-12

Look Cool And Stay Comfortable With The Adidas Chelsea Youth Soccer Shorts Item #V13912 

 

 

Manufactured by Adidas, these shorts are guaranteed to keep you comfortable while helping you look good at the same time. The shorts are made from 100% Clima Cool Polyester, so your sweat is pulled away from your body and you stay cooler whether you are playing a game, working out, or just relaxing around the house. The Adidas Chelsea soccer shorts are made to be durable, so they can stand up to all of your great moves and last a long time. The exquisite logo on the right front panel of the shorts add to the appealing look of these shorts, and the elastic waistband ensures a proper fit and comfortable wear. Available in sizes ranging from youth extra small to youth extra large, it is a sure bet that every young soccer player will love to wear these shorts out on the field.

 

Chelsea home shorts 11-12 youth

 

Buying the Adidas Chelsea youth soccer short is very easy and convenient when online ordering is used. These shorts can be found at fantastic savings when you compare prices online, and the price you pay can be less than $50. The white striping on the sides of the short add a decorative edge, and the comfortable fabric offers flexibility in movement that many other shorts can not provide. The blue and white colors offer a nice contrast and sporty fashionable look, and the fact that this apparel is machine washable is just an added bonus. Designed to stand up to rugged wear and hard play, these shorts are also designed to look great the entire time and offer an ideal fit both on and off the field.

 

 

 

Categories
FIFA WC | UEFA EURO Product Reviews

Review: England home jersey 10-12

 Review: England national team jersey

By Aaron Holtsclaw

 

I am reviewing an extremely nice England Jersey manufactured by Umbro. It is all white with no stripes or other markings on the shirt. There are tiny red and blue crosses in a pattern around the neck and shoulder areas but otherwise it is dominated by white. The England crest sits above the wearers heart with the 3 Lions stretched across it. Above the crest in white on white is a single star for the World Cup victory in 1966. The other breast is adorned with the Umbro logo which appears out of place on such a pristine jersey. The collar is almost like a throwback to the jerseys worn by the 1966 team. Most replica jerseys have a very average collar similar to a t-shirt while this jersey has something special. If you could travel back in time, you could imagine Sir Bobby Charlton running around the pitch in this jersey. You might be distracted by his comb over hairstyle which tried to hide his bald spot but your eyes would be drawn back to this awesome jersey. It fits snug on a person used to wearing a 3XL shirt.  The listed size is 46 which would probably translate to a XL or XXL in the United States.  Though it fits snug, this is a nice Jersey with excellent construction and a clean look to it. Though England is going into Euro 2012 with a bit of controversy around the Wayne Rooney red card, you could see him or potential future England Captain Phil Jones wearing this jersey in the tournament as they try to shake off years of disappointment and win a major trophy. Regardless of whether you want to wear this jersey looking forward to the next tournament or to support the history of this great countries side which has yet failed to live up to expectations, you will look great in this jersey.

England home jersey 10-11

 

 

Categories
FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern knitted hat and scarf

Review: FC Bayern knitted hat and scarf

By MM Sports FCB ambassador Ben Roden 

 

Winter in the Rocky Mountains can be awfully bleak. The winds are biting, the snow lies in intimidating drifts, and with the MLS season coming to a close last Sunday, there is an alarming lack of domestic football.  As the mercury drops and the days darken, there are only a few comforts available to me -Christmas, the January transfer window, and of course, my new FC Bayern Munich scarf and hat. 

 

Both officially-licensed items are exemplary pieces of fan gear – simple, classy, and functional.

 

FC Bayern knitted hat and scarf

 

 

The cozy, one-size-fits-all knit hat is black, and features a large embroidered Bayern crest on the folded hem, but is otherwise unadorned. It’s the kind of casual, easy item that looks as home on the street as it does in the stands.

 

FC Bayern knitted hat cuffed

 

 

The scarf is similarly versatile – incredibly attractive whether protecting your neck from frigid winds or brandished above your head in drunken reverie as Bayern bombard the goal of their hapless opponents.  Eschewing Bayern’s typical red and white palette, this scarf is a deep blue with white fringes and accents.  The club name, in white, is printed across the length of the scarf, and is flanked on either side by a Bayern crest, complete with gold stars stitched in metallic thread.

 

FC Bayern scarf logo navy

 

 

This cold-weather duo affords all the warmth needed to brave the impending Arctic fury, and the all the style needed to attract Bavarian beer-maidens like moths to a flame…well, one can hope.

Whether or not these products will actually earn you some post-Oktoberfest companionship is up for debate; however, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be happy to be supporting Bayern in this smart fanwear.

Lastly, a warning: while you’re decked out in your Bayern gear this Holiday season, embittered Schalke fans may mistake you for the Bavarian Grinch who recently slunk down the chimney and plucked Manuel Neuer from under the Christmas tree.

 

Categories
Product Reviews Valencia

Review: Valencia CF away jersey 11-12

Review: Valencia CF away jersey 11-12

By Peter Locascio

 

The review features the Valencia away jersey for the season 2011-12. The format of the review does not allow it to be included successfully in a blogpost. Therefore the review follows on an external page.

Click on the banner here below and you will go directly to the review. Disclaimer! By clicking the link a new window opens up.

 

 

Click here to read the review of the Valencia away jersey 11-12

 

Categories
Misc. Clubs . . . Product Reviews

Review: AS Roma home jersey 11-12

Kappa Roma Home 11/12 Jersey Review

 

By Zach Jepson

 

To put it simply, the new 11/12 home Roma jersey by Kappa is visually stunning but has some setbacks that keep it from being a “must-buy”.  First, the most notable feature of the shirt is that it is made of a material known as Lycra.  Lycra can best be described as almost a spandex like material and because of that, it makes the overall fit of the jersey very tight.  The new kit also features embroidered club crest, kappa logo, screened “Wind” sponsor, and screened kappa logos.  The crest on the home shirt differs than those on the away and third shirts.  The crest on the home is the original crest while the new crest is featured on the other shirts.  The embroidered Kappa name is located on the right shoulder, making it a unique location compared to the other larger manufacturers.  The screened Kappa logos are on either side running from the bottom hem to the armpit, I personally think these weren’t needed and it makes the shirt a bit “busy”.  The “Wind” sponsor is a highlight for me as I have always been a fan of it and the blue in the curved line really looks great on the burgundy and orange of the jersey. 

 

AS Roma home jersey 11-12

 

 

                      Now, I love the shirt because of how it is just entirely different than anything Nike, Adidas, or Puma releases to the public.  The colors are outstanding and they are much brighter than what is shown on the website.  You have to see this jersey in person to see how stunning it looks. I wore this shirt around town and got a lot of compliments from strangers…lots of lady strangers, that’s right guys, want to talk to a new lady friend?  Buy this shirt.  But listen to this advice first.  Kappa’s sizing is absolutely crazy.  I don’t know what they could be possibly thinking but I think they must be based out of Amsterdam rather than Italy (Amsterdam, that’s not a knock on you—you keep doing what you do).  If you want a size similar to your normal jersey or t-shirt size you need to order three sizes up.  If you want a tight fit like how a Nike compression shirt or Under Armour Coldgear shirt would fit, then order two sizes up from your regular size.  This means if you’re a small in Adidas and you want a looser fit then you need to order an XL in this.  I wear a large in Nike, Adidas and Puma…I’m a XXXL in this.  Now, this is where thing’s get even wackier.  Not all of Kappa’s sizing is the same!  A Fulham shirt by Kappa fits differently than these Roma shirts.  I have a 10/11 Fulham shirt (Go Dempsey!  I’m from the USA…yes I know I’m a Spurs fan, Dempsey is an exception), and it is made from Lycra too but their sizing is much more similar to how a Nike or Adidas shirt would fit like.  I recommend only going up one size in those.  If you wear a large, grab an XL in a Fulham Kappa shirt.  The sizing is just out of control and that is a major annoyance for this reviewer.

                      So, what we have here is a shirt that looks great but has a crazy sizing scale.  Also, it’s not much different than any of the other Roma shirts Kappa has released in the past 5 years.  In my opinion, if you own a home Roma shirt by Kappa from the past few years, don’t bother buying this 11/12 one. However, if you’re a Roma fan without a shirt…I’d definitely buy it…but three sizes larger than your regular shirt size.  Additionally, any guys having trouble with the ladies…buy this shirt; it’s an easy compliment grabber and conversation starter.  You’ll be getting phone numbers in no time.  Don’t believe me?  Buy the shirt.  Or ask Francesco Totti.  Remember, the King of Rome is not dead people.  

 

 

Categories
Arsenal Product Reviews

Review: Arsenal training top 2011-12

 Arsenal Training Shirt Review

 

2011/2012 Season

 

Robert Glavind, CANADA

 

 

If you caught any of the Gunner’s early season games this year in the Premier League, you may have noticed the substitutes and team members on the bench seated behind Arsene Wenger and the coaching staff wearing some very cool looking t-shirts. The shirts are red and carry the standard brand and sponsor logos of the regular jerseys.

I was excited to receive this shirt to review as it has a very clean modern look.

 

Arsenal training top pre-match top 2011-12

 

 

This training shirt follows the colours of the home and away kit. The one I received is the home kit version in red with white and black trim. The red body, with elasticized white cuffs and collar includes a thin black line which matches to the black and white stripe across the front top of the chest.  Directly below the stripe is the standard ‘Fly Emirates’ logo in white screened script. This kind of gives it a semi-jersey look.

Although the logos and design are all screened, Nike as the manufacturer of this shirt has done a fantastic job in adding a little style element to the traditional Arsenal colors.  I think these shirts are really sharp looking and have already received numerous complements and inquiries.

The material is Nike’s tech performance, Dri-Fit line of cloth which is exceptionally light and provides excellent wicking plus breathability for running and working out in.

 

Different from the 2011 / 2012 jersey, this shirt carries the actual official Arsenal logo crest, which works very well with the overall modern design behind the shirt.

On the back of the shirt, screened in white below the collar is a 3d block icon form and across the shoulder blades in large block letters is the club name: ARSENAL

 

Arsenal training top pre-match top 11-12

 

 

This shirt will make a great option for the fan who may be looking for a less expensive alternative to the official team jersey, as well as provide an uber kool style shirt for the fan looking for everyday performance casual wear.

 

C’mon ARSENAL!!!

Reviewed by Robert Glavind

 

Arsenal training top pre match version 11-12

 

 

 

Categories
Manchester United Product Reviews

Review: Man Utd away jersey 11-12 mens

 The Men’s Manchester United Away Jersey 2011-2012: A Female Perspective

By MM Sports Joker ambassador Katie Scharra

 

While much of what I have to say about this men’s jersey is similar to my review of the women’s jersey, it is always nice to give the female take on how the men’s version of a jersey fits.  I will start with the style of the jersey, the royal blue and black stripes I find to be very appealing and quite different then most jerseys. 

 

Manchester United away jersey 11-12 mens

 

 

 As I have said the style of the Manchester United Away kit this year is my favorite.  While wearing a men’s jersey is usually a choice of comfort, I found this particular jersey to have many of the same problems of it female’s counterpart in terms of fit.  I found that the nike jersey for this type of style runs very slim in the hips and across the shoulders.  This prompts me to say if you are a female looking for a comfortable jersey to watch the game in- go for a size larger then you normally would.  Although I have my qualms with the style of the fit, I think that ordering a size would make it a comfortable game day shirt with that classic boyfriend fit.  The length and slim fit also makes the jersey go really well with a pair of black leggings or shorts.  The wide stripes as well are broken up with solid royal blue side panels making for a very slimming look, similar to the women’s version.  As always, the Nike Dri- fit technology helps give the fabric of the jersey both extremely comfortable feel and functional use.  I do think that the men’s fit will be a good candidate for the average kick about unlike the female style.  I generally like wearing men’s jerseys for their wider fit and added comfort, but this year’s Manchester United Away Men’s Jersey seems to be more a fashion piece then a comfort piece.

 

 

 

Categories
FC Barcelona Product Reviews

Review: FC Barcelona home jersey 10-11

Review: 2010-2011 FC Barcelona Home Jersey

By Gerard Banez

 Why does one buy last year’s model of your favorite team’s game jersey? In this review, I will share some general thoughts on this topic, as well as more specific comments on the 2010-2011 FC Barcelona home jersey.

 

FC Barcelona home jersey 2010-11

 

 

The Cost

Sometimes, but not always, last year’s jersey doesn’t cost as much as the current model. When marked down, the older jersey represents a better value. Jerseys usually don’t change much from year to year, and having the most recent version, especially if a lot more expensive, isn’t really necessary.

 

 The Look

Another reason to buy last year’s jersey is the look. From the first time I saw it, I liked the 2010-2011 FCB home jersey. I have always liked the primary colors, and this jersey features yellow much more than past versions of the FCB jersey. The yellow ribbed collar and sleeves stand out and complement the traditional bold red and blue striping well. Another reason I liked this jersey is that I always admired the fact that FCB did not feature a shirt sponsor and, for several years, actually paid UNICEF to feature their logo. The UNICEF logo is prominently featured front and center on this jersey, which was the last sponsorless jersey before FCB negotiated its current Qatar Foundation deal. Mes que un club (more than a club) is on the left shirt sleeve, and tots units fem forca (all together we are strong) is on the inside of the jersey behind the FCB badge.

 

The Team

A third reason to buy an older jersey is to recognize and honor the team that wore the shirt. The 2010-2011 version of FCB is arguably the best ever Barcelona side (in my opinion, better than the 2008-2009 treble-winning group). Some have even argued that it may have been the best club side of all time. In comparison to the 2008-2009 group, the first under Guardiola’s leadership, the 2010-2011 side played an even better form of the Tiki Taka style that their coach encouraged. This side featured the incomparable Lionel Messi as well as the other two 2010 Ballon D’Or finalists, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta (all graduates of the famed La Masia, FCB’s youth academy). Multiple members of the 2010 World Cup championship team from Spain played their club soccer at FCB.

 

Bottom Line

In sum, the 2010-2011 FCB home jersey is a very good looking shirt, and the team that wore the shirt was one of the best ever. If you like attractive, colorful soccer jerseys and want to recognize one of the winningest sides ever, get one of these before they are no longer available. This shirt is and will be a classic. 

 

Final Words

If you read my review of the 2011-2012 FCB away jersey, it is useful to note that the 2011-2012 jersey was a replica version whereas the 2010-2011 FCB home jersey that I review here is an authentic version. Comparing the two side-by-side, there is very little that distinguishes them. One difference I noticed was that the authentic was shipped in a cardboard box, while the replica came in a plastic bag. The other difference is that the authentic has a vented seam along the sides of the jersey. Otherwise, the fabric, feel, details & colors appear to be the same. The many similarities and few differences suggest that purchasing a replica jersey may provide better value than buying the authentic version.