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Misc. Clubs . . . Product Reviews

Review: Tottenham home jersey 11-12

Review: Puma Tottenham Home Jersey 11/12

By Zach Jepson

 

The new Tottenham home jersey by Puma looks very plain upon first sight.  The shirt is solid lilywhite throughout with only a few navy details.  Three embroidered Puma cats-one on each sleeve, and one over the left chest and the embroidered team crest over the heart.  There is also the new “Aurasma” sponsor dead center in middle of the kit.  The jersey also has a white collar and the back and sides are made of a mesh that allows air to pass through easily.  That’s all the basic aspects included on the shirt, now time for my opinion…

 

Tottenham home jersey 11-12

 

 

                      The new Tottenham kit is great.  It’s plain but it’s truly a thing of beauty.  Sometimes less is more, you know?  As a Spurs fan, it is a pleasure seeing Bale, Van deer Vaart, Dawson and the rest of the lilywhite’s wearing this on the pitch each week.  The only problem is that this shirt won’t be making an appearance in the Champions League this year, but alas, you’ve got to have goals and I hope our Spurs will be back next year!

                      The shirt features a slight stretch and Puma has finally nailed their sizing down to how it should be.  For years Puma was unpredictable with their sizing…the 07/08 kit was wide and short, 08/09 fit true to size, 09/10 fit really short and wide, 10/11 was long and wide.  The sizing is now finally perfect.  I would say it’s similar to Adidas sizing rather than Nike but it’s true to chest size a 42/44 is a large, etc.  Personally, sizing is very important to me, if a shirt fits really short or wide, I likely won’t wear it, so why buy it?  It’s a shame that Puma finally made a great shirt…when it’s their last year being the Tottenham manufacturer.

                      As far as things that detract from the jersey…there’s really nothing.  The only nitpicking would be with the new “Aurasma” sponsor but that’s just because I think the logo is not as visually appealing as the Autonomy logo from last season.  Also, Autonomy dropped the ball because they couldn’t decide on what they wanted to the jersey which is why the release date was pushed back until late September.  It always seems Spurs have trouble with the sponsor and their jerseys are always released late because of that.

                      So with the amount of items released by a team by their kit manufacturer, how would I spend my limited dollars?  I think that the kits are the most important thing but there are several points that either make or break a purchase from me.  The sizing is important was I said earlier, but the team crest NEEDS to be embroidered.    Lately, it seems that a Nike and Adidas are deciding to not embroider all the team crests anymore and personally, that’s just being cheap.  They justify it by saying it makes the jersey lighter but I think it’s a lot cheaper to screen a logo rather than having it stitched on.  For example the new Arsenal and Real Madrid shirts feature screened logos similar to the sponsors…it looks cheap and I think it makes it look like a knock off shirt from eBay.  Luckily Puma hasn’t done that with any of their kits yet.  I think that when companies are making kits, t-shirts, pants, training gear, jackets, fleeces and other items…for me kits come first, and training gear second.  I rarely purchase other items because there are just too many.  It’s nice having variety but when each item is $50-75; you have to pick and choose.

                      Overall, I’d say the new Tottenham kit is nearly flawless.  If you’re a fan, it’s a definite buy, especially with not knowing how Under Armour will handle their range next year.  You also can’t go wrong getting it customized with your favorite player from MMSports because they are one of only a handful of shops to offer authentic Lextra player names and numbers as well as authentic on field size badges.  Any questions ask, but I think it’s a must buy.

 

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FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern Schweinsteiger tee

Review: FC Bayern Schweinsteiger tee

By MM Sports’ FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden

 

 As the best and most successful team in German football, FC Bayern München have secured a spot beneath the international spotlight. To the joy of FC Hollywood’s fans, and the dire chagrin of everyone else in Deutschland, Die Bayern have become the face of German club football to the world at large. Like Spain’s Barcelona or England’s Manchester United, Bayern represent the best and brightest their nation has to offer.

 

Bayern showcases the strengths of an impressive football nation, so it’s fitting that their talisman, Bastian Schweinsteiger, does the same. Schweinsteiger possesses the all traditional qualities for which the Germans are known – physical strength, defensive prowess, and an unconquerable work-ethic – but also exhibits the vision and passing prowess that has propelled Die Nationalmannschaft to the top tier of the international game.

 

FC Bayern tee Schweinsteiger

 

 

If you’ve been dying to show your support for Bayern’s very own Vice-Captain-Fantastic, you’re in luck. This official Bayern Munich t-shirt showcases Schweinsteiger in all his glory. The black 100% cotton tee   features a full-color image of Bastian superimposed over the Bayern crest, accented by the player’s signature and kit number.  The print on the chest is vivid and glossy, as is the smaller Bayern crest on the bottom left of the shirt.

 

FC Bayern tee logo close-up

 

 

Since this is an officially licensed item, the Bayern crest is all over the place, from the holographic tags to the collar label – it’s cool to have product directly tied to the club, and it allows for the use of propriety fonts and images unique to FC Bayern.

 

FC Bayern crest 4 stars

 

 

In terms of material and fit, you’ll get what you expect – a standard, comfortable tee. It is 100% cotton, so plan for a bit of shrinkage.

 

My only complaint is a small one; an item of personal taste. While the design is clean and clearly rendered, it does seem a bit too colorful and garish – the kind of image that would look great on a youth shirt, but might be a bit loud for an adult supporter.  Overall, this is a well-made and fun shirt from the official FC Bayern Shop – it’s a perfect match-day homage to one of Bayern’s brightest stars, but I find myself wishing it was better suited for everyday wear. We don’t expect subtlety from Die Roten on the pitch, however, so perhaps it’s a tall order to expect it of their merchandise.  

Categories
Misc. Clubs . . . Product Reviews

Review: Espanyol away jersey 11-12

Review: Espanyol away jersey 11-12

By MM Sports’ Valencia ambassador Peter Locascio (now also covering other Spanish clubs)

The review was delivered in a pdf format which makes it difficult to incorporate directly in the blog. The benefit being that the artistic and design quality is much higher.

Therefore please follow the link below to read the review!

 

Click to Read Espanyol away jersey 11-12 review here!

 

By clicking the link a new window will open up!

Categories
FIFA WC | UEFA EURO Product Reviews

Review: Danish national team jersey 2009-11

Review: Denmark soccer jersey

By MM Sports Joker ambassador Aaron Holtsclaw

 

The Jersey I am reviewing this month belongs to the Danish National Team whose nickname is the Red and Whites. Being American, I was not aware of this history of this side. I knew that United great Peter Schmeichel was from Denmark as well as current United keeper Anders Lindegaard. A little research on the history revealed that the past wearers of this jersey had won Euro 1992. Quite an accomplishment from a side that initially didn’t qualify for the tournament but was admitted due to FIFA sanctions against Yugoslavia. I think the history of a side is important when looking at a jersey. The crest states that the Danish FA was started in 1889 which is over a century old. There is few clubs in any sport in my country that has lasted that long. Teams from the NFL didn’t start until post WW 2. So the history with this and other great European sides is incredible. Besides, which United fan wouldn’t be proud to wear the kit worn by The Great Dane? But let’s get to the jersey. It is made by Adidas and came to me in a size 2XL which is a snug fit for me. The Climacool design means it is worn tight to the body which is not the best for a Large man.  

 

Denmark home jersey 2009-11

 

 

The colors are the red and white of the flag of Denmark. The Adidas stripes down the arms are interrupted for about 6 inches before it resumes at the cuff which is an unusual but aesthetically appealing touch. The collar is a nice touch. A lot of jerseys in football have gone away from the collar which I feel is a mistake. The look of the collar gives it a touch of class and lends it a look of formality which most football fans feel about their clubs. The club or national team is something that should be respected. Kind of like putting on your best clothes to go to church. You put on your nice collared kit to attend the church of your teams football ground. Who doesn’t feel their team plays on hallowed ground? If anything it is hallowed by the fans praying for their team’s success. But I digress. The jersey has 2 Adidas logos. One in the center of the chest stitched into the fabric. The other logo is on a little patch above the right hip. There are a series of dashed across the chest and below the crest that form an interesting pattern that breaks up the fact that there is not a shirt sponsor splashed across the front of the jersey like most club teams have.  The last touch is right below the collar is the same DANSK (I am not sure how to put a dot in the middle right here like a bullet point) BOLDSPIL-UNION that appears on the crest. Overall the jersey is nice and a great conversation starter. Even though I am American, I have Danish blood in me so I have no problem wearing the kit I might have worn if my ancestors had never decided to cross the Atlantic.

 

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Chelsea Product Reviews

Review: Chelsea FC base tee

Review: Chelsea base tee

By MM Sports Chelsea ambassador Ray Pottenger 

 

Chelsea Soccer Tee (Grey) A Simple Shirt for Complex People.

                     

     There are seven days in a week, and society, with their “rules of decorum,” or at least your significant other, necessitates you change and launder daily. Sure you have the home, away and alternate jerseys, but what will you wear on the fourth day while you’re doing laundry? How about the Adidas Chelsea Soccer Tee?

 

Chelsea tee base

 

 

The tee comes in a great heather grey with blue adidas stripes running along the shoulders.  It also has a royal blue ringer collar. No one will forget what side you’re supporting as there is a Chelsea patch stitched onto the left breast and the adidas logo embroidered on the right.

 

Chelsea base tee closeup logo

 

 

The material is 100% cotton and is as soft as Mata’s first touch. Unlike a lot of shirts where the sleeves are attached at the shoulder, these sleeves are attached at the collar, much like the baseball tees that have come into style over the years.  The fabric, the stitching in the seams and the details are very high quality and should last a good long while.

 

Chelsea base tee 3-stripe sleeves

 

 

In case you were wondering about what I mean about the sleeves.

 

                      The shirt fits well but runs a bit loose. If you are on the small end of your normal sizing you may want to order down a size. Also, because of the style of the sleeves, they hit the upper half of the arm a little bit lower than your traditional jersey or tee.  

                      In sum, this is a great addition to my shirt rotation. It’s great for hitting up a pub to watch the match or lounging around the house.   Adidas makes a quality product and, barring unforeseen staining issues, this shirt should last a long time. 

 

 

 

 

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Inter Product Reviews

Review: Nike Inter fan T-shirt

 Review: Inter fan tee from Nike

By MM Sports’ Inter ambassador Joe Palatano

 

 

 

The Nike Inter Milan t-shirt is an authentic piece of Serie A fan-wear.  It features crisp lines in the shirt’s construction, an athletic fit and bold color ways that make great use of contrast.

 

 

Inter tee screen graphics

 

Some standout points of this Internazionale t-shirt include the no-stretch collar, the durable yet comfortable material and of course the aggressive screen-print. 

The crew neck collar of the Nike t-shirt is made to last. Fitted from high quality cotton and made to hug and mirror the neck, this is one collar that seems fit to last without dreaded the crumple affect.

 

Inter fan tee full size

 

Unlike your average t-shirt, the collar is reinforced in the shirt’s interior with a ring of stitching and comfort fabric for optimum shape retention – added confidence that this shirt can be worn time and time again.

I would describe the material of this Inter tee as a silky cotton. It’s comfortable to wear, yet feels like it’s got some substance to it.

Quality stitching creates the athletic cut with its defined shoulders and appealing fit that can be worn casually or to classically pair with some jeans out and about to show your colors.

Last, but certainly not least, we have the essence of the graphic tee – screen print that is just plain cool.

 

Inter t-shirt screen print graphics

 

 

The front of the shirt features some unique and artistic imagery that really let the onlooker know – Internazionale mean business!

 
FC Internazionale Milano is known as Il Biscione, ‘The Big Grass Snake’ – and with this product we see an image of Il Biscione practically lunging off of the material. It is seemingly only anchored to the deep black background by the heavy block lettering “FC Internazionale”, being threaded through the script – very appealing visually, and sure to get some looks.

Also notice the bold and modern Inter Milan crest, well positioned in the upper right corner of the chest. With the dark contrast of black and blue graphics, the proud crest has some definite high visibility. 

Inter fan tee club logo

 

 

 

 

Categories
AC Milan Product Reviews

Review: AC Milan soccer tee

 AC Milan Soccer Tee Review

 By MM Sports AC Milan ambassador Enrique Madrona Jr. 

Outside of the realm of jerseys, AC Milan’s line of additional merchandise encompasses a diverse selection of products right for particular fans. For review, courtesy of MM Sports, I received the AC Milan Soccer Tee from Adidas. So, what is there to say about this shirt from the 2010/2011 Serie A champions?

 

AC Milan tee cotton black

 

 

The Look

 

This Adidas shirt is just as it looks; the base color is black and the entire shirt is just that. This tee does not try to do anything new or experimental, but in doing so, Adidas has perfected the art of the general shirt, and in their long line of official club shirts, what differentiates these products are the designs.

 

The back of the shirt, as well as the sleeves and all edges, simply displays black. This is all to bring the attention to the urban styled design on the front chest area. The lowest layer of the visual design shows the enlarged number, “1899”, representing the year of AC Milan’s creation. The text has abstract cuts and slashes, with a cool, almost urban design. Overlaying “1889” are five white lines, treated with the same look as the numbers below. Once more upon the previous layer, the recognizable Adidas emblem shape, the rounded triangle found on the bottom side rims of their jerseys, sits upon the white streaks and red year number. This shape is filled in black and upon a red line running across the middle sits the eye catching AC Milan crest. The layered look is refreshing as Adidas opted to use such a design in place of a simpler, colored shirt with just an emblem. Above the front reads the text “AC MILAN” and finally, the Adidas logo on top. Together, the shirt portrays a great representation of AC Milan, using a combination of Milan’s signature black, red, and white palette. Having the design enclosed within a sea of black is a great look that puts the focus on the sleek imagery.

 

The Fit

 

Adidas’s careful attention to physical fitting on their jerseys is not lost here. This AC Milan soccer tee is lengthened to give a great slim look and it fits fantastically. I have many large sized shirts and they all feel a bit oversized; this tee fits a bit tighter on the upper-torso, and extends downward a little farther than most shirts. The result is an apparel product that can look really great and stylish if the right size is purchased.

 

The fabric is very smooth, properly assorted through the sleeves and chest to keep it comfortably tight. It never feels too tight or movement impairing and truly, like all shirts, it all comes down to picking the right size. I would recommend that those that dislike light tightness to just pick one size larger. In terms of touch, Adidas shirts are always maximum quality at great prices, and that is exactly what you’ll find here; very smooth material that’s great for any occasion.

 

Like all fans, I love jerseys, and they are almost my primary matter of apparel for representing, but when it’s not match day and you want that subtle fan look with great comfort, these sorts of shirts are the ultimate solution. Along with other merchandise, this shirt can help you show your “Cuore Rossonero” at a great price. I recommend all AC Milan fans to grab this shirt now; the mixture of classic il Diavolo colors, the low price, and the casual comfort are all great positives of this product!

Categories
FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern away jersey 10-12

Review: FC Bayern away jersey 11/12

By MM Sports FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden

 Thanks to modern technology, football is accessible to a wider and more diverse audience than ever before.  As the popularity of football continues to grow, so too does the need for football clubs to distinguish themselves from one another.  In addition to on-pitch competitions, top-flight clubs must also fight for the interest and support of an increasingly global fanbase. More than bragging rights are at stake; only by building their brand can clubs insure that they’ll have the financial resources they need to remain competitive.

By embracing a unique and striking design, *11/12 Bayern Munich Away Kit seems to represent this effort for distinction in an increasingly challenging market.

FC Bayern away jersey 2010-12

 

The kit is a brilliant white with horizontal stripes in metallic silver. Adidas’ iconic three stripes are navy, along with the name printing and embroidered FCB below the back collar. There are additional red details on the collar and sleeves.

FC Bayern away jersey 10-12 back

 

Unusually, Bayern has different sponsor printing for its home and away kits. While the home kit features the main Deutsche Telekom logo, the away kit showcases LIGA total!, Deutsche Telekom’s Bundesliga TV service.  It’s a little on the large side, but the design is subdued enough not to cause much of a distraction. For me though, the color is a bit of an issue. In pictures, the LIGA portion of the text appears red – a color which would tie-in beautifully with the club crest and the collar and sleeve details. In reality, it’s fluorescent pink.  There’s nothing wrong with the color per se, but it’s close enough to the red that the colors seem to clash – the same can be said of the navy conflicting with the royal blue of the FCB crest. These details don’t ruin the look of the kit by any means, but they do exemplify a niggling lack of cohesion that prevents a good shirt from being truly excellent.

 

Along with the aforementioned coloring issues, there are some design touches that feel out of place. For example, the red sleeve accents, which only extend from the outside portion of the sleeve, protrude from the hem at a sharp angle. While this is an interesting design, it seems at odds with the collar, which is more conservatively tapered.

FC Bayern away jersey 10-12 sleeve

 

Whereas this season’s Bayern’s Home kit exhibits a careful, subtle and unified design, the away kit seems a somewhat haphazard collection of individually impressive ideas.

 

In terms of construction, the shirt is excellent. The badge is brightly embroidered, and the printing is flawless. The shirt I received did not have name and number printing, but as is common with Bayern shirts, did have the club name emblazoned across the shoulders. While this is a nice detail, the back of the kit looks a bit strange with text only at the top – this is a kit that would definitely benefit from the addition of name and number.  

 

In my experience, the comfort of Adidas’ kits is second to no one, and this kit is no exception.  Like the home kit, it’s made using Adidas’ ClimaCool fabric, but seems thinner and lighter.  The addition of mesh underarm vents and a collar notch make this a comfortable and well ventilated top to wear onto the pitch or around town.

FC Bayern away jersey 10-12 Clima Cool Holo

 

On the whole, the Bayern Munich 11/12 Away kit is another good showing from Adidas. If the aim of the design is to stand out, it certainly succeeds; this shirt will definitely start some conversations at the Sunday five-a-side. It’s a shame that more effort wasn’t given to fully integrate the shirt’s disparate elements; with a bit more clarity in the overall design, this shirt could have been iconic. Despite the lackluster summation of its parts, though, this year’s Bayern Away kit still manages to impress.

 

4/5

 

*Note – If you think this shirt looks strangely familiar, you’re right: Bayern wore the same away kit during the 10/11 season.  

Categories
Manchester United Product Reviews

Review: Manchester United home jersey 11-12

Review: Manchester United home jersey 2011/12

By MM Sports Joker Ambassador Aaron Holtsclaw, LA

 When the famous red shirt of Manchester United arrived in my mailbox, I was excited. Though I own versions from the past, pulling on the kit of the greatest team on God’s Green Earth never loses its appeal. The jersey arrived unadorned with number which I am told is how adults should wear it. A famous podcaster educated me to that tidbit. With the rise of the other half of Manchester to prominence, it has never been more important to wear the shirt once worn by Best, Law, Charlton, Cantona, Beckham, Keane,  Scholes and countless other legends. Though the shirt sponsor changes, the crest that those greats kissed is the same. I like the addition to this shirt of the black and white stripes to the collar and armholes.  They add a little touch of color that doesn’t diminish from the overall look but makes it stand out from previous versions of the shirt. The crest remains above the heart of the wearer as it should be. Those who pull on this jersey should have the club in their heart. Since Nike began manufacturing United’s jerseys this is my favorite. The simplicity of the design harkens back to the pre sponsor days when the kit was all about the team. The swoosh is over your right breast smaller than the club crest as it should be. Nike is a great company but not more important than the club. Just below the back of the collar, a single red devil sits saying, “I will watch your back in case some City supporter tries to sneak up on you and cause trouble.” He really doesn’t say that but I am glad he is there to watch my back. The kit is put together expertly. There is no stray strings showing and all the stitching is nice and tight. Overall, the jersey is of excellent quality and something any proud Red should wear.

Manchester United home jersey 2011-12

 

Categories
AC Milan

Review: AC Milan 3rd jersey 2011/12

Review: AC Milan 3rd jersey 2011/12

By MM Sports AC Milan ambassador Enrique Madrona Jr.

The 2011 Serie A Champions have begun their race for an unprecedented 19th title, and after casting aside years of dominance from their rivals, Inter Milan, they have emerged with new players, new confidence, and a new look. AC Milan has been known for their three-jersey setup; their home kit is a blend of black and red stripes, their away kit is white, and their third kit is black. This year, that third kit is looking more appealing than ever.

AC Milan third jersey 2011/12


The Look

 

With last year’s third jersey, Adidas opted to end a streak of relatively bland black jerseys; they introduced a great new design. With the latest, 2011/2012 AC Milan Third Jersey, they have improved even further upon it. Third jerseys are typically a great source of creative ingenuity for designers and this jersey is no exception. What first catches the eye will be without a doubt, the golden crest. With this AC Milan jersey, the design has converted both the memorable AC Milan crest and the Adidas logo to an attractive golden scent. This unique feature makes this third jersey that much more exquisite then both the new home and away jerseys, which sport the standard emblems. Just below the gold accented crest, this regal jersey displays a thin line running across the front. This horizontal line, and its recognizable three-color scheme, represent the Italian flag, and add a homely touch to an already stylish jersey. Finally, for the front design, the “Fly Emirates” sponsor text is just below the line. Having replaced “BWIN” as primary kit sponsor for AC Milan, the “Fly Emirates” text has proven more noble and gentle then the large, capitalized “BWIN” logo. Adidas has done a wonderful job on balancing the attention of details to keep the jersey’s focus weighed; no feature ever seems overwhelming or more attention grabbing then another. Adidas’s signature shoulder stripes have been colored red. In doing so, the jersey keeps the same athletic and sporty look, yet stays away from pulling the spotlight too far from the great look portrayed in the front of the jersey. Another new look for AC Milan is the nice addition to the uppermost back area. Just at the back of the neck, all three new jerseys have the text “ASSOCIAZIONE CALCIO MILAN”, the full Italian name of the club. Below that is a smooth gold line, like the text and the emblem, containing a linked series of Italian flags. It is a very cool addition that adds a lot of finesse to a part of the jersey where most kits have little or nothing at all. Lastly, this new jersey has what the other two are lacking, a collar at the neck. The collar is thin and silky smooth; it does not impede any movement of the neck or head and is in no way uncomfortable. As such, it’s the perfect jersey for any AC Milan fan, regardless if they are playing some recreational football, or sitting down and enjoying a match. There will always be those with collar prejudices but Adidas continues to roll out various world-renowned clubs with collared variants, it will only become more common, and that’s a good thing for the diversity of football club kits, as well as those looking for a more stylish option.

 

The Fit

 

Like most Adidas “Climacool” products, this jersey is no disappointment. My particular product was a large size jersey and it was a perfect fit. Occasionally jersey’s run too large or too small for particular sizes, usually because of different builds or templates, but the AC Milan Third Jersey for 2011/2012 has

been optimized for the size ranges and does not disappoint. The polyester fabric is stellar and you will not find many products that last as long as well-kept Adidas jerseys or have as much value. There are no complaints here, the fit is perfect, the collar is almost unusually comfortable, and the material maintains a nice balance between athletically tight and casually loose.

 

The Extras

 

Jerseys are always the ultimate product for supporting your team, but there are always more ways to add both authenticity and support to a product. AC Milan’s jerseys, like other clubs, allow customization to add badges and player names and numbers. In this case, I received, for review, an AC Milan Third Jersey with the name and number of Swedish Super striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. What makes name and number customization so special is that you can either select an existing player that may be your favorite or you are highly supportive of, or you may even put your own choice of a name or number in most cases. Here, the arctic white font of the text “Ibrahimovic” along with his number “11” add a lot of authenticity to the jersey. Customizations like this lets fans connect with the team even more. Down the road, you will see that jersey as representative of the player, just as much as it is of the club. In this case, by selecting a player such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the jersey has much more value because it represents a player that has made a huge difference to both Milan’s performance and legacy. For the reasonable price of customization, I assure you that it is worth adding that much more value, appeal, and the authentic touch to the jersey.

 

Overall, AC Milan’s new third jersey is a great success, improving upon the newest looks of their kits and keeping the traditional styles of Milan up to date with the latest attractions. Best of all, black goes well with anything! So if you’re a fan of the Italian super-champions, find a player you can stick with, and get this authentic jersey with customization for a great value, you can even get a variant with the “Scudetto” patch to represent the recent league title!