Predator Mania grip strip thingies are no longer grippy...

[servotron]

I have gun metal Predator Mania TRX's, the top of the line from last year, and I have noticed that the "grippy" part of the shoe, where it's supposed to give you extra swerve, etc has become a LOT less grippy. I have used a wet towel with mild soap to try and clean them off, and it really hasn't helped.

I play a LOT of football in these boots, and I wonder.. is there just a lifespan for the grip strips? They don't do much anymore. Don't get me wrong, they're still the ultimate boots as far as I'm concerned, but they aren't doing what they once did with the EXTRA swerve on curling shots.

[appleCORR7]

I think that the rubber has probably just worn if you wear them so much like any kind of material would.

I had the same problems with my white champions league preds a few seasons ago. It was almost as if the rubber on the boot had gone shiney? I dont think that there is anything you can do about it. Other than replace the boots :-(

I was having a conversation with my friend last week about predators. He always used to wear them. And he said the more advance the predators seem to get the less rubber they actually have one them? Which is true. I cant see those few lines of rubber making much difference on the pulses. I think they have got the idea into people head that the rubber has made a difference now. And yeah, maybe a few years ago when you look at the few preds made they had plenty of rubber and grip on. Just wonder what the next generation of preds (and rubber) brings!

appleCORR

[servotron]

Removable or replaceable rubber would be the next step if you ask me. It's not worn down really, it just is more "solid" and creates much less friction now than in the first few months of use. I'm not too worried, I do just fine without, but I would definately do something about it if there were something reasonable to do.

[m7792]

I hope you know that those rubber vamps are basically useless and won't help you increase swerve like they claim they will.
it's all in the marketing

[servotron]

Maybe it was all in my head, but when I switched from my Kaisers to my Preds there was unquestionably a difference in the amount of spin I could put on a kick. I'm old and objective enough to tell the difference, and there's no way that there was no discernable difference.

[ADIKeeper]

Funny. Every time they release a new Predator, they say it's even better than the last one. And the design is ALWAYS different. Makes ya' think...

[Tony Dellbird]

There is no doubt though the rubber made difference on the first ever Preds have you seen them! Crikey! I found my first pair of Predator Astroturfs they're like size 5 or 6 lol They don't fit anymore though sadly.