Hello, Currently we are playing on artificial surface, but are looking forward to playing on grass soon (maybe late february or march). The ball that we play with currently is Nike Geo Catalyst, but the ball is in bad shape. We are looking for a couple of match balls to use on grass only. Out of these five footballs (price is not a concern): Puma Shudoh Nike Geo Merlin Vapor Mitre ISO England (FA Cup Final) Adidas Champions League Finale (same ball as fevernova?) Adidas Fevernova 2002 World Cup match ball --If you have had the privelage to play with any of these, please share your experience-- Which would you recommend and Why? Thank you for your time, Paul
we've been playing with the world cup (fevernova)ball all season. it's got a really good feel and really moves when you hit it right. i would recommend only using it on natural grass, we used it in indoor a few times and it was a little too bouncy.
I have played with all of those on your list except for the Shudoh. The Fevernovas is tops....it really takes your mind off of how much power, flight, etc to strike the ball with, and you can just focus on the game....
Thanks for the reply guys, I appreciate it. I'll probably go with either the fevernova since I can get it real cheap and it seems like the best choice. Maybe I'll try the mitre iso and nike merlin when I can acquire more funds.
I have a Fevernova replica, not the authentic, and the thing is like a huge marshmellow. It's like a freaking missile, though. I've never seen a ball that flies so fast, but you can catch it barehanded and it won't hurt because of the way it's designed. I even took a scorcher right in the fact and it didn't hurt too bad with it. And it's very, very easy to bend compared to other balls. I prefer my Nike Geo ball.
I have the Tri-Lance(Fevernova replica)....it is a great ball. Just multiply the touch, swerve, and speed of that by about 5 and you have the fevernova. My club coach last year had the Fevernova, and man is it great....
What's the wear and tear like on the Fevernova when used on a decent grass surface ? Can you get a couple of league seasons out of it (say as a match ball used once a week ?)
Ya if your playing on a nice surface it could potentially last a long time. Just as long as you don't do stupid things it could last a long time. It wouldn't hurt to slightly deflate it after use to take the pressure off the seams...although most high quality match balls do that on their own.
I am a big fan of Nike's higher level soccer balls, as well as Select Brand. I have played with the Nike and the adidas CL( last years with the silver stars). I liked the Nike ball better it was more rounded and flew a slight bit truer of the strike, also with it being so round and true it is very hard to "slice" your shots since its easier to hit the ball in the center. I don't know what it is but most Adidas balls I use tend to loose shape very quickly the CL and Fevernova I am sure will last a while but I have never been a big fan of anything Adidas anyway so i may be a bit bias there. I had( it got stolen) the Select Brilliant Super their top match ball and it was as good as the nike in terms of flight and shape , I used it for indoor playing two games a week for like 3 months and about two months of outdoor(one/two games a week ) and other than some superficial scuff marks there was nothing wrong at all with the ball. I would say it is the best ball I have ever owned and one of best I have ever played with including the MLS match ball, and the Nike EPL ball.