Hi! Jakob from Unisport!
Today we are going hunting -
- because I will be reviewing the beast, Adidas Predator LZ II, -
- which, as the name suggests, is the newest and 13th generation of the Adidas Predator-collection -
- and it builds on the popular previous Predator LZ I.
On this boot, Adidas promise updates and improvements, when compared to the LZ I -
- and especially these lethal zones spread around the boots -
- there are five in all -
- will have been optimised, so you have more control.
The boot is made for the player, who wants to create something out of nothing -
- and be completely in control of his game.
I have to admit I was a little skeptical, because not a lot looks to have changed -
- but that's why we will see, if these updates were good -
- whether they have improved the boot -
- or if it's just code language for: "not a lot has changed".
I'm excited, so come along, as I review the Predator LZ II.
Raaaawr!
Join me!
What makes the Predator LZ what it is, is naturally these lethal zones, -
- which are made to give you complete control over all the facets of the game -
- and just like on the predecessor, it has these five zones -
- and the placement and naming, is all the same as on the previous boot -
- we still have dribble, first touch, drive, sweet spot and pass.
This is, however, just about where the similarities end -
- because on the Predator LZ II the zones have been changed a lot.
The shape is different, they are more flexible and thinner -
- but how do they perform?
Let's find out now and see if they actually work, -
- or if they are just gimmicks.
The first element we will be looking at is dribble, -
- these seven stripes have been substituted with 7 and a half crosses instead -
- and as mentioned before, these elements have been made thinner -
- more flexible -
- and given more of a 3D texture, -
- simply to provide a better grip -
- so you are more in control.
The friction from the new zones is also better, -
- but that being said, I don't feel much difference, or improvement for that matter -
- also I would rather have this cross moved over here instead -
- because I need more grip there, than out here when dribbling.
So all in all, good intentions and it has been made marginally better -
- but still a bit ... meeeeeeeh!
A bit of a gimmick.
The first touch zone has also moved from stripes to crosses -
- but unlike the dribble zone, it has been fitted with small trenches -
- which can give a slightly shock absorbent feel, when controlling the ball.
This works quite well, because there is a little more grip on the ball -
- which means that when you try to control the ball, -
- then it works very well that you get a bit of shock absorbency -
- while still being relatively in control of the balls direction.
Another thing First Touch helps is your dribbling, -
- and it is a bit funny that it isn't the dribble zone, which is best at this -
- but especially these five crosses on the outside of the zone, are really good -
- because they work in the areas, where I dribble the most -
- so I feel more in control.
You won't get a touch like Berbatov, or Xavi, or dribble like Di Maria -
- but the first touch creates good friction -
- along with this shock absorbing effect, which makes it a really good tool.
It is a zone I wouldn't want to be without.
This works really well.
The drive zone has also been changed -
- and once again the stripes make way for a zigzag, pyramid-like texture -
- which is also a little bumpy -
- and this means you do get a lot of grip in the ball, -
- no matter how you strike the ball -
- and this lets you really manipulate the balls swerve.
Another nice thing is that, thanks to the new texture, the drive zone is now far more flexible -
- which means no matter how your foot is positioned when striking the ball -
- you have a relatively even surface.
This is in other words a purebreed Predator element -
- and it is good that Adidas have kept and improved it, -
- because it has become far more flexible.
This is good work!
Will it turn you into Xavi?
naarh, -
- but if you have the qualities it is a great tool giving you the opportunity to get there.
Sweet Spot is made to increase your precision -
- and give you more swerve, so you can be deadly when striking on goal -
- but does it work?
Well, I was not a fan of the zone on the Predator LZ I, -
- but on the Predator LZ II it has been changed a little.
The zone has been given more texture, and then it is made with these 3D shapes -
- to help you manipulate your strike and swerve more.
I have to admit that it works much better than on the LZ I, -
- but then again it doesn't grip the ball very much -
- and I would have liked some elements that stood out more -
- maybe like the ones on the Laser IV.
They are alright, but in my eyes they don't do too much -
- which also makes it the worst of the five zones on the Predator LZ II, -
- one of them had to be and that was the Sweet Spot.
I don't think it is very "Sweet" -
- it's really just a spot.
Last, but certainly not least, the Pass Zone.
So far on the LZ II we have gone from stripes to new things, -
- but with the Pass Zone it's the other way around, as we go from memory foam to stripes.
These stripes are made to give you more grip when passing -
- again more grip makes it a good tool, if passing is your game -
- but the removal of memory foam also meant loosing the cushioning effect when controlling the ball.
It works quite well, but the Predator LZ II shows its colours, with the stripes.
All in all it is positive what Adidas have done with the lethal zones.
There is plenty of ways to get better grip -
- without it being disruptive to your game -
- and at the same time this new flexibility is a really good thing -
- simply because it makes them much less clumsy -
- this is impressive, when considering how much rubber they have used.
In other words; the changes have born fruit and are well justified.
Adidas haven't revolutionised the Predator LZ , -
- they have tweaked it a little, for the better.
It's so soft!
The stud-configuration and soleplate has been changed -
- this much, -
- when compared to the Predator LZ I -
- as it is exactly the same Sprintframe 2.0 stud-configuration, which is fitted on the Predator LZ II.
it has these triangular studs -
- and then there's room for the MiCoach-chip -
- that you put in your boot, so it can collect data -
- and afterwards beam over to your Ipad or Iphone, -
- and show you how you performed on the pitch, -
- it's a fun little feature.
These triangular studs are fitted in sets -
- the first two are made for acceleration, -
- four studs for sideways running, -
- four studs for stability -
- and then this middle stud for deceleration, -
- breaking, in other words.
They give a good mixture of acceleration and maneuverability, thanks to this set of studs -
- which gives you a good hybrid, -
- that doesn't excel at one area in particular, -
- so it's sort of a middle thing, as it doesn't do anything wrong.
Another thing to take a look at is the insole of the Predator LZ II -
- because the LZ 1 had these nice cushions underneath the front foot, -
- but on the insole of the Predator LZ II there are none.
It's a little annoying that the new model is a step down in quality.
Another thing that bemused me a little was the surface of these insoles -
- because even though it feels like they are made from the same suede material -
- the LZ II insole is more slippery -
- and I slid around in my boot -
- even while wearing Trusox -
- and that is something that disappoints me a little.
I solved it by doing this.
Simply putting in the insole from the Predator LZ 1 instead.
Problem solved.
Still a bit annoying Adidas -
- even if it isn't a dealbreaker.
Then there's the question of size -
- I'm usually a size EU 40, but that was just a tad too tight -
- so I went up to a size EU 40,5, which fitted me perfect!
That is why we recommend going half a size up -
if you want the best fit in the LZ II -
- then it will also fit you very well.
One of the reasons the comfort in the Predator LZ II is so good -
- is that the Hybridtouch upper works more like kangaroo leather, than it did on the previous Predator LZ.
There still some work to be done, and it isn't quite as soft and supple, -
- and doesn't have the same padding as kangaroo leather -
- but Adidas are definitely getting there -
- and it is impressive to see how quickly this Hybridtouch has developed, since it was introduced last year.
Another thing that works wonders for the comfort, is the new jagged lacing -
- which gives a lockdown effect and provides stability -
- so your foot is kept in place.
So to put it in short terms, even though I'm still a kangaroo leather soldier -
- I'm very impressed by what Adidas have managed, comfort wise, with this boot -
- definitely approved!
Now!
Before I bring you the final verdict, I'm going to have to be honest here -
- when I saw this boot for the first time -
- I was far from impressed.
The design isn't my thing I don't like their look -
- and then it didn't look like they had changed anything from the Predator LZ I -
- and I was almost right.
Adidas have made this boot from the principal; "if it aint broke, don't fix it" -
- and that's why they have tweaked and improved -
- where needs required it -
- and this means the Predator LZ II is better than the first Predator LZ -
- in my eyes at least.
They have taken all the good things and improved the not so good things.
At the same time these Predator LZ Lethal Zones work well too -
- and as you heard, I was particularly a fan of the First Touch and Drive Zones -
- whereas the Sweet spot and Dribble, are more gimmicks, than actual tools -
- and pass was alright.
To sum up, if you liked Predator LZ I, -
- then you're going to love the LZ II -
- and it is definitely a boot to look at, if you're looking for a boot with plenty of grip, -
- as well as a really nice fit.
I can, in other words, strongly recommend the Predator LZ II.
Adidas, this is good work -
- even if they haven't changed much.
One last thing I have to mention is the design -
- because it is very green -
- and I don't think it is very pretty, or Predator-like either.
Luckily though Adidas have launched this boot, -
- which is much more like the Predator colours, which are in my opinion red, black and white.
It's a long the right lines -
- and are you more of a classic Predator kind of guy -
- then this boot is definitely a healthy alternative.
Adidas this deserves plaudits -
- even if you should have made it red instead -
- but that's what that is.
This was my take on the new Predator LZ -
- and I'm quite pleased with the boot -
- but what are your thoughts -
- feel free to tell me in the box down below -
- where you can also ask questions you might have.
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- if you want more like this -
- a link can be found at the end of this video.
This is all from me, thanks for watching -
- I'm out!
Cheerio!