Tag: kit

Categories
Chelsea Product Reviews

Review: Chelsea away jersey 11-12

 Review: Chelsea away jersey 11-12 – personalized

By MM Sports Chelsea FC ambassador Ray Pottenger

 

 

Chelsea Away Jersey: Bold Like a Drogba Kick To Your Face

 

                      Tired of your plain, one color away jersey? Tired of the same old same old design year in and year out? Are you bold? Well the new 2011-12 Chelsea away kit is for you.

 

Chelsea away jersey 11-12

 

 

I’ll be honest, when I say that I first saw these jerseys online, I was a little reticent about reviewing it, because it appeared a bit gaudy in the pictures I saw on the official Chelsea site.   However, the way it looks in pictures does not do it justice.  The moment it came out of the box I was impressed with how eye catching it was in a good way.

Let’s start with the parts of the jersey that are the same. Made from the same Climacool fabric as the home Jersey, it has a base fabric color of black..  As per usual and contractual obligation, the Samsung logo is emblazoned across the chest of the jersey. The striped adidas racing stripes adorn the sleeves.  All of these things are well and good, but they are not what makes this jersey pop, and pop it does.

 

Deviating a bit from the Chelsea royal blue, this jersey has a range of blues checkering the chest staring from a bright aqua to the shoulders that eventually fades to back around the Samsung Logo.  The now you see it now you don’t effect is a visual reminder to your opponents of what you’re going to do when you cross them up. Aqua and white bands circle the v-neck collar and an aqua ring surrounds the openings to both sleeves.

 

Chelsea away jersey 11-12 chest

 

A really nice and simple touch I found was that the Chelsea emblem patch is in silhouette.   I almost like it better than the traditional colored patch.

 

Chelsea away jersey logo

 

As always the  people at MMSports have done a fantastic job of lettering and numbering using the official letters of the premier league. I got a Drogba #11. A powerful player for a powerful  jersey.  

 

Chelsea away jersey 11-12 Drogba 11

 

This is a fantastic jersey that is sure to turn some heads and get attention for all the right reasons.  I can say with full confidence you should go get this kit… if you’re bold enough.  

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

Categories
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.

 

Categories
Arsenal Product Reviews

Review: Arsenal long sleeve jersey

Arsenal Jersey Review: 2010/2011 Away Jersey / Third Jersey 11-12

By MM Sports Arsenal ambassador R.G.

 

Arsenal third jersey 11-12 long sleeve

 

 

This 2010/2011 season away jersey reminds me of the first jersey bought for me by my father.  In 1983, he purchased the Arsenal away jersey which the team sported that season with multi-tone bright yellow vertical stripes and the navy blue Cannon over the left breast! So I suppose there is some tradition behind the yellow road ‘silks’.

I have always found the Gunner’s choice of ‘Optic Yellow’ and Burgundy a bit garish as far as the kit goes, but I have to admit the Arsenal jersey in full Burgundy with yellow trim (circa 2003) was a classy shirt!

 

Arsenal away jersey 10-11 neckline

 

 

The 2010 Away jersey is once again eye popping Yellow, but with a very thin vertical pinstripe of Burgundy.  The front carries the club sponsor, Emirates Airlines catch phrase ‘Fly Emirates’ screened across the mid-riff, along with the modern Arsenal crest embroidered over the heart.

As the manufacturer is Nike, the right chest carries the infamous ‘Swoosh’, so easily recognized as it is a household brand now worldwide. The back of the jersey sports the club name just below the collar in the middle of the back yoke.  This makes for a nice touch of detail.  My jersey has long sleeves, which I love because here in Canada my climate enables me to wear a long sleeve pretty much all year long. The sleeves of this jersey are fitted with Burgundy cuffs, matching the pinstripe and v-neck collar.  The model I am reviewing does not carry the name and number patches, nor Premier League badges, although for a small price these can be added to the jersey to complete the Authentic look. 

 

Arsenal away jersey 10-11 back side live model

 

 

Nike has done a great job with the development of the Dri-fit technology which produces a nice hand to the fabric, while maintaining top performance standards for keeping the player dry and comfortable due to wicking benefits in the material and ease of breathability.

You may recall Arsenal wore these silks in both its Champions league run in 2010, as well as numerous Premier league games. As a fan, my preference is a darker road jersey, however I can certainly see where, as a player, this kit would be extremely easy to pick out on a pitch and aid in the speed of playmaking.

All in all, I guarantee this jersey will make any Gunner fan ‘stand out’ in a crowd.

Reviewed by Robert Glavind

 

Categories
Product Reviews Real Madrid

Review: Real Madrid CL away jersey 11-12

Review: Real Madrid Champions League Away Jersey

By the MM Sports Ambassador Sean Moran

 

The Real Madrid Champions League Away Jersey has a classic design with a fresh new look to it.  The climacool technology that this jersey has is not like others the feel of the fabric is thick yet it breaths very well.  Like many Adidas jerseys this jerseys breaths in the right areas for not only optimal cooling but at the same time it will keep the moisture off of you so you don’t have to worry about getting cold while training or just wearing it for leisure.  The climacool technology also focuses on certain areas of your body to have maximum ventilation for your body to be able to perform at it up most level.  The jersey the embossed team crest on the upper left chest, and the Adidas logo stitched on the right front chest. The front screen-prints features the team sponsor (bwin) who has consistently maintained sponsorship for Real Madrid over the last several years.

 

Real Madrid Champions League away jersey 11-12

 

 

Also stitched on the right sleeve is the champion’s league soccer ball and on the left is the champion’s league trophy these league badges are very important to a jersey they tell you what league the jersey is worn in, it also can tell other people about what kind of fan you.

 

Real Madrid CL away jersey Star Ball Real Madrid CL away jersey badge of honours

 

 

On the back of the jersey is the name and number of player, as well as team crest at the bottom of the numbers.  The reason for me as a fan to get the players name on the jersey is to support you favorite players not only your team.  The jersey does not look complete without the players name and number on the back of the jersey. Price is not an issue for me because I won’t buy a jersey without a name of the player I like but I understand sometimes price can factor in for some.  Even if you buy the jersey to train instead of the training top you want the player on the back to show your support.  The reason I like to wear team jerseys when I train other than the training gear is because the jersey has more perks like the ventilation of the armpit areas, back, and abdomen.  Also the jerseys are made to be the best possible attire to train an get the most out of you without hindering your abilities due to the elements or even stiffness.

 

Real Madrid CL away jersey official name and number kit

 

 

On the shoulder it has the classic Adidas look with tight arm bands at the end of the sleeves to give it a more fitted look, as well as venting under the arms.

 

Real Madrid Champions League away jersey sleeve

 

 

The bottom right front displays the Adidas authentic mark, while the left bottom displays the screen-print ClimaCool logo.

 

Real Madrid authenticity logo Clima Cool logo

 

 

The sizing of this jersey is true to size, while offering a form fitting style.  The fabric is thicker than most jerseys but very durable and comfortable.  The stitching on this jersey is all very tight and well done, the manufacturing of this jersey shows the effort that Adidas puts in their jerseys to fit it towards what athletes want and what can help them battle the elements and their own body. Also this jersey is very stylish with a great new red color that I have not seen in a Real Madrid jersey before. 

 

 

 

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.

 

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
FC Barcelona Product Reviews

Review: FC Barcelona women's away jersey 11-12

Review: FC Barcelona women’s away jersey 11-12

By MM Sports women’s apparel ambassador Katie Scharra

This season’s Barcelona away jersey is my first women’s apparel jersey, as I usually either wear a youth size or men’s.   I was very impressed with the fit of this jersey, and it has many features that makes it fit with a stylish and comfortable look.  The darts that run up the sides make it flattering to the female figure, and it looks incredibly fashionable.  Sizing does run a bit small since it is a Nike jersey, and I found that it was a bit too snug around my shoulders making it not very useful to work out in.  I would, however, defiantly wear it to my weekly kick-about as the Nike Dri- Fit technology is very impressive and keeps me cool while wearing it.  The style of the jersey is an all black style, which at first I thought I would find to be a bit boring, but with the personalization added to the back the jersey became a whole new look. 

FC Barcelona away women's jersey 11-12 FC Barcelona away jersey 11-12 official name kit

 

As well as added extra value, the personalization was very well applied and withstood the washing machine. I can very easily wear it any day of the week with a pair of jeans or shorts, but as for the lazy weekend at home I would stick to the comfort of a men’s jersey.  The only negative feedback I got from other fans on the new club look was that the design of the sponsor, the Qartar Foundation, on the front seems less exciting than the old Unicef front.  This could be because it is a bit smaller on the front for the women’s style to make it more flattering.  All in the detail I suppose.  As for my opinion on the new look and my newly found love for women’s jerseys?  I am completely sold on the female jersey as the fit is excellent and it is stylish enough to wear everyday while the Dri-Fit makes it great to play in, and although it is a simple black a personalization on the back makes it as exciting as it is sleek. 

Katie Scharra / Michigan State