Predator LZ vs Predator LZ SL: Is It Worth It?

SL boots are very common nowadays, with players always trying to find that extra advantage. The Predator LZ is no different, launching another SL edition in the footsteps of the Adipower. How do they really differ, and from a buyers standpoint, is it worth the extra money?

Weight Difference
The Predator LZ was bound to have an SL version after the success of the Adipower SL, and Adidas came through. The Predator LZ weighs in at 8.0 oz, while it's SL counterpart weighs in at 7.3 oz. Nothing major however, with only a .7 oz difference. 

Price Difference
However, the more notable difference between the two is the price tag. This was the same case with the Adipower SL. The regular, fairly weighted, 7.8 oz Adipower rang in at $200, and the SL version, weighing 6.8 oz, rang in at $250. The same goes for the LZ, with the regular priced at $200, and the SL priced at $250. The large fifty dollar increase has left a lot of players feeling like they are being cheated. How does fifty dollars pay for 0.7 oz? That's about seven dollars per 0.1 oz. It's beyond me why players think that 0.7 oz is worth an extra fifty dollars. I truly don't believe that this weight difference will make a player faster, and I think this is a sly marketing ploy from Adidas.Nothing taken away from Adidas however, because this is a normal strategy that all companies use. Take the Nike Elite Series for example. The difference between the Vapor 7 and Superfly 3 was $200, with only 0.2 oz and two tacky sense studs to account for it. Even I fell for it. (I love my Superfly though)

Specifications
The weight reduction is obviously the main highlight of the SL, but what exactly are players sacrificing for the reduced weight? As many people know, the SL version of the LZ has toned down the pass pad portion of the boot. The pass pad is non-existent, leaving just the outline in its place. Having not tested the boots, I can't say if this will make a difference or not. But once again, from a buyers standpoint, you are paying fifty dollars for 0.7 oz and the loss of a zone. I don't see the logic.

Colorways
If you are a player who prefers bright, flashy colors, I'm afraid you will either have to settle with the LZ SL or wait it out. (Unless you enjoy hot pink) However, the secondary launch colorway of the regular LZ could be considered somewhat flashy, so that may suffice. I personally enjoy the secondary launch colorway out of all of the boots. The SL is too flashy and futuristic looking. I enjoy the simple, eye catching secondary colorway. The LZ SL colorways are intriguing, but are they worth the extra fifty dollars?

 

SL

Overview
I hold nothing against players who buy SL versions, and I have nothing against companies implementing these versions into the boot line. That being said, from a buyers standpoint, I don't see why the LZ SL costs fifty dollars more. The biggest factor would be the weight difference, but this difference is miniscule. The colorways may attract some to pay the extra money, but other than that, I see no major reasons why the SL version carries the price tag it does. Hopefully, one day I will have the opportunity to test both of these boots, (perhaps if I win the lottery) and be able to provide a performance aspect to this comparison.

Please continue to support my website and Facebook page!
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Soccer-Reviews-USA/398482693519702?ref=tn_tnmn