A Glider is a brand of soccer ball that Adidas manufactures. It is a low-price ball, intended for recreational play or training sessions. The Glider models are standard size, which is designated as a 5. Size 5 is intended for players 12 years old and up. Adidas also makes high end soccer balls, which are quite different in terms of materials and composition.
Construction
The Glider is machine stitched. It has a butyl bladder and is composed of 60 percent thermoplastic elastometrics, 30 percent thermoplastic polyurethane and 10 percent polyester. The surface of the Glider is designed to be highly durable, suitable for use in all types of weather and all types of field conditions.
Colors and Prices
The 2011 Glider line includes four styles of soccer balls, each with a striking design. You can buy the ball in a number of color schemes: white and royal blue; black and yellow; white and fresh pink ball; and white and orange ball. Prices for the Gliders generally range from about $15 to $20. If you order one online, the Glider is shipped in a flat condition.
Comparisons
A number of differences exist between the Glider and high-end soccer balls. The Glider's cover is made from plastic and synthetics. A high-end ball is made of synthetics, which give you a better feel. High-end soccer balls are hand-stitched. The Glider is machine-stitched and uses butyl for the bladder inside the cover. High-end balls use latex for the bladder, which is softer and provides you with a better feel when you dribble, pass, kick or head the ball.
Considerations
The Glider is an adequate soccer ball for youngsters who are just learning to play the game or for adults in a casual recreational league. If you are serious about the game, however, you'll want an upgrade. An official competition ball for high school costs about $50. An example from the Adidas line is the AdiPure NFHS Competition ball. When you or your child are ready to step up to a top of the line soccer ball, expect to pay between $90 and $150. The Adidas 2010 World Cup ball, a duplicate of the ball used in the World Cup finals, is an example. The ball is touted as perfectly round, with a textured treatment on the cover to make it aerodynamically accurate when you kick it.
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