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Some thoughts on the Rare Metal after getting some decent time in them (sorry for the novel here, was having some trouble summing things up):
  • First -- the half size down is working nicely, especially better starting the 2nd session since the insole had broken in nicely and the upper softened a bit
  • Like many have said, the upper is somewhat stiff for a woven/jacquard, but I'm actually happy it's on the tighter/stiffer side to keep the foot contained and over the foot-bed
  • I loved the JC2 and FV (I haven't tried the 3 or the Ether), had some great games in the JC2 and only swapped it out about once during a winter men's league. However, over time, I realized how I needed some more restriction/security to keep my foot from sliding over the footbed. That hasn't been an issue with these RMs and I don't see it becoming one either.
  • Traction: again, probably mirrors what a couple others have said, but the grip has been good and consistent, but not "out of this world." Definitely some other options out there that really grab the floor at an elite level. These do work fine though, just not the feature that defines them for me
  • I'm enjoying the cushion for the balance it provides. Court feel is solid, impact protection is enough for me and it has good rebound as well. I love playing in Jetlon primarily for how good it leaves my legs/joints and that the spring is fun to play in, but I'm still sort of on the fence as to whether or not it's my favorite. I think ultimately I prefer something firmer. You may ask, why would I buy them then? Well, like I said, I do enjoy it, just still deciding if something a little firmer is what I play best in.
  • The tongue:  this is sort of a minor detail of the shoe, but I love how BB does the shape of their tongues. It really wraps nicely around your ankle, provides enough coverage while feeling very natural. The UA Clutchfit drive 1 used a similar style that I really liked.
Nitpicky stuff
  • Ankle padding:  I feel like this should be enough padding around the ankle and it seems to be sculpted well, but I'm having a little bit of trouble with rubbing/pressure on my achilles at least with one of the shoes. I wear crews or high quarters so socks aren't it. Might have to do with how tight I'm lacing and needing to break them in a little more. Not sure if it's just the one shoe with an issue or if more padding would help the cause
  • Midfoot shank: TPG mentioned this. There IS a shank piece in these and it seems to be implemented a lot like in some Nike bball models where it's sort of a rectangular piece embedded in the midsole. I'm sure this piece is plenty for most, but I am really curious how a more structured shank would play, perhaps one that extends more up the front and back of the shoe.  Totally nitpicking here... but I think a little more rigidity in the midsole with such a high rebound compound could make for an awesome experience.
  • Overall:  Though I nitpicked a couple things, I am really enjoying these and plan to stick with them for a while (may throw some faves in for comparison). I'm thinking back to when I started a league in the JC2 (last time I gave a BB shoe dedicated court time) and I have the same feeling with these, where I'm very satisfied and not really in need of anything more. The only thought for me is that I MAY prefer a little bit firmer cushion setup. Regardless, they play nice and smooth, little to no distractions, legs feeling good after the sessions (and day after) and traction is adequate. I like the simplicity, yet good attention to detail with these. All in all, at $110, this is one of the best retail values out, by far. Obviously discounts can get you some other models for this price and cheaper, but for what these start at, it is an amazing value. 
 
I think traction would've been better if the blade traction on the blue areas were solid lines like JC2/3. They have lines cut into them so dust would get wedged into the groves. Durability of those tiny squares would be wear down after heavy use.
 
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Got mine in today. Wore them casually to see Fantastic Creatures. Dang, sonfar, love. Fit my foot perfect. Materials broke in nicely just walking around. Playing in them and the curry 3 for review tomorrow, but I can tell I will like the Rare Metals more.
 
Only tried them on to walk around in but Best lockdown in a low top since the Kobe Iv and v
 
@iks mod how's traction on dusty floors ? Lots of wiping?
Most of the courts I play on are pretty dusty. One league gym is at a Junior HS and it is just awful
laugh.gif
 Anyway, with these, I do have to wipe the soles a bit, but I'm not having to wipe every stop as I felt I had to do in something like the Curry 1 (even though that was great traction).  I think the big thing is that I was just expecting a little more of a firm grab with these. It definitely holds when it needs to, but is not outstanding.  I'm probably just being difficult since I have tried setups that are better.

In short, wiping - yes. Wiping more than other shoes? No, not for me so far
 
If anyone is in the socal area the Champs outlet at the Puente Hills mall has the black/silver JC2 and both the all red and all blue JC3 for $39.99. They also have force vectors.
 
 
Is the fututre legend the "takedown" model? They're priced higher than the RM
That's what I thought because Nightwing said it was the cheaper team shoe and the Rare Metal was the main model. Also that the forefoot was rubber, but the spec on their site says full length Blackfoam.
 
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Most of the courts I play on are pretty dusty. One league gym is at a Junior HS and it is just awful
laugh.gif
 Anyway, with these, I do have to wipe the soles a bit, but I'm not having to wipe every stop as I felt I had to do in something like the Curry 1 (even though that was great traction).  I think the big thing is that I was just expecting a little more of a firm grab with these. It definitely holds when it needs to, but is not outstanding.  I'm probably just being difficult since I have tried setups that are better.

In short, wiping - yes. Wiping more than other shoes? No, not for me so far
I dont know how people found the curry 1 to have great traction. 

My boy wears 3 different colorways and in every scenario my curry 2s stick like glue in comparision.

At times he is on skates bad.
 
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I'm sorry for the things I said about rare metals when they weren't the correct size. Returned size 13 black whites dor 12.5 grey silvers and ffuuuccckk they're delicious. Step in comfort is not like the previous model but like duke said, in 3 hours, they form to your foot. So light and dope. Haven't balled in em yet. But rocked them 2 days straight and played some football in em. Brandblack did it again. Will get the all blacks eventually and double up on the greys.
 
Man, I watched the review of the Future Legends and I thought it had a regular tongue with the sock thing attached. I really like the look of the shoe, but I don't know how I feel about that. I dig the strap and overall look, but I don't know. I've never had a shoe like that
 
I want to pick up my first BB shoe through the sale they're having. The JC3 is a great price with the discount. I've read a bunch of reviews and posts about sizing, but since there are no returns, I just wanted to post to ask for some input so that I can be sure. I wear the following sizes:
-KD 9 = sz 11.5
-Melo M11 = sz 12
-Kobe 8 = sz 12
-XX8 SE = sz 11.5

Thanks for any help or advice. Looking forward to trying these out.
 
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