Jordan Superfly line?

Question for those who have played extensively in the Superfly line (calling @iks mod and @duke40 ):

Which is your favorite out of the line?

How do they compare to the XX9 and Melo 11?

Based on research I did, it seems like the PO's are better overall than the originals and the 2, 3 and 4 all deliver on court.  I'm looking to try out other versions of Flightplate and these have me curious.

@DeezyVSOP2  -- though I have always followed the line, the only pair I have actually played in is the S.F 4 (non- PO version).  

Because of this, @duke40  and others may be greater resources on this. I know Bryan has played in multiple pairs from the line.  Regardless, here are a few thoughts comparing the 2 models you mentioned (xx9 and melo M11)

As far as how cushion compares on the SF 4, I had pretty high hopes for the 3-piece forefoot unit, but honestly didn't think it really felt any better or worse than what you get with the XX9s and Melo M11s.  There may be a slight slight court feel advantage with the SF 4.

Traction-wise, I was really pleased with the SF 4 -- I felt it worked a little better than the M11 traction, about equal or a little worse than the XX9.

The big thing for me with all flightplate models is the differences in transition.  I actually feel that the Melo M11 probably has the smoothest transition for me and the SF 4 is not far behind in that category.  I would probably go M11 > SF 4 > XX9 in terms of transition (the XX9 low played smoother for me overall with improved fit). 

Fit-wise, the SF 4 is great TTS as is the Melo M11.  I felt the regular XX9 to have a little too much volume for my foot shape and the XX9 low is almost perfect fit.

Hopefully this helps a bit!

Thanks a lot my man.

I think I'm in the minority because I like the XX9 transition more than the Melo 11.  The tendril didn't bother me at all and I guess for my gait it actually works really well.  Seems like most people are the opposite.

In terms of cushioning, it seems like everyone was blown away by the XX8 and then they toned it down from then on, probably due to the bags popping.  I'm okay with what you get in the XX9 and Melo 11, so if they're on par then no worries.

Visually, I like the 2 PO and 3 PO more than any of the 4's, so I'm more interested in those.  The 2's and that outsole look like they mean business.

@DeezyVSOP2  

One point I should probably make about transition for me between those pairs:  I am judging based on both running the floor and the half court game (both on defense and offense).  For some reason there was just a "slappy-ness" with the XX9 (more so the mid xx9) when I would be out running the floor or back-pedaling.  In what I'd call "half-court transition," I had virtually no issues w/ the XX9.   The transition in the full-court never entirely ruined the experience, but for some reason I just felt other models made it smoother in that regard.  

Though there are setups from other brands that I prefer when I reach for something I know I can play my best in (including some phylon/traditional zoom setups from Nike), I'm really glad I've given the flightplate setups a chance.  I have been enjoying my XX9 lows and XXXs after some solid break-in.  The super.flys and melos are right there with those.  Very curious to see what happens with the 31...  

NW posted on the S.F 5 on WT: http://weartesters.com/get-first-look-jordan-super-fly-5/

Interesting they dropped the flightspeed/unlocked setup

I saw those, and they look good to me.

The 2 and 3 are more appealing because of their current price points though haha.  I think at my age I need more substantial cushioning setups so that's why I'm looking at other Flightplate/Unlocked Zoom options.  I can't exactly complain about rotating through shoes like the Melo 11 and XX9.

I've always thought the 2 and 3 looked phenomenal and they both received good reviews I'm pretty sure.  I think my only hesitancy with the 2 would be potential popping issues, as the bag protrudes a little like in the XX8 and Melo M10

Good call on the 2's.  I did a little more research and bags popping were an issue.  Not sure about the PO's, but it's enough to make me stay away.  Past the 2 year limit for Nike vouchers.

Looks like the first gen all had issues.  XX8, Melo 10 and Superfly 2.  They toned it down for the next models, but then everyone is saying the Zoom didn't feel quite the same.  I'm just fine with XX9/Melo 11 cushioning though so I'll take a look at the SF 3 and 4.

DeezyVSOP2 said:

 
Good call on the 2's.  I did a little more research and bags popping were an issue.  Not sure about the PO's, but it's enough to make me stay away.  Past the 2 year limit for Nike vouchers.

Looks like the first gen all had issues.  XX8, Melo 10 and Superfly 2.  They toned it down for the next models, but then everyone is saying the Zoom didn't feel quite the same.  I'm just fine with XX9/Melo 11 cushioning though so I'll take a look at the SF 3 and 4.

Click to expand...

Definitely if you're fine with those, I would stay with that gen and on.  I will say that I did enjoy the XX8 more than the XX9, the zoom was definitely more prominent (still excellent in xx9 gen and on) and I didn't feel issues in transition w/o the tendril -- but yeah I just never felt comfortable with the fact that they would eventually pop

Inside look at what the S.F 5 is made of

http://weartesters.com/jordan-super-fly-4-po-deconstructed/

even more of a look inside the S.F 4, some of the S.F 3 as well as the XXX

DeezyVSOP2 said:

 
Good call on the 2's.  I did a little more research and bags popping were an issue.  Not sure about the PO's, but it's enough to make me stay away.  Past the 2 year limit for Nike vouchers.

Looks like the first gen all had issues.  XX8, Melo 10 and Superfly 2.  They toned it down for the next models, but then everyone is saying the Zoom didn't feel quite the same.  I'm just fine with XX9/Melo 11 cushioning though so I'll take a look at the SF 3 and 4.

Click to expand...

I have the 2 non-PO. I actually prefer the look of the non-PO, the PO looks abit too rubbery so it might not be as comfortable as the plushy non-PO. 2 took forever to break in, it felt more like a Forward shoe when new, superb traction, however for some reason it got better after 2 years using it (the sole pretty worn out), but the shoe felt lower and now it's a Guard's shoe, the zoom bag popped (because i worn out the sole on few areas and part of the zoom was exposed & rubbing the floor). It's still very comfortable because of the plush. I can only lace up to 2nd top eye because the top one makes my feet painful. The Herringbone provided great traction, but i felt slow when it comes to defense.

Never managed to get the SF3 at my desired price, but the sole is softer than SF2 but still not as soft as Melo/AJ. Non-PO looks dated but still good, PO looks great but i don't like the look on the heel area, both White & Black PO colorway looks great. They switched the sole from Herringbone to wavy, not sure how it felt, probably better transition.

The SF4 feels similar to SF2, comfortable. Rubber is softer than SF3, but indoor the grip is pretty good, the sole now combines Wave & Triangle patterns, which should be good.. The ankle area is softer for the non PO because there's a round shallow hole at the ankles, Jacquard & PO are solid on those areas, so you may need to lace up to the top eyes to get good ankle support & won't give the painful feel SF2 did. The heel cup is solid, but it's translucent rubber so it gets scratch up easily. Most SF4 non-PO comes with camo design which looks good. Jacquard might feel softer & natural but it gets creased easier, it also cost more. Not really a fan of SF4 PO, non-PO looks better for me. Cushion wise, it has 3 piece forefoot zoom, but they are only 8mms, compared to SF3 2 piece 11.6mm, AJ30 2 piece 11mm, so AJ might give you a bouncier feel & better cushion SF4 might give you a more balanced cushion.

Superfly 5, sucks based on the previews. small zoom, it has switched to reverse pattern sole, looks worse than SF1. SF2/3/4 still looks great today.

however due to the fact SF2 is 2-3 years old, currently it would be best to get a pair of SF3 PO (you can still find a few at heavily discounted 50%-60% off), or better SF4 non-POs (which are currently discounted 30%-40%).

I think SF series after I has been a slightly watered down AJ, it works as good big brother AJ, and offers slight variation to suit different needs. Underrated shoe as people either go for AJ, Kobe or Lebron signatures. Kobe maybe quick but minimalist, while Lebron shoes are too bulky & heavy, AJ is somewhere in between which makes Superfly somewhere in between.

iks mod said:

 
http://weartesters.com/jordan-super-fly-4-po-deconstructed/

even more of a look inside the S.F 4, some of the S.F 3 as well as the XXX

Click to expand...

yea do you notice, SF3 & XXX zoom bags are connected, but the air compartment looks like they are separate, meaning blowing one compartment you still have the other.

while SF4 3 piece zoom looks like the air compartment are all connected via that small tunnel. meaning it's a 1 big zoom bag instead of 2 smaller zoom bags, but the small air tunnel might be a bottleneck and subject to higher strains.

so far any zoom bags reported to pop on the SF4? heard alot on the SF2 & XX8 but not sure about SF3.

papaya said:

 
yea do you notice, SF3 & XXX zoom bags are connected, but the air compartment looks like they are separate, meaning blowing one compartment you still have the other.

while SF4 3 piece zoom looks like the air compartment are all connected via that small tunnel. meaning it's a 1 big zoom bag instead of 2 smaller zoom bags, but the small air tunnel might be a bottleneck and subject to higher strains.

so far any zoom bags reported to pop on the SF4? heard alot on the SF2 & XX8 but not sure about SF3.

Click to expand...

Since they made the air bags more flush with the outsole (not protruding as much) in the SF3 models and on, I've heard very little about any popping since then

i would suggest invest on an M11 over any of the SuperFly line, 

XX8 is the Goat

XX9 and M11 are like kobe

SuperFly are nothing 

M12 is so bad

iks mod said:

 
Since they made the air bags more flush with the outsole (not protruding as much) in the SF3 models and on, I've heard very little about any popping since then

Click to expand...

the Lebron 12,13,14 had crazy flushes. you pretty much stepping on small zoom buttons. i kinda question the design because you have very little surface contact on the floor and stability is an issue especially on the heels. i've test worn the 13 & 14, the shoe pretty much wiggle left & right even when you are standing still. Can't imagine how people actually wear them to hoop.

SF2 may be protruding but they do compress evenly with the rest of the sole for stability & surface contact.

what i see is the zoom bags looks more protruding on the SF4 than SF2. maybe it's the groovy design.

edmunddantes2 said:

 
i would suggest invest on an M11 over any of the SuperFly line,

XX8 is the Goat

XX9 and M11 are like kobe

SuperFly are nothing

M12 is so bad

Click to expand...

not sure how XX9 & M11 can be like Kobes. even the high top Kobe elites... the high top is just for show it doesn't add any ankle support. just a hassle for you to wear it on.

papaya said:

 
not sure how XX9 & M11 can be like Kobes. even the high top Kobe elites... the high top is just for show it doesn't add any ankle support. just a hassle for you to wear it on.

Click to expand...

what i mean is that

XX8 > XX9 > m11 > SF LINES

edmunddantes2 said:

 
what i mean is that

XX8 > XX9 > m11 > SF LINES

Click to expand...

i've never worn AJs but based on many reviews claim Superfly is purposely toned down so it doesn't overshadow flagship AJ. so it plays 90% like the AJ with some tweaks to facilitate more power play & abit of outdoor durability. at least for SF2. Nevery played in SF3 and the SF4 is still in storage.

Kobe is pretty much a minimalist model that offers quick response but little cushion & support. the outdoor models is like a watered down Kobe with less cushion & comfort but with more durability.

I didn't have a good experience with the XX8 SE.  I think it was because I didn't get the right size, but to me it was heavy and clunky and the unlocked zoom wasn't that noticeable.  Traction wasn't exceptional where I played either, compared to a shoe like the Hyperdunk 2011.  And that carbon clip at the forefoot killed my left foot.

XX9's have been my favorite performance Jordan by far, but the cushioning doesn't last long enough to warrant the outrageous retail price.  They're a good value at under $100, but hard to find at that price.  If they made the XX9 with replaceable zoom bags in mind, game over.  The upper and outsole were both very durable indoors.

I like the Melo 11, but I feel slower in them than the XX9's.  Transition just doesn't feel as smooth and I know most people had the opposite experience.  Everything else is pretty good.  It's a good alternative to the XX9, but if I could only pick one it would be the XX9.

I ended up getting a pair of Superfly 3 PO's.  Seems like the best of the options.  Don't have to worry about the bags popping like the 2's and larger volume zoom than the 4/5.  Also a lot cheaper and available at the moment.

^If I hadn't gone .5 down in the xx8s, I can see myself having big issues with the shoe.  That half down was a must for me

Superfly 5: As it stands ..Not sure what the heck is going on with this model, it's definitely a step back no matter how they spin the specs...dang. I can't believe "J-Zoom" is gone after just one year??? The athletes raved about how great the 4s felt, and THIS is pushed next?? Just seems very ...OFF

This shoe is 2012 'Aero-Flight-ish....There's no reason this shoe should be this weak as it's dubbed as Blake's + most of the 2nd-tier Jordan guys.

Well it wouldn't be surprising to see the 5 PO step things up.  That seems to the pattern and I absolutely despise it.

They know exactly what kind of product they are putting out there.  It's kind of like when Apple or some tech. company knowingly puts a product out there with deliberate flaws, so that users have to pay or upgrade later on.  The Adidas Rose line has been doing the same thing with their .5 models.

It's one of the main reasons why I don't immediately buy new releases.  All of these "elites" and ".5" and "PO" and so on.  It's amusing when reviewers say "they fixed the issue in the last model".  No.  They did what they were supposed to do in the first place, but they had to put out the first round of crap to milk it.

DeezyVSOP2 said:

 
Well it wouldn't be surprising to see the 5 PO step things up.  That seems to the pattern and I absolutely despise it.

They know exactly what kind of product they are putting out there.  It's kind of like when Apple or some tech. company knowingly puts a product out there with deliberate flaws, so that users have to pay or upgrade later on.  The Adidas Rose line has been doing the same thing with their .5 models.

It's one of the main reasons why I don't immediately buy new releases.  All of these "elites" and ".5" and "PO" and so on.  It's amusing when reviewers say "they fixed the issue in the last model".  No.  They did what they were supposed to do in the first place, but they had to put out the first round of crap to milk it.

Click to expand...

POs are mainly just material & looks change, the base is the same, so will be the cushioning, you'd have to wait another year for SF6 for Nike to fix this problem.

but we'll see once it's out.

for the SF ill rate it like this

SF 2 > SF 3 > the rest

but ill still stick given the chance to cop any of this shoes in 100$ below ill probably get

XX8

XX9 

M11

SF2

SF3

XX8 is so perfect for me

XX9/M11 are 95% perfect

SF2/SF3 are 90% Perfect

But the M11 and the SF2/SF3 are durable and can last outdoor

the Funny thing is that what happened to SF5