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.
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.
