- Dec 8, 2005
- 1,079
- 10
I admit, I was sucked in to the hype of the Answer IX pump. I loved the shoe, top to bottom, and although it got generally dogged here, I thought thecushioning, fit, and stability provided by the pump were the best Reebok had put out in years (Answer III being my previous favorite). I skipped last yearsmodel because I just didn't like the organic theory of the sole, although I love the Feet You Wear tech. This year's Answer goes back to basice, andcomes back with a great shoe. I am a 5'10" pg. 200lb, slowing down but still running the point. Still try to slash, but more pull-ups and defense.
Fit: I normally wear a size 10.5-11 in Nike or adidas, but in most of the past Reeboks I wear a 10. These, however, fit a 10.5 perfect. Very little heel slipand my forefoot was locked in. The mid-foot strap supported my foot nicely, although there was no real difference in stability. This wasn't bad, as thewide forefoot base and heel never had me scared of rolling or getting broke down.
Cushion: Going away from the Sheer DMX of the IX was in my opinion a mistake. I loved the stability in all directions and they actually had a little bounce inthem after the foam was broken in. These go to a DMX Foam, which I am not really a fan of, but they do give pretty good court feel and the heel provideddecent, not great, impact protection. The forefoot sits closer to the ground than the IX, not as close as the X. For a guard, these are good, but if you crashthe boards alot or play in the paint alot, these may be a little thin.
Traction/Playability: GREAT TRACTION!!! Finally, someone who can give Nike a go in traction. I don't know what you call the pattern, but the grip was greaton our new gym floor here at UTA and at the old sweatbox gym upstairs. Squeaky and I never slid. The playability on these is good also. I felt good flex in theforefoot and the heel was solid. Not that I felt quicker, but I certainly didn't feel slower, like I do in my LB4's. I know they say the weightdoesn't matter, and I agree, but they still feel quicker.
Overall, I never worried about my feet. These are a shoe you put on, strap in, and play, and never worry about the feel of the Zoom, or the pods working, orthe pump loosening. They may not take the place of my AZK1, T-Mac 6, or even the IX, but they are a good starting point for someone looking for a good shoe ata relative for most sig shoes cheap price.
Fit: I normally wear a size 10.5-11 in Nike or adidas, but in most of the past Reeboks I wear a 10. These, however, fit a 10.5 perfect. Very little heel slipand my forefoot was locked in. The mid-foot strap supported my foot nicely, although there was no real difference in stability. This wasn't bad, as thewide forefoot base and heel never had me scared of rolling or getting broke down.
Cushion: Going away from the Sheer DMX of the IX was in my opinion a mistake. I loved the stability in all directions and they actually had a little bounce inthem after the foam was broken in. These go to a DMX Foam, which I am not really a fan of, but they do give pretty good court feel and the heel provideddecent, not great, impact protection. The forefoot sits closer to the ground than the IX, not as close as the X. For a guard, these are good, but if you crashthe boards alot or play in the paint alot, these may be a little thin.
Traction/Playability: GREAT TRACTION!!! Finally, someone who can give Nike a go in traction. I don't know what you call the pattern, but the grip was greaton our new gym floor here at UTA and at the old sweatbox gym upstairs. Squeaky and I never slid. The playability on these is good also. I felt good flex in theforefoot and the heel was solid. Not that I felt quicker, but I certainly didn't feel slower, like I do in my LB4's. I know they say the weightdoesn't matter, and I agree, but they still feel quicker.
Overall, I never worried about my feet. These are a shoe you put on, strap in, and play, and never worry about the feel of the Zoom, or the pods working, orthe pump loosening. They may not take the place of my AZK1, T-Mac 6, or even the IX, but they are a good starting point for someone looking for a good shoe ata relative for most sig shoes cheap price.
