SoccerToday Soccer Locker Review: Wilson’s New NCAA Forte FYbrid II
Revolutionary 20-Panel Ball Design Allows for More Controlled and Precise Striking Ability.
SoccerToday Soccer Locker Review: Wilson Sporting Goods Co., kicked off the launch of their new Wilson Forte™ FYbrid™ II, the Official Match Ball of the 2015 NCAA® Soccer Championships. With a whole new and innovative design, this revolutionary ball combines a smart engineering with technology for superior aerodynamic stability and control, providing optimal performance. Yes, under close inspection, the ball looks and feels different.
What is different? The Wilson ball has an unparalleled 20-panel ball design with cool geometric contact zones which are theoretically optimized for more controlled, precise strikes with predictable ball flight. And, isn’t that what every player wants? And the ball comes in white and neon orange – both approved for NCAA play.
While there are many fancy descriptions of the new ball, including “FYbrid™ Fused Technology offers minimized moisture absorption for extended durability, while its elastomeric-carbon (HPE) bladder ensures a balanced, round shape with explosive rebound acceleration,” the ball has an eye-catching design, handles wet grass very well and has a texture that connects well with the cleat.
“To develop the Forte FYbrid, we closely studied athlete performance and how fast and dynamic the game of soccer is today. We knew players and coaches were hungry for the kind of attributes this ball delivers,” said Mike Kuehne, General Manager, Inflates. “We worked with the NCAA as well as our coaching Advisory Staff team as we developed this line. The result is a ball that we feel will really enhance overall match play.”
Forte II was developed with these three game plays/elements in mind:
1. First Touch: First touch is the most critical skill in soccer. We designed the Forte II’s structure, materials, and texture to maximize feel and ability for the perfect first touch. The Forte II unique 20 Panel construction here reduced seams while still making the ball more aerodynamically efficient/stable for predictable ball flight. The best of both worlds.
2. Restarts: Critical aspect in the game. 20 panel design reduced seam clusters to maximize striking surface and provide larger optical target for player to know where to contact the ball.
3. Climate: Majority of schools/teams experience dramatic swings in climate from when the season kicks off until the final play of College Cup. We designed the Forte II to be lively and more responsive in all climates. Here while it is less about the specific 20 panel construction, it is more about the benefit of the micro Textured Surface on that new 20 panel design bringing more feel and control in all conditions.
“Wilson has been a long-standing partner in furthering soccer equipment technologies that enhance performance during practice and in the match,” said Keith Martin, NCAA managing director of championships and alliances. “Their work with our colleges and universities shows their commitment to excellence and to our coaches and student-athletes.”
The Wilson Advisory Staff, compiled of top-tier coaches from across the country, also conducted thorough field-testing of the Forte FYbrid line to ensure the ball not only met the requirements of the NCAA, but also received a stamp of approval from collegiate players. The ball has been approved by NCAA, FIFA and NFHS. The Forte FYbrid is currently adopted by 24 NCAA and 23 high school conferences throughout the country.
As the Official Match Ball of the 2015 NCAA Soccer Championships, the Wilson Forte™ FYbrid™ II will be the ball on field for:
- 2015 Women’s College Cup: December 4 – 6, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC
- 2015 Men’s College Cup: December 11 – 13, Sporting Park, Kansas City, MO
