Nike Seitiro Hi-Vis Review

Whereas Adidas seem to go from the sublime (Teamgeist) to the ridiculous (Roterio, Jabulani), Nike have been pretty consistent with their recent high-profile football releases, providing high quality balls to the worlds best leagues. This seasons model, the Nike Seitiro is currently gracing the pitches of the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A and I was lucky enough to get hold of its Hi-Vis incarnation, designed for low light winter conditions. So on a cloudy Monday afternoon I trotted off to my local sports centre, determined to see how the Seitiro stacked up and more importantly, if it justified it’s claims to being ‘The World’s best ball”. Here’s how I got on.

I like the overall design of this ball, although I think any benefits arising from the high contrast colourway are going to be marginal in the vast majority of playing conditions. That aside, despite the traditional hexagonal panelling the ball retains an even surface and round shape and the micro-textured TPU gives it a real feel of quality.

During passing the ball was extremely responsive.  It left the boot with a surprising amount of acceleration, rolled true along the surface and travelled through the air straight and direct.  In fact it reacted so well off of the foot that it required a little adjustment, so as not to over hit through balls or longer passes. What I really liked about the Seitiro is that despite pinging off of the boot with speed when it came to controlling it has a surprising heaviness, ensuring I could kill firm passes dead at my feet, even at awkward angles.

I’ve encountered technology similar to this in the Puma V1.11 ball and had not been a massive fan of the result. However whatever refinements have been put in place for this ball seems to have been very successful. This also aided in close control when travelling at speed and I could turn or change direction easily. This is further enhanced by the textured surface, which helped prevent losing control of the ball whilst performing intricate skills and drag backs, which is an issue I had with the Adidas Finale.

During shooting again the flight of the Seitiro stayed true. I enjoyed striking through the ball with speed as the trajectory stayed relatively flat and when I tried to pick out the corners of the goal I was able to generally find the target with precision and power. I wasn’t able to get the ball to dip and swerve as much as I could with a Finale and found I needed to put more effort into getting the ball up and down over a wall.

Saying that I was able to pick out specific targets with a lot more accuracy meaning I could also strike shots harder and with more confidence. Because of the reduced sideways movement and dipping I think there’s a nice balance between optimising ball striking, without befuddling (not to mention infuriating) goalkeepers. When catching crosses or shot-stopping the ball stuck nicely in the hands and I was able to read the flight of the ball well, as well as the reaction off of the surface.

After several hours of testing (Plus an hour this morning) the ball retained its shape and pressure admirably. Saying this it is important to note that Nike do provide a 2 Year stitch and shape guarantee with the Seitiro, so if you do have issues make sure you get in touch with them for a replacement. At an advertised £90 this is one of the most expensive footballs out there, so I suggest shopping around as you should be able to pick one up for nearer £65. Even at that price it is a hefty investment, but I do think it is an investment. A poor ball has a massive impact on the game you are playing and I’ve had many matches and kickabouts ruined by mishapen or poor quality footballs. Calling the Seitiro ‘The World’s best ball’ may be bordering on overstatement but I’ve yet to play with better, so if you can afford it I’d say pick one up and try it for yourself. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.