Adidas Predator Zones SMU: Pepe Reina and Claudio Bravo's Custom Goalkeeper Gloves
This article explores the SMU (Specially Made Unique) goalkeeper gloves used by Pepe Reina of Bayern Munich and Claudio Bravo of FC Barcelona. These gloves
This article explores the SMU (Specially Made Unique) goalkeeper gloves used by Pepe Reina of Bayern Munich and Claudio Bravo of FC Barcelona. These gloves are modified versions of the adidas Predator Zones range, tailored to each goalkeeper’s personal preferences. The modifications are adjustments, not upgrades – the commercial models use the same high-quality materials.
Today we analyse the Predator Zones Pro from Reina and the Predator Zones Fingertip from Claudio Bravo, looking at what was changed and what was kept.
Understanding SMU: Specially Made Unique Gloves
SMU stands for Specially Made Unique. Brands use this term when they modify a glove for professional players to adapt it to their personal preferences. It is a modification, not an improvement. The products available in stores contain the same high-quality materials as the professional versions.
Pepe Reina’s Predator Zones Pro SMU
Since joining adidas, Reina has always modified his gloves extensively. In the past, when gloves had fewer technical specifications, the possibilities for customisation were limited. Today, Reina aims to simplify his gloves, seeking a more classic feel rather than a high-tech design.
Production in Germany
All adidas gloves sent to professional players are produced in Germany. Very small quantities are manufactured – a professional goalkeeper typically receives no more than 10 pairs for three months. Therefore, it is not economical to create an assembly line. These gloves are manufactured as samples and arrive several weeks before the retail release. The label reads: “Only the best for the athlete.”
Palm Base Reinforcement Modification
The first modification is the reinforcement piece at the base of the palm. Instead of the high-density rubber used on the standard model, Reina uses a simple red latex piece. This makes sense for a professional goalkeeper, as durability is less important when gloves are replaced frequently.
Wrist Band Change to Traditional Latex
Pepe Reina does not use the elastic double wrist band. He prefers a traditional latex fastening. Adidas does not create a special version for him; instead, he uses the same wrist band from the Predator Competition, a midrange model. Reina chooses a midrange material over the top-end option.
Unique Hybrid Cut
The most functional modification is the cut. The middle fingers use the same negative cut as the standard model. The changes appear on the index and little fingers: the inside features a negative cut, while the outside has a flat cut. The reason is unclear – possibly for more latex surface or reduced finger pressure. Regardless, this modification alters the glove significantly.
Claudio Bravo’s Predator Zones Fingertip SMU
Claudio Bravo’s gloves represent the opposite extreme. The Chile goalkeeper makes only minor modifications to his Predator Zones Fingertip. It is unusual to see a professional using a rollfinger, though it is more common in the UK. Bravo joked about this in an interview.
Production in Germany
Like Reina, Bravo’s gloves are produced in the Herzogenaurach factory in Germany to ensure availability several weeks before public release.
Rollfinger Design Maintained
The rollfinger cut is identical to the standard model. It is a traditional rollfinger with a latex extension on the backhand at the end of the fingers.
Standard Palm Base and Wrist Band
The piece on the base of the palm is the same as the commercial model. Bravo is one of the few professionals who does not remove it. Players like Reina, Carreras, or Neuer ask for it to be removed and decorated over the latex.
The wrist band is also unchanged. Bravo uses the same classic elastic double band found on the commercial model. Only Reina and Neuer typically modify this element.
This review shows two extremes: one professional who modifies his gloves into a nearly different model, and another who adapts to the commercial materials.
If I were an adidas player, I would ask for:
- Elastic material for the wrist band instead of neoprene.
- Hybrid cut roll-negative instead of negative cut.
What would you modify if you could have an SMU?
Related search topics
- Adidas Predator Zones SMU for Reina and Claudio Bravo football guide
- Adidas Predator Zones SMU for Reina and Claudio Bravo latest updates
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