Nike Pro Combat Hypercool Uniform

Since Nike is the official athletic sponsor for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, it was expected that Nike would produce a unique uniform for the Discover BCS National Championship Game. Sure enough, Nike did exactly that and recently unveiled the newest version of the Pro Combat Uniform which Alabama will wear against the Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish on Monday.

According to Nike, “the University of Alabama’s historic cimson white uniforms will debut a new highly innovative, lighter weight Nike Pro Combat Hypercool Uniform chassis that is build for speed.”

I have mixed feelings about the massive amounts of attention that uniforms receive. The uniform does not affect the extent of a players’ ability to play the game. I understand they can get better fabric so it’s lighter, thermoregulated and better ventilation, but that doesn’t directly help someone run faster or jump higher.

So in reality, the uniforms are a way for the school and the company to bring in the moolah and get some media attention. And sure enough, everyone loves to see schools switching up the uniforms, even though there really is no purpose to it.

But on with that, let’s get to the new Combat Uniform that we will see on Monday. Alabama’s new uniform will consist of: Nike Chaine Maille Mesh, Nike Pro Combad Hypercool Speed Top featuring Nike Dri-Fit fabric, strategically placed seams, pads and cooling zones, and the new Nike Vapor Fly Gloves.

Does this sound like a lot of gibberish? Well take a look at the following slides to get a glimpse at the uniforms and reasons why it potentially helps player performance.

And don’t forget to catch the BCS National Championship game Monday night on ESPN!

Nike Pro Combat Hypercool Uniform

Nike's new innovative uniform for Alabama features the white-on-white look with crimson accents to create the Tide's famous and bold statement.

Pro Combat Jersey

The integrated uniform system features cooling zones where players need the most breathability through the uniform. Alabama's signature crimson "A" is also on the front near the neckline

Innovative System

Nike’s new innovative uniform features a lightweight and breathable material, along with strategically placed seams and pads for ultimate protection and improved speed.

Nike Chain Maille Mesh

The new upgraded mesh is lightweight and breathable to allow for better thermoregulation. According to Nike, it is incorporated into the back and under the arms of the jersey for exceptional ventilation without sacrificing durability

Maximum Protection

The padding is low-bulk in the “hit-zone” between the shoulders and the knees to offer low-profile impact.

Nike Hypercool Speed Top Featuring Dri-Fit

Nike is already known for the success of their Dri-Fit material so they took this and increased the breathability of the venting system. It features laser perforation pods in a unique design that can help regulate body temperature with the outside temperature.

Nike Vapor Fly Gloves

Featuring Nike’s new Hyperfuse material on the back of the hand, the no-cuff design reduces weight in order to increase grip coverage. The palm features Manigrip material for improved durability. To top it all off, Nike made the gloves a more natural fit by designing them with pre-curved fingers.

Helmet

Nike didn't announce any changes or improvements to the helmet but did provide an image of what to expect. It's a simplistic helmet that again features Alabama's bold white and crimson contrast.

What do you think?

In all honesty, these uniforms are pretty simplistic when it comes to the design. However the features of the Dri-Fit base layer, and innovative mesh vents will be useful to prevent players from overheating. I think these uniforms would be great for the summer season but I don't quite see their necessity for a game in January. Hopefully we will see more teams featuring the new Nike Pro Combat Hypercool layers next season.