You may also know that one of the perks to my job is I get to rub elbows with some really cool people and companies. Every now and then, I work out a deal where I get to test out gear for free. Really. Let's not beat around the bush here.

Recently I was in contact with Mitre in the UK about testing out some of Scotland's Premier League Match Balls, the Tensile, and sure enough, they sent a pair out to me. One to test and talk about from a first person's perspective on the show (score). The other to give away how I wanted on the show. (See under the SPL Mitre Match Ball Holiday Footy Jingle Competition for more details)

The following is my review of the product I received and proceeded to test out: the Mitre Tensile SPL Match Ball.

When opening the package, it did impress me some that Mitre essentially have their own spit to put on the needle to pump up their balls. I unfortunately did not have this included in my package, so I simply used my own saliva to moisten the needle before pumping.

Great.

First thing you notice when you have a fully pumped Mitre Tensile ball is the the paneling. It's different. It's like something you'd see from a futuristic footy video game or something Puma would half attempt at. It really is a shock to me still how the ball is so round given the specific panels and their placement. You also look at these things thinking it has surely got to affect the flight of the ball and how it cuts the air. The 10-panel design concept is exclusive to Mitre and is handstitched to create improved player control and response, ultimately creating more excitement on the field and even on the television screens for the viewer.

For me, the panelling was a distraction at first. It really took my mind off of actually kicking the ball. Once I conquered this though, I really found the ball to roll perfectly fine and true. I do however think the panelling probably helps the player out by generally straightening the flight of the ball out because of the locations and layout of the panels.

Another thing Mitre tries to pimp out about this ball is the material with which it is made. The specific name of the material is called the “Clarino micro fibre material” which is supposed to also have a nice aerodynamic surface... what ever that means.

As a player, you only understand that the material is generally soft and sticky, without really affecting the roll or flight, but positively affecting the touch and control of the ball.

I also tended to compare it to the material, touch and control of the Nike Maxim ball. Although a slight difference, and perhaps a slightly more positive slant towards the official ball of the English Premier League, I don't think it was really that noticeable and definitely not worth it (at least if you're a baller on a budget).

I brought both my Nike Maxim and my new Mitre Tensile ball to my Monday night practice and pick up games, as well as my full field saturday pick up game, and 9 times out of 10, we were kicking around the Mitre ball.

Mitre have this campaign around the Tensile, saying that it is “the Player's Ball”, and in many ways, I'd have to agree with them. The Tensile is an extremely fun ball to kick around and it really does reflect the fact that it is a high level, competition match ball. Say what you want about Scotland and the Scottish Premier League. Mitre came through and delivered a well crafted, sturdy, fun ball to play with. When you compare the price point at which these balls are sold for in comparison to you Official Match balls from Sporting giants like Adidas and Nike, you'd be silly not to give this ball a go.

Thanks again to Mitre for giving us a ball to test and a ball to give away.

Check out this dude who also got a Mitre Tensile to test out.