Nike Owns VT: Evaluating the "Pro Combat" Line

Written by The Miz

Tuesday, 10 November 2009 16:58

Since my career at Virginia Tech began, which coincided with the Hokies' induction into the ACC, Nike has decided to turn Merryman Athletic Center into a chemistry experiment for uniforms. Over that span of time, we've seen the newer piping uniforms, which were a standard for four years. We've also see the one-orange-armed monstrosities, the orange uniforms, as well as the classy white and maroon throwbacks. Needless to say, their experiments have been both hit and miss, but they've certainly been interesting.

With the season winding down, Nike has decided to test out their newest uniforms on their typical guinea pigs. Virginia Tech, along with other select schools across the country will be testing out Nike's new Pro Combat design. The Pro Combat Line is expected to be extremely innovative, and its biggest sell is that it's the lightest uniform that Nike's ever made. Here's Tech's press release, courtesy of HokieSports.com (all photos are from the VT Athletics Site as well):

"The Nike Pro Combat uniform is a new system of dress and the lightest football uniform Nike has ever created. The Nike Pro Combat uniforms will feature historical trademarks, including the placement of the university motto “UT PROSIM”, meaning “That I May Serve”, on the back of the pants to honor the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. In addition, “Beamerball” will be stitched inside the collar of each jersey to recognize Virginia Tech’s signature style of play."

Let's take a look at each aspect of the new unis, and we'll give the whole outfit a grade overall:

Helmet: B

The white helmet is actually pretty cool. I like the concept, although I prefer the old-school T over V logo that the Hokies sported with their throwbacks this season. Points off for the lopsided middle stripe. Even it out Nike...doesn't look cool.

Jersey: C+

First of all, I don't like the gradient look. It looks like something off of a 1980s NBA uniform. Hideous, but it's not quite as bad on the shoulder stripes. I also don't care for the stupid-looking basketball nets on the shoulder pads. I think they're supposed to offer more air flow to the player's torso, but I don't think you actually have to show the gray there...just leave the mesh. The VT shield on the collar along with "Beamerball" stitched inside give it some brownie points, but it's still not great.

Pants: A-

While I don't like the gradient on the numbers, it looks pretty cool on the pant stripes. The 'Ut Prosim' is a pretty sweet touch, and I'm a sucker for the school motto, so that helps the score.

Shoes: A

I REALLY like the shoes. They use mostly maroon, which I greatly prefer, and the Hokie Stone set in the soles looks really cool, even if you won't be able to see it on the field. Overall, they're pretty typical Nike cleats, but that's a good thing.

Gloves: B

The actual gloves could have had some more color in them besides the light and dark gray, but the pattern that makes the big 'VT' when the hands cross is really cool. The concept is there but the execution isn't great. The Ut Prosim on the straps is pretty good, but the color looks weird with the excessive gray.

Overall: B+

I think these uniforms are pretty cool overall. I don't like that we seem to be changing our brand every week, considering that this is now at least the sixth combination that the Hokies have worn this season. However, it's a pretty good look, and it sticks to the standard "all-white" look that we've adopted over the last several seasons. It's just a shame that no one will get to see them, because this stupid game is on ESPN360. I hate you Maryland...good thing I'll be there!