12.29.2011

PERFORMANCE REVIEW /// CONVERSE DEFCON MID

Photobucket
In this edition of The Locker Room Legends' Performance Review, we take a look at Converse' flagship basketball shoe, THE DEFCON MID.

Converse Basketball is on a huge comeback as of late. It started earlier this year when The Star showcased a couple new models at the World Basketball Festival... They never looked back. Along with the Pro Leather 2K11s (the modern Dr. Js), the DEFCON is their best to date. Aesthetically on point, and technically at par with the best in its class.

The Defcon consists of a perforated patent leather toe box and tongue, held together by a mesh construction. All of this is incorporated to make a very solid booty via a flat lock stitch. Then the entire shoe is held by a One-Piece Vamp wrapping the shoe, starting from the midsole... All the way to the upper - a technology completely unique to the Defcon. Another significant feature is its locking/lacing system, because the interlocking web runs the entire foam cage upper, providing solid foot lockdown.

The One-Piece Vamp is sort of a Foam Cage that protects the player, as well as provide efficiency to his game. Like what I said, its a solid one piece material that runs from the midsole to the midfoot, and then to the ankle. The ankle (and a good part of the upper) is integrated with Converse' very own CONtain Fit Technology. CONtain Fit Technology forms a lightweight brace around the foot and helps provide breathable structural support and cushioning. CONtain Fit contours the foot and transfers all physical force directly to the traction system and CBT unit for increased on-court maneuverability.

The same One-Piece Vamp helps transfer energy and bounce to the CBT (Converse Balls Technology) sole unit to provide the player with the extra hop and bounce, literally. The heel is cradled in a carbon fiber frame to provide security and stability. The outsole is treaded very well to provided much needed traction, especially for faster players.

As much as I would like to go in-depth with the review, similar to The Player DL Mid  I did from a while back (see PERFORMANCE REVIEW /// CONVERSE THE PLAYER DL MID), I was not able to use the Defcon on an actual pick-up game, though I've made basic maneuvers in them.

From the very little that I did, it's interesting to note that the Defcon is surprisingly light! Weighing roughly 14 oz., the Defcon provides maximum ride, comfort and protection without the unnecessary bulk and weight! The CONtain Fit Technology is also very effective in providing ankle support and stability. Traction is absolutely on point... Coupled with the bounce of the CBT unit, any guard or any player that relies on his quickness would instantly feel the response and would be benefit on a quicker first step.


The only problem that I had with the Defcon was with it's heel lock. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad! It provided enough security, but it was barely noticeable. Regardless, the web locking lace system was enough to hold my feet down.

Check out some of the images I took. I will give a more in-depth review once I get these bad boys on the court!

But so far, it's a really good shoe! Everything that you could possibly want is in it. It's got style, it's lightweight, it's got a really good cushioning system, traction is excellent... There is no reason why you wouldn't want it! The Defcon Mids come in several colorways, but the Gunmetal is the best in my opinion (word to ROBOCOP)! Check out your nearest Converse outlet and department store kiosks and cop yourself a pair or two! The CONVERSE DEFCON MID retails for Php 5,750.00.


///


The box.Photobucket 

Contents: Converse Defcon Mids. Comes with hang tags. No extra laces.
Photobucket 

The Carbon Fiber Heel Cup. Looks really nice!
Photobucket 

The One-Piece Foam Vamp. From the midsole, all the way to the ankle.
Photobucket


The Inner Booty cradled by the Foam Cage.
Photobucket 

I am surprised by how aesthetically strong this is. You can't go wrong in these... On or off the court.
Photobucket

Photobucket 

See what I mean?
Photobucket

The patent leather creases pretty quick. But that is expected.
Photobucket 

Side elevation.
Photobucket 

The CBT (Converse Balls Technology) Unit.
Photobucket 

Carbon Fiber Chassis.
Photobucket

The CBT unit explained. And it can't get any simpler than that!
Photobucket

__________________________
S/O to Converse Ph for the love!

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST /// KOBE VII "LEOPARD" PICK-UP

Photobucket
Christmas is proving to be the Lakers' least favorite holiday. My broken and battered Lakeshow collapsed under Derrick Rose and his Chi-town Bulls' clutch offensive and defensive onslaught. Heart breaker indeed. Oh well... December games don't matter that much anyway. The Lakers are gunning for June, 'blee dat!

The Lakers may have had a rough start to their season and eventhough Kobe's wrist is hurting (not to mention all that divorce drama), at least he's still slaying everyone with his shoe game!

Year after year, The Black Mamba's Nike line pushes the envelope of performance and concept! This is what I like about the Kobe series; the shoes that they come up with are actually smart, and I do dare say avant garde. Kobe's thought process is very definite per shoe. One moment everyone's hating on 'em coz they are so low. They keep on saying that it's a bum ankle waiting to happen... Next thing you know two-thirds of the league is wearing 'em! Can I get a witness? They were so good, Rondo wore them once!

Even the colorways are very well conceptualized... Witty, even! I LOL'd really hard when LeBron broke out his Captain Obvious Red and Green Christmas joints last year... Right next to Kobe's grinches! Grinches? Really? Who would've thunk that?

This year, Nike and Kobe made the entire shoe process more participative and interactive. How? The shoe adapts to your game via the interchangeable insoles. Check out my in-depth Kobe VII entry here.

Anyway, eventhough I'm a huge Laker fan and I can't be completely objective on the matter, you have to admit that Nike and Kobe's partnership has churned out a bunch of intellectually forward shoes.

This is the latest from that proud lineage, I picked it up right after Christmas: Nike Zoom Kobe VII System Supreme. The Leopard VIIs. Or Cheetahs. Or Christmases. Or Decepticons. Or Sex-On-Feet. Call 'em whatever you want... It doesn't matter. It won't change the fact that they are sick! On with the photos...

The box is so huge, my mother thought it was cake.
Photobucket

Straight out of the box, ATTACK STRONG is pre-loaded already.
Photobucket

The print on that purple upper is MONEY! I particularly like this new typeface that Nike used.
Photobucket

KOBE IS A CHEETAH! #Divorced
Photobucket

The interchangeable insoles look so good, you'd want to wear them on their own! It proved to be a real workout taking them out, though!
Photobucket

Right shoe is armed with the ATTACK STRONG insole, while the left show has the ATTACK FAST.
Both look good... Can't go wrong with either. Just go with your game!
Photobucket

Gotta love the fact that it looks like a sportscar, a decepticon, and a sneaker that a villain would rock!
Photobucket

Thank you @Titan_22! :)
Photobucket

12.26.2011

CELEBRITY STATUS /// TITAN 2K12 CELEBRITY TOURNAMENT

Photobucket
I'm not sure why I was invited to compete in this tournament. I am not in any way a celebrity (my only claim to fame is this blog!). And if ever I was, I would probably be on the D-List! HA HA! Nevertheless, I am proud to be among the selected few to compete in the Inaugural TITAN CLASSIC... Ehem... 2K12 Celebrity Challenge, rather.

Professional ballers, TV Personalities, Rockstars and street culture taste-makers were pitted against each other in a single elimination tournament. NBA 2K Supremacy was settled in 4-3 minute quarters. It was very exciting and nerve wracking! My first round battle went to overtime, and was decided by a single bucket!

The games were hosted by Rely San Agustin, and Marc Macayan (MK9 champ and the dude who runs yourdailydoseofmarc.com). I think refreshments and ice cold beer were served by #Shaby's (not really sure about that one), and the muy delicioso hotdogs were provided by Sabrett!

On the far side of the RONAC Court, an Air Jordan exhibit showcasing some of the rarest, most expensive and sought after J's from some of best collectors in the industry were on hand to bring nostalgia, a bit of envy, and a whole lot of excitement to all fans who idolize the greatest to ever do it! Amazing job by Jojo, Rely, and the boys from Lightening Country!

And of course, Titan, who orchestrated this entire event! Amazing job as always! The tournament coincided with the Concord 11 release, and the Titan drop of the highly anticipated shoe will go down in sneaker history as one of the most organized sneaker operations ever. From the chip allocation and dispersal (even resellers started doing trivia games via their respective FB pages), to the system of claiming the pair, any sneakerhead would be hard press to find another event THAT organized and calculated. Congratulations fam!

Alright, on with the photos! By the way, photo credits go to Cess. Except for the bad ones... Haha I took those!

///

#GOAT
 Photobucket

AIR is for AIRNESTO.
Photobucket

The Showstoppers! Ryan, Bradley and Mackie
Photobucket

I see miss Mae over there, with Mrs. Uli. Boom Gonzales in the house!
Photobucket

Don't let the smile fool you... Migs Rocha got 6 cans of revenge in his backpack!
Photobucket

Mackie got me starstruck! LOL
Photobucket

The team made Santa look lazy that night! Clap for them!
Photobucket

With the master of ceremonies Marc, and Bee! Last minute training before the big event.
Photobucket

Don't let me get in my zone...
Photobucket

The greatest to ever do it.
Photobucket

Friday Night Lights.
Photobucket

Hall of fame.
Photobucket

Minutes before tip-off... Mandatory jeje-pic time!
Photobucket

Scouting the competition, plotting the course.
Photobucket

This photo is prophetic. If you see it...
Photobucket

There were more celebrities on that couch than in Beverly Hills. #TrueStory #LOL
Photobucket

Go hard or go home.
Photobucket

Player of the game... I'm ready.
Photobucket

HAHA! Even photogs like to pose too.
Photobucket

Rjay of LDP and I warming up.
Photobucket

Last minute adjustments for Cliff Hodge and Kiefer.
Photobucket

"Mr. President" Gabe Norwood with Ajay!
Photobucket

Jay Jay with the Billions, Banj and Sarah!
Photobucket

Sol and Vaughn
Photobucket

The Adventures of...
Photobucket

Oh snap... I'm going against Vin Diesel. :(
Photobucket

I'm afraid if I win, he might snap my neck.
Photobucket

Intense face was intense. Lemme blur that out. LOL
Photobucket

Banj and Rjay going at it.
Photobucket

Gabe Norwood against Aaron Atayde.
Photobucket

Jay Jay vs. Ajay
Photobucket

Sol against Mong. Not sure if Miss Mae was encouraging Sol, or was heckling him out of his zone!
Photobucket

Miggy and Cris!
Photobucket

Cliff and Kiefer. LOL Pare.. Nakuha mo pang tumingin sa camera?
Photobucket

Basketball Wives.
Photobucket

I don't remember this. I swear I went unconscious.
Photobucket

Wanna know how good Derrick Rose is?

Derrick rose won the world series of poker using pokemon cards.
Photobucket

Jordan waits in line at FootLocker for a pair of Derrick Rose's.

Derrick Rose calls double dribble... On referees.

Derrick Rose broke Chuck Norris' ankles while sitting on the bench.
Photobucket

Derrick Rose could win American Idol with sign language.

Senior citizens want to be like Derrick Rose when they grow up.

Derrick rose does post game interviews during halftime
Photobucket

Santa Claus tells Derrick Rose what he wants for Christmas

Twitter follows Derrick Rose.

When Alexander Bell invented the telephone, he already had 3 missed calls from Derrick Rose.
Photobucket

That game was epic. It could've gone either way. Great game! No joke.
Photobucket

Aaron vs Ajay. That drew a crowd!
Photobucket

While I was waiting for the winner of Migs and Rjay, Cess and I went around to check out the exhibit, here were some of the joints.

The MVPs of the event!
Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

HEAT STROKE!!!!

Now back to the tourney! So Migs won... And that was the end of me. :(
Photobucket

Migs went karpintero with LeBron, took the lead and never looked back.
Photobucket

Even with coach and hired trash talker Kiefer by my corner, Rocha can't be stopped!
Photobucket

LOL! #ProfilePic
Photobucket

Future reality TV stars!
Photobucket

Jojo showed up! Family photo yo!
Photobucket

The finals. Migs "Champion Sa Rocha" Rocha, vs Ajay.
MIGS' STRATEGY: Don't play LeBron at the 4th! NOT!
Photobucket

We got too excited we forgot to take photos! Anyway, I'd just take this time to thank Titan for the black and white Space Jams.
Photobucket

The champ is here!
Photobucket

Spoils of war.
Photobucket

AND FINALLY, after 12 minutes of hairline receding domination... Miguel Rocha emerged as the very first Titan 2K12 celebrity champion! Way to go champ! Let's drink to that soon!
Photobucket

And again, congrats to Titan for the very succesful event!