Nike T90 Tracer Football - The Science Behind the Ball
Watch this video about the new Nike T90 Tracer football which goes behind the scenes at Nike's famous Innovation Labs, showcasing how the latest official matchball is created...
Everything on the new ball is crafted down to the finest detail, such as the visual graphics on the ball itself. Designed to mimmick a "strobe" effect when the ball is spinning, Nike claim the Tracer design gives enhanced vision - meaning players can identify the ball more quickly and interestingly allows them to judge the spin of the ball a lot easier.
Nike's designers put the new ball through some seriously rigourous testing in their labs, from all manner of aerodynamics and velocity tests to get greater accuracy and truer flight than on any previous football.
When you have to create the ball for the three highest profile leagues in the World - Premier League, Serie A and La Liga - the ball has to be up to the standard. In this video Nike show that one of most important parts of the design process isn't just the hours and hours of wear testing, flight recording or visual design, it is seeking the feedback and response from the best players in those leagues.
Just like new footwear products, this feedback process starts well in advance of what you see today (check out Heitinga at Atletico and Viera at Inter Milan to see just how far back Nike start developing the product). Utlising training sessions with top Nike clubs including Manchester United, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan and more gives the designers plenty of opportunity to discuss the ball, features and get that all important thumbs up from the players.
You can check out our exclusive gallery and feature on the T90 Tracer right here, officially released on 19th July 2010 and should you want to experience the tech for yourself, the new match ball will set you back around £85 GBP / $150 USD.
