BrandBlack

[deezyvsop2]

So I'm giving them a final verdict of overrated. Fun to play in but not a go to shoe for me. Traction was so so and that killed them for me. Great impact protection, fit, and lockdown but on a factor so big as traction it underperformed and wasn't confident. I'm thinking the rubber compound is a bit too soft and any normal court condition with dust kills it.

I wouldn't call them overrated, but we agree on pretty much everything except traction.

In my rotation (XX9, JC2, CF Drive/Curry 1, Lillard), they are one of the best in traction. I have to wipe the Under Armour shoes the most, and maybe the XX9 and JC2 the least. I play in a globo gym and it's pretty dusty. Everything else is pretty good, a nice alternative shoe for me, but definitely not my #1.

I think someone mentioned that NW's high opinion of them really raised everyone's expectations. I definitely had to at least try one pair based on what people were saying, just to see for myself. I know what I like, and I like most of what the JC2 has to offer, but it doesn't match my preferences as much as other shoes.

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

I was thinking that since night wing had input on the shoe and helped with the design process he probably gets a cut from brandblack. He was really hyping these up.

 

[indcens]

I was thinking that since night wing had input on the shoe and helped with the design process he probably gets a cut from brandblack. He was really hyping these up.

Meh it's all conjecture. I personally think the guy just really loves em. He doesn't blatantly advertise like kickgenius does. He seems to genuinely love the crossover 2s not only because of the shoe itself, but by the fact that he got a chance to give input. I would be the same too if I could give my 2 cents on what works/not work before a shoe is released.

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

Not disagreeing that he genuinely likes the shoe but I think he has a vested interest in the sale of the shoe

 

[iks mod]

This may have been discussed, but anyone to who owns the Black Hawks -- have you hooped in them extensively outdoors?  Curious how they do both outdoors and overall.  They look pretty comfy and it'd be a good pair to have for outdoor hoops at a low price

 

[duke40]

Just a little info for you guys - I respect this thread more than just about any other because the guys here are about performance and product not hype. NW gets no kickback from BrandBlack. It is correct he had design input, as well as a couple of other people I know who did an almost year-long wear testing. That is why it fits him and his game - he has literally 5 or 6 different "in process" models that were tested and modified.

The main reason for the "hype" on this shoe is performance, but almost as equal is the fact BB put out a well cushione WOVEN shoe for $140 that is high quality - at least as good as JB and Adidas PrimeKnit. If they can do it for $140, why are others charging $200? Eye opening.

I don't have the JC2 as one of my go-to shoes either. The midfoot has just not fit me well - too much give from the upper. But it is a good shoe and priced cheap for the tech in it.

 

[jinkazama]

Anybody try Brandblack apparel? I've been wanting to pull the trigger on these Crossover shorts for a while


View media item 1520487
that $70 price tag is holding be back though. Anybody know how these perform?

 

[duke40]

I have the grey. They are HOT. Kind of a thick poly like a dura sheen. Have a faux leather print that holds in heat. Very durable and fit perfect with Nike sizing.

 

[iks mod]

@JinKazama  I've been very interested in those shorts.  I believe that @duke4005  may have been sent some of the new apparel (nice vid on that btw Duke)

I have only tried the Falcon shorts which are priced down to $30 on their site.  They are lightweight and have built-in compression. They've been great shorts.

 

[duke40]

Thanks Iks. The scuba pants are still on the hangar.

 

[kaz109]

I thought about it but their lineup is just to expensive for me to give it a try. $140 for their shoes is OK as that is right were the market is but their appeal is above the market.

 

[iks mod]

Thanks Iks. The scuba pants are still on the hangar.

  The way you described those pants just has me curious to see them

 

[jinkazama]

I have the grey. They are HOT. Kind of a thick poly like a dura sheen. Have a faux leather print that holds in heat. Very durable and fit perfect with Nike sizing.

Wow...the heat may be a deal breaker...maybe when i lived back east, but now that I live in Texas the last thing I need is a short that holds heat

If they ever go on disco I'd pull the trigger immediately love the look. But I'm a little too old to be buying high priced items that also aren't functional.

 

[duke40]

Where in Texas? I'm in Fort Worth.

 

[jinkazama]

Where in Texas? I'm in Fort Worth.

I live in Houston...been here for about 2 years

 

[indcens]

JC2 also doesn't crack my rotation. Not when the JC1 outperforms it. Just too much give on the upper.

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

Thanks for clearing that up duke40

Also why are all these neg reviews popping up now that I placed my order and should have the shoes soon |I

 

[indcens]

Thanks for clearing that up duke40

Also why are all these neg reviews popping up now that I placed my order and should have the shoes soon |I

I don't think it's negative. Every shoe has its flaws and the JC2 definitely has its share. It's really personal preference and you really can't go wrong with them. I personally love them casually since they're plush and extremely comfortable. I just have a preference for a more supportive upper since I put a lot of force on my shoes.

 

[thapointguy]

Flyknit on Kobes is too rigid. JC 2's is too pliable. Primeknit may be the perfect balance? lol

 

[duke40]

Yeah, I'm not saying they are bad at all. I very much enjoy them, I just like the Curry, Rose 5, KD7, and some others better. They are top 8 at least, which with as many reviews as I do ain't too shabby.

 

[indcens]

Forget primeknit, just go straight leather.

 

[hyunsoochoi3]

Just a little info for you guys - I respect this thread more than just about any other because the guys here are about performance and product not hype. NW gets no kickback from BrandBlack. It is correct he had design input, as well as a couple of other people I know who did an almost year-long wear testing. That is why it fits him and his game - he has literally 5 or 6 different "in process" models that were tested and modified.

The main reason for the "hype" on this shoe is performance, but almost as equal is the fact BB put out a well cushione WOVEN shoe for $140 that is high quality - at least as good as JB and Adidas PrimeKnit. If they can do it for $140, why are others charging $200? Eye opening.

I don't have the JC2 as one of my go-to shoes either. The midfoot has just not fit me well - too much give from the upper. But it is a good shoe and priced cheap for the tech in it.

I wanna know how I get in on that wear-testing procedure for any type of shoe 

 

[hyunsoochoi3]

Yeah, I'm not saying they are bad at all. I very much enjoy them, I just like the Curry, Rose 5, KD7, and some others better. They are top 8 at least, which with as many reviews as I do ain't too shabby.

 Because of my foot profile, that posite on the KD 7s destroy the top of my foot. Did not enjoy the Rose 5s very much, did the job but the boost was underwhelming.

Still waiting to find a good deal on these but right now I'm loving the Curry, CFD, Lillards, and Kyries in that order

 

[l8bloomer11]

Literally my only issue was the traction lol. Upper was substantial enough for me, fit and lockdown were great, Jetlon cushion was good and fun to play in. But traction is too important to my game to use these more than occasionally.

My current rotation is XX8, Superfly 2 PO, Rose 5 boost.

I'm 5'9" 173, and I play a typical 3. Post the smaller guys, out run the bigger ones for what it's worth.

 

[kaz109]

I have had 4-5 workout sessions and 3 full court games with these and I LOVE them. They are equal to my CFD and curry One's. I thought about getting a pair of Lillard 1's but after reading the reviews I think it would be pointless. Now I am on the fence about getting the playoff JC2 or trying out the Jordan XX9. I think I will wait til the Rose 6 drops to they boost again. My Rose 5's are OK but a better casual wear shoe than a hoop shoe but to be fair I bought them a half size too big so my foot slides in them causing serious pain in my big toe.