It is shoot-out time again and this year we start with uniforms.  This time around we tested a full kit including jersey, shorts, socks, track suit and bag.  It is Sarson in America vs. Italy's Diadora.

Our competitors are both quality brands with a smaller, but growing, market share.  Diadora is a soccer staple with a full line from boot to bags.  Their gear is worn by first time players and pro's alike.  Sarson is a new manufacturer based in California.  They product apparel and accessories with an expanding line.

The Rules:

• Price is no object
• Functionality, durability and maintainability - 30%
• Fit, finish and quality - 25%
• Style and comfort - 40%
• 'cause we say so - 5%

Functionality

Diadora's kit consists of a world class uniform, average socks, top shelf training suit and a quality bag.  The jersey does not have any venting, but the wicking material works well.  The track suit is our favorite piece of this kit.  It is designed for a player.  Little touches like long zippers and boot panels keep the pants in good shape even when practicing in cleats.  The bag is large enough for everything needed on a travel tournament, which means it is too big for most games.

Sarson's kit is best described as "what you need" for the game.  The uniform is light weight with mesh panels.  It comfortable and sturdy.  The track suit is very basic.  It is functional, but not exceptionally so.  The bag is a backpack.  Backpacks are much more practical for single games.

Winner - Sarson uniform, Diadora warm-ups, Sarson bag

Quality

A comparison on build quality might seem unfair, given the difference in price.  That is, until you remember rule number one - Price is no object.  The Diadora kit wins here in every classification.  The uniforms are close, but the materials and stitching are better in the Ermano kit.  The training suits are in different leagues.  The Sarson is functional, but lacks the overall build of the Diadora - one of the best suits we have tested.  The Sarson backpack is functional, but cheaply constructed.  The Diadora bag is full of details that show thought throughout.

Style

We will admit that we like track suits to match.  For Diadora, the jacket is team color and the pants are black.  Neither bag is garish, but neither is exciting.  We will give the points to Diadora for the neoprene ball holder.  The uniforms are more of a challenge.  Both have a similar style.  The Sarson collar was preferred by most testors, but the overall look of the Diadora won out.

Results

When we started this shoot-out, we were hoping for a battle like the ZR-1 (Corvette) vs. The 599 (Ferrari).  It didn't quite work out that way.  Both kits are very good.  Both will perform their intended function, but only one lived up to that expectation.  The Sarson kit was more Camaro than Corvette.  Quality built, functional, fun and a good value, but no supercar.  The Diadora proved itself the victor this day.