In the FM portfolio, we have 5 latexes (Super Contact, Contact PRO, Giga Grip, Hard LX, Grip Pro Training). Two of them—Contact PRO 4mm and Giga Grip—are our match-day flagships. 80% of customers wondering "which one to choose" are comparing these two. Let's break down the difference.
1. What is "German latex" anyway?
All flagship goalkeeper latexes (FM, Reusch, Uhlsport, Adidas PRO) come from 3-4 factories in Germany. The base is natural rubber + synthetic additives in a specific ratio—the more natural rubber, the better the grip but the shorter the durability. The more synthetics, the opposite. The balance is the factory's know-how.
FM doesn't make its own latex—we buy from the same suppliers as the global brands and select the layer combination for each model. Contact PRO and Giga Grip are two different formulas.
2. CONTACT PRO 4MM — all-around grip
Specifications
- Thickness: 4 mm
- Shore A Hardness: ~25 (soft, but not mushy)
- Texture: smooth with micro-pores
- Purpose: match + training in all conditions
Practical advantages
- Works as well in the rain as it does in the dry. The micro-pores absorb moisture and maintain friction.
- Proper thickness for cushioning — 4 mm absorbs the impact of a powerful shot without pain in the fingers (vs 3 mm where you "feel the bone").
- Mid-range price (models with Contact PRO ~380-450 PLN) — you don't break the bank, and you don't compromise.
Drawbacks / limitations
- The grip in ideal conditions (dry, +20°C) is slightly weaker than the top-tier Giga Grip. The difference is measurable on a test station, but rarely noticeable in-game.
- Durability of 25-35 training sessions with intensive use (3x a week).
Model with Contact PRO: Invictus X PRO.
3. GIGA GRIP — max grip for the demanding goalkeeper
Specifications
- Thickness: 4 mm
- Shore A Hardness: ~22 (softer than Contact PRO)
- Texture: slightly "rubbery", more "tacky"
- Purpose: matches, tournaments, professional/semi-professional leagues
Practical advantages
- The highest coefficient of friction among our latexes. The ball sticks to the glove, it doesn't "slip off".
- Handles new balls better (slippery futsal balls, FIFA Pro 2024 which are more "laminated") — Contact PRO might have a momentary issue here.
- Longer grip durability — it softens evenly, doesn't "go crazy" after 10 training sessions.
Drawbacks / limitations
- Price is 15-25% higher (models with Giga Grip ~450-550 PLN).
- In strong sunlight, it becomes too tacky — it attracts sand and grass particles. Requires more frequent cleaning.
- Less versatile for training — it's a durable latex, but for a sandy training ground, it's overkill.
Model with Giga Grip: Varis X PRO.
4. Direct comparison table
| Parameter | Contact PRO 4mm | Giga Grip |
|---|---|---|
| Dry grip | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Wet grip | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Durability (sessions) | 25-35 | 30-40 |
| Cushioning | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Price | 380-450 PLN | 450-550 PLN |
| Best for | Most goalkeepers | Key matches, high-level leagues |
5. When to choose Contact PRO (80% of cases)
- You play 3x a week, a mix of training + matches.
- You play in a variable European climate (rain, wind, sun).
- Your budget is up to 450 PLN per pair.
- You don't want to buy two pairs (1 for matches / 1 for training).
6. When to choose Giga Grip (20% of cases)
- You play in a high-level league (e.g., 4th tier to top division).
- You already have a training pair — Giga Grip will be purely for matches.
- You mainly play indoors/on artificial turf/in summer tournaments (less mud, more sand = durability is valued).
- You can afford it and you want the absolute maximum. OK, no point in pretending.
Don't waste 500 PLN on guesswork
A dedicated FM advisor will configure a match glove for you based on your position, style, and conditions. 90 seconds, 5 questions, a specific recommendation with justification. We include a 14-day guarantee with every pair.
Launch the FM Advisor →7. Myth #1 — "thicker latex = more durability"
FALSE. Contact PRO 4mm vs Giga Grip 4mm — same thickness, different formula. It's the formula (chemical composition) that determines durability, not the mm. Marketers show 4 mm as a "premium" argument. We say: look at the composition, not the thickness.
8. What science says — latex adhesion in sports
A study on the adhesion of synthetic materials to wet surfaces (Persson, Wear Journal) confirms that a micro-textured surface (Contact PRO) outperforms smooth latexes in wet conditions, while smooth "tacky" formulas (Giga Grip) have an advantage in dry conditions. This isn't marketing — it's contact physics.
Summary in 2 sentences
If in doubt, get the Contact PRO 4mm. It's the sweet spot for 80% of goalkeepers. Giga Grip is an upgrade for those who already know what they want, play regularly in a league, and are willing to pay extra for that 5% extra grip.
In both cases — you get a Polish brand, FM since 2014, the same German factories, and a 14-day satisfaction guarantee.