Invictus X PRO vs Varis X PRO — Who Are They For?
TL;DR: Same latex (Contact PRO 4mm, premium German), same price (379 PLN), same durability. The difference = cut. Invictus X PRO = Roll Finger+ (hand width, versatility, size tolerance). Varis X PRO = Negative (narrow fingers, precision, tight fit). Got slender fingers and make low saves? → Varis. Got a wider hand and want a larger catching surface? → Invictus.
What Both Models Have in Common
- Latex: Contact PRO 4 mm (German, match-grade, top adhesion)
- Durability: 8-10 months with 1 match + 1 training/week, 3-5 months with 3-4 trainings/week
- Price: 379 PLN (both)
- Wrist seams: elastic, double-layered, 100% ventilation
- Fastening: bandage + 8 cm Velcro
- Certification: EU CE, compliant with UEFA Pro regulations
- Field tests: 12 FM Team goalkeepers, 3 months, before market release
What's Different
Finger Cut
Invictus X PRO — Roll Finger+
- Latex "wrapped" around each finger (roll)
- Larger catching surface (the ball has more latex to grip)
- Accommodates wider hands (the roll adds slight volume)
- Slightly less finger "feel" (a layer of latex between the finger and the ball)
Varis X PRO — Negative
- Latex seam on the inside of the finger (from underneath)
- Latex sits closer to the finger (less material in between)
- Maximum ball feel (the keeper feels "what the ball is doing")
- Fits tighter — requires precise sizing
Hand Width
Invictus — wider hands / short fingers
- Roll finger adds 3-5 mm of volume
- Forgives sizing mistakes
- Popular with Invictus-Junior users → adults transitioning from junior sizes like Invictus because they know the cut
Varis — narrow hands / long fingers
- Tighter fit
- Doesn't forgive sizing errors (if between sizes = must go up)
- Preferred by keepers sensitive to looseness at the fingertips
Playing Style
Invictus — for big interventions
- Punching, boxing, deflections
- More latex = more surface area for ball contact
- Good for tall keepers (>185 cm) who use hand saves
Varis — for feel + secure catching
- Low saves (ground balls)
- Play from the box → catching to the chest
- Preferred by positional keepers (coming off the line, foot saves — precision is needed, latex doesn't get in the way)
Comparative Test — FM Team
FM Team goalkeepers blind-tested both models (labeled A/B, they didn't know which was which) for 3 months, with 2 training sessions + 1 match per week:
| Parameter (1-10 scale) | Invictus X PRO | Varis X PRO |
|---|---|---|
| First catch (match 1) | 9.1 | 9.0 |
| Ball feel | 8.2 | 9.3 |
| Low saves (ground balls) | 8.5 | 9.1 |
| Punching | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Comfort after 90 min | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Durability (after 3 months) | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Overall Average | 8.63 | 8.72 |
Conclusion: Both are excellent. Varis slightly wins on feel and low saves. Invictus — on big interventions and size tolerance.
Decision in 30 Seconds
Answer these 3 questions:
Q1: What's your hand shape?
- Slender, long fingers → Varis
- Average / wider → Invictus
Q2: What's your playing style?
- Catching, positioning, playing with your feet → Varis
- Punching, boxing, aerial game → Invictus
Q3: Are you precise with your size?
- I've measured carefully, I'm sure → Varis (requires precision)
- A bit between sizes → Invictus (more forgiving)
2 out of 3 answers on one side = that's your glove.
When You Use 2 Pairs
Many pros combine: Varis X PRO for matches + Invictus X (cheaper at 279 PLN, Giga Grip) for training.
The logic:
- Match = maximum feel (Varis/Negative)
- Training = high volume of punches, shots — Roll Finger+ cut is forgiving, Giga Grip is more durable
Cost: 369 + 229 = 598 PLN for 2 pairs. Over 6 months, that's 100 PLN/month. Less than 1 pair of Reusch Attrakt Gold (649 PLN).
FAQ
“I currently use Reusch Negative, should I switch to Varis?” → Yes, the cut is conceptually identical. Measure your size before ordering — FM and Reusch sizing can differ by half a size.
“Is Invictus X PRO better than Varis X PRO?” → No. Different, not better. It depends on your hand and style. The blind test shows a 0.09 point difference — which is imperceptible.
“Can I buy both and see?” → FM offers 14-day returns on unused items (without personalization). You can order both, try them on, and send back the one that doesn't fit. But your size MUST be correct before ordering — otherwise, the fault is on your end.
“Junior → adult transition?” → If you play in Invictus X Junior, the logical progression is to Invictus X (279 PLN, Giga Grip, same cut) → then Invictus X PRO (379 PLN) once you're playing premium-level matches.