Invictus X PRO vs Varis X PRO — who are they for
TL;DR: The same latex (Contact PRO 4 mm, German premium), the same price list (379 EUR), the same lifespan. Difference = cut. Invictus X PRO = Roll Finger+ (hand width, versatility, size tolerance). Varis X PRO = Negative (narrow fingers, precision, tight fit). If you have slender fingers and play with a low catch → Varis. If you have a wider hand and want a larger gripping surface → Invictus.
What both models have in common
- Latex: Contact PRO 4 mm (German, match-grade, top adhesion)
- Lifespan: 8-10 months with 1 match + 1 training/week, 3-5 months with 3-4 training sessions/week
- Price: 379 EUR (both)
- Wrist seams: flexible, double-layered, 100% ventilation
- Closure: bandage + Velcro 8 cm
- Certificate: EU CE, compliance with UEFA Pro regulations
- Field tests: 12 FM Team goalkeepers, 3 months, before market release
What's the difference
Finger Cut
Invictus X PRO — Roll Finger+
- Latex 'wrapped' around each finger (roll)
- Greater grip surface (the ball has more latex to grip)
- Allows for wider hands (the roll adds a bit of volume)
- Slightly less 'feel' with the finger (latex layer between finger and ball)
Varis X PRO — Negative
- Latex Seam from inside the finger (from underneath)
- Latex lies flat closer to the finger (less layer in between)
- Maximum ball feel (the goalkeeper feels "what the ball is doing")
- Fits tighter — requires precise sizing
Palm width
Invictus — wider hands / short fingers
- Roll finger adds 3-5 mm of volume
- Forgives size errors
- Popular with Invictus X Junior → adults transitioning from junior sizes like Invictus X because they are familiar with the cut
Varis — narrow hands / long fingers
- Tighter fit
- Does not forgive size errors (between sizes = larger size mandatory)
- Preferred by goalkeepers sensitive to looseness in the fingertips
Playing Style
Invictus — designed for big saves
- Punches, boxing, deflections
- More latex = more surface area for ball contact
- Good for tall goalkeepers (>185 cm) using hand saves
Varis — feel game + secure grip
- Low catch (ground balls)
- Play from the box → chest catch
- Preferred by positional goalkeepers (coming out, foot saves — precision needed, latex doesn't interfere)
Comparison Test — FM Team
FM Team goalkeepers tested both models blind (marked A/B, they didn't know which was which), 3 months, 2 training sessions + 1 match per week:
| Parameter (scale 1-10) | Invictus X PRO | Varis X PRO |
|---|---|---|
| First catch (match 1) | 9.1 | 9.0 |
| Ball feel | 8.2 | 9.3 |
| Low grip (along the ground) | 8.5 | 9.1 |
| Punches | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Comfort after 90 min | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Lifespan (after 3 months) | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Overall average | 8.63 | 8.72 |
Conclusion: both excellent. Varis slightly wins in sensitivity and low grip. Invictus — in big saves and size tolerance.
Decision in 30 seconds
Answer 3 questions:
Q1: What kind of hand do you have?
- Slender, long fingers → Varis
- Medium / wider → Invictus
Q2: What's your playing style?
- Catching, positioning, footwork → Varis
- Punches, blocks, lots of air → Invictus
Q3: Are you precise with the size?
- I measured accurately, I am sure → Varis (requires precision)
- Slightly between sizes → Invictus (more forgiving)
2 out of 3 answers on one side = this glove.
When you play with 2 pairs
Many professionals combine: Varis X PRO for matches + Invictus X (cheaper 279 EUR, Giga Grip) for training.
Logic:
- Match = maximum sensitivity (Varis/Negative)
- Training = high volume of punches, impacts — the Roll Finger+ cut is forgiving, Giga Grip is more durable
Cost: 369 + 229 = 598 EUR for 2 pairs with a 6-month calculation = 100 EUR/month. Lower than 1 pair of Reusch Attrakt Gold (649 EUR).
FAQ
'I currently have Reusch Negative, should I switch to Varis?' → Yes, the cut is conceptually identical. Measure your size before ordering — FM and Reusch may differ by half a size.
“Invictus X PRO = better than Varis X PRO?” → No. Different, not better. Depends on hand and style. Blind test shows a 0.09 point difference — imperceptible.
“Should I buy both and check?” → FM offers 14-day returns for unused items (without personalization). You can order both, try them on, and return the one that doesn't fit. But the size MUST be correct before ordering — otherwise, the fault is yours.
'Junior → Adult Transition?' → If you play in Invictus X Junior, a logical transition to Invictus X (279 EUR, Giga Grip, the same cut) → then Invictus X PRO (379 EUR) when you're already playing premium-level matches.