FM's portfolio includes 5 latexes (Super Contact, Contact PRO, Giga Grip, Hard LX, Grip Pro Training). Two of them — Contact PRO 4mm i Giga Grip — these are our match flagships. 80% of customers facing the "which one should I pick" dilemma compare these two. We'll break down the difference for you.
1. What exactly is "German latex"
All flagship goalkeeper latexes (FM, Reusch, Uhlsport, Adidas PRO) come from 3-4 factories in Germany. The foundation is natural rubber + synthetic additives in specific ratios — more natural latex means better grip but shorter life. More synthetic means the opposite. Balance is factory know-how.
FM Pro doesn't make our own latex — we source from the same suppliers as major brands and blend layers for each model. Contact PRO and Giga Grip are two different formulas.
2. CONTACT PRO 4MM — universal grip
Specs
- Thickness: 4mm
- Shore A hardness: ~25 (soft, but not mushy)
- Texture: smooth with micro-pores
- Purpose: match + training in any conditions
Practical advantages
- Performs in rain just as well as on dry ground. Micro-pores absorb moisture and maintain grip.
- Proper thickness for shock absorption — 4mm absorbs impact from a hard shot without finger pain (vs 3mm where you "feel bone").
- Mid-range price (models with Contact PRO ~380-450 PLN) — you don't stretch your wallet, you don't compromise.
Cons / limitations
- Grip in ideal conditions (dry, +20°C) is a bit Weaker than top-tier Giga Grip. The difference is measurable in lab testing, but rarely noticeable in actual play.
- Durability: 25-35 training sessions with heavy use (3x per week).
Model with Contact PRO: Invictus X Pro.
3. GIGA GRIP — max grip for the demanding goalkeeper
Specs
- Thickness: 4mm
- Shore A hardness: ~22 (softer than Contact PRO)
- Texture: slightly "rubbery", more "sticky"
- Purpose: matches, tournaments, professional/semi-professional leagues
Practical advantages
- Highest coefficient of friction among our latexes. The ball grips the glove, doesn't "slip off".
- Performs better with new balls (slick futsal, FIFA Pro 2024 which are more "laminated") — Contact PRO might have a temporary issue here.
- Longer grip durability — softens evenly, doesn't "go haywire" after 10 training sessions.
Cons / limitations
- Price 15-25% higher (Giga Grip models ~450-550 zł).
- In strong sun it becomes too sticky — attracts sand, grass particles. Needs more frequent cleaning.
- Less versatile for training — the latex is that durable, but sandy training fields are overkill.
Model with Giga Grip: Varis X PRO.
4. Direct comparison table
| Parameter | Contact PRO 4mm | Giga Grip |
|---|---|---|
| Dry grip | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Wet grip | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Durability (training) | 25-35 | 30-40 |
| Cushioning | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Price | 380-450 zł | 450-550 zł |
| For whom | Most goalkeepers | High-stakes matches, top leagues |
5. When to choose Contact PRO (80% of cases)
- You play 3x weekly, mix of training and matches.
- Polish climate (variable conditions — rain, wind, sun).
- Budget up to 450 zł per pair.
- You don't want to buy two pairs (1 match / 1 training).
6. When to pick Giga Grip (20% of cases)
- You play in league at IV-Ekstraklasa level.
- You already have a training pair — Giga Grip will be your match pair.
- You play mainly indoors/on artificial turf/summer tournaments (less mud, more sand = durability valued).
- You can afford it and want the best. OK, no point pretending otherwise.
Don't waste 500 zł guessing
A dedicated FM advisor will configure your match glove based on your position, style, and conditions. 90 seconds, 5 questions, concrete recommendation with reasoning. We include a 14-day guarantee with every pair.
Launch the FM advisor →7. Myth #1 — "thicker latex = longer lifespan"
FALSE. Contact PRO 4mm vs Giga Grip 4mm — same thickness, different formula. The formula (chemical composition) determines durability, not millimeters. Marketers push 4mm as a "premium" selling point. We say: look at the formula, not the thickness.
8. What science says — latex adhesion in sports
Study of synthetic material adhesion to wet surfaces (Persson, Wear Journal) confirms that micro-textured surface (Contact PRO) outperforms smooth latex in wet conditions, while smooth "sticky" formulas (Giga Grip) have the edge in dry conditions. This isn't marketing — it's contact physics.
Summary in 2 sentences
Not sure — go with Contact PRO 4mm. The sweet spot for 80% of goalkeepers. Giga Grip is the upgrade for those who already know what they want, play regularly in league matches, and are ready to pay extra for 5% more grip.
Either way — Polish brand FM since 2014, same German factories, 14-day satisfaction guarantee.