Adidas Predator Absolute Soccer Cleats - Are They Better or Just New and Fancy?

The question is:
Is the Adidas Predator Absolute better than its prior version - Predator Pulse?
I am not sure. Actually I don’t think there is a huge improvement. Of course, in order to release a new version, Adidas had to add or change something, besides the name.

So it did by:

1. Adding another insole without 40g weight (Power Pulse) that you can exchange with Power Pulse insole and convert your soccer cleats into Predators without…Power Pulse (but much lighter). In a sense you’ll convert Predator Absolute into…Predator Mania (variant before Predator Pulse). Is that better than just have Predators with permanent Power Pulse technology? I guess…but I am not convinced.
2. Changing or re-engineering, if you like, the Predator technology. I don’t care how and where they placed those rubber (or liquid rubber) elements on the shoe, it simply won’t make you a player with super star quality. Sure the Predator technology might help a little but don’t count on scoring goals from free kicks like Beckham or Zidane just because you have cleats with Predator elements. In order to do it all you need to do is practice, practice and once more practice.
3. Changing design of the heel counter. It’s smaller (which is good – more comfort) but hopefully it’ll provide you with as much stability and protection as the old version.

So, why I think the Adidas Predator Absolute is not so much better than Predator Pulse?
It’s because, in my opinion, these changes (improvements?) don’t make Predator Absolute more comfortable than Predator Pulse (which was already very comfortable anyway). Maybe the smaller external heel counter makes a little difference but…just a little. Also I am sure that your skill level or your game, shot, pass etc. won’t improve just because you wear Predator Absolute with re-engineered predator elements.

What I am trying to suggest to you is that if the money is an issue or you don’t necessarily must have every new model of Adidas soccer cleats right away, take an advantage of prices “revolution” in Adidas cleats market (it always happens when a new model comes out) and get yourself a high quality soccer cleats for much less.
The “old” Predators Pulse are still the same awesome shoes that they were few months ago but…much cheaper now (about 40%).