Asics Magic Velocity 2 Introduction
I can bear in mind how excited I used to be for the launch of the Magic Velocity final 12 months, ASICS’ first coaching companion to their Metaspeed Sky and Edge racers. The Magic Velocity turned out to be a little bit of a flop: it was agency, had a flat experience and felt nothing just like the Metaspeed collection.
In comparison with the opposite coaching companions from different manufacturers, the Magic Velocity was behind the furthest. I didn’t put many miles onto my pair- it lacked cushioning for lengthy runs, wasn’t quick sufficient for tempo runs and it didn’t have a enjoyable experience both. It had a cushty higher and was very sturdy however it undoubtedly wasn’t deserving of its $150 worth.
I feel ASICS knew that the Magic Velocity 1 was a miss, so they’ve utterly redesigned model 2. It now has a greater midsole foam in FF Blast+, an extended and stiffer plate and a design which is similar to the Metaspeed collection.
The Magic Velocity 2 weighs 8.1 oz (234 g) which is barely heavier than the primary model which was 7.9 oz (239 g). It additionally has an elevated stack top of 34 mm within the heel, 27 mm within the forefoot in comparison with 29/24 of the earlier model.
The value stays $150 which makes it one of many most cost-effective plated footwear and nice worth for cash.
Asics Magic Velocity 2 First Impressions
The primary time I attempted the Magic Velocity 2 on within the retailer, I may really feel the elevated toe-spring instantly as I walked round in it. The forefoot additionally felt a lot stiffer which mixed nicely with the excessive toe-spring for an enhanced rocker.
The size felt quick and the toe-box felt slender so I needed to strive on a half measurement larger which felt far more comfy than true to measurement. The brand new higher felt extra like a racing higher than the earlier model.
My first run was a 30 kilometre long term. It felt actually comfy from the get go and it didn’t want a break-in interval.
I used to be stunned how agency the experience felt, contemplating it has FF Blast+ within the midsole. It’s the firmest model of FF Blast+ I’ve felt so far.
It felt far more like a long-distance racing/pace shoe now in comparison with the final model which was very unforgiving and never suited to lengthy distances.
The upper stack top made the long term really feel comfy though the experience didn’t really feel as plush as different plated footwear.
Stability was good and the stiff forefoot with the excessive toe-spring made it really feel extra environment friendly than a daily day by day coach.
I loved the long term however I felt that it was extra suited to quicker tempo runs or interval exercises resulting from its agency experience.
Asics Magic Velocity 2 Higher
The Magic Velocity 2’s higher is actually comfy, breathable and offers wonderful lockdown. It’s additionally made with a minimum of 75% recycled supplies. The engineered mesh materials is extremely skinny and doesn’t take up a lot liquid.
The collar has sufficient padding to forestall hotspots and the gusseted tongue sits comfortably on prime of the foot with out sliding sideways. There’s a small quantity of downward tongue slide however it didn’t annoy me an excessive amount of.
The laces are the identical low-cost laces as those that had been on the Metaspeed Sky 1. They’re too mushy and so they fray simply in order that they undoubtedly don’t belong on a $150 shoe.
The opposite draw back of the higher is that the match is off- it runs a half measurement too small so I’d suggest going up a half measurement. I did, and the match was excellent. Sadly, there’s additionally no reflective parts on the Magic Velocity 2.
Asics Magic Velocity 2 Sole Unit
The Magic Velocity 2 has a carbon-TPU plate sandwiched in its midsole. You possibly can’t inform that it’s a carbon-TPU plate while you’re working; it seems like a daily, carbon plated coach with a inflexible midsole. The brand new, full-length carbon plate makes the experience really feel extra constant in comparison with the primary model which solely had a ¾ size plate within the midfoot/forefoot.
It feels noticeably quicker now because of the upper toe-spring and the stiffer forefoot which produces a ahead rolling sensation that wasn’t current within the first model.
I actually loved utilizing the Magic Velocity 2 for pace exercises and tempo runs. The agency experience makes it straightforward to choose up the tempo and its comparatively gentle weight makes speedwork enjoyable. The brand new, increased 8 mm drop additionally assists you to transition by way of your gait cycle quicker.
The agency midsole of the Magic Velocity 2 doesn’t permit the plate to maneuver downwards throughout loading or snap again to form so that you don’t get a springboard-type ahead propulsion. The Magic Velocity 2 depends on its excessive toe-spring and stiff forefoot to make transitions quicker.
I do assume the Magic Velocity 2 has a flat experience which is lacking bounce and vitality return. It feels so much flatter than the Endorphin Velocity 3 and the Skechers Razor Extra 2 which use extra energetic midsole foams. The FF Blast+ within the Magic Velocity 2 feels very peculiar, like Flytefoam in ASICS’ cheaper footwear.
It’s a twin foam setup within the Magic Velocity 2 with solely the highest layer being FF Blast+. They don’t state what the underside layer is however it’s most likely FF Blast or Flytefoam, and it offers a extra steady, extra sturdy base. Sturdiness is great and there isn’t a lot put on displaying on my pair in any respect. You possibly can undoubtedly put a whole lot of mileage onto the Magic Velocity 2 with out it carrying down shortly.
You should utilize the Magic Velocity 2 as a half marathon or full marathon race shoe if you happen to get pleasure from a firmer experience. It’s not a harsh experience and its medium stack top offers sufficient cushioning depth for long-distance races so it’s an excellent finances race day possibility.
The Magic Velocity 2’s outsole appears to be like remarkably much like the Metaspeed Sky+ and Edge+. Rubber placement is sensible and the sturdy uncovered midsole foam has not proven abrasions or scuffs within the first 80 kilometres.
Grip can also be superb in moist and dry situations.
Asics Magic Velocity 2 Conclusions
The Magic Velocity 2 is an enormous enchancment over the unique Magic Velocity. It now has a thicker midsole with deeper cushioning so it has extra long-distance consolation.
It additionally has a experience which is extra much like the costly Metaspeed collection because of its new, full-length carbon plate.
Runners who’re searching for a finances racing shoe and should not ready to shell out $250 for a Metaspeed will likely be glad with the Magic Velocity 2 as a marathon race.
It doesn’t match top-tier tremendous footwear when it comes to vitality return and propulsion however it does really feel a lot quicker than a day by day coach or non-plated pace shoe.
Runners who have already got the Metaspeed Sky+ or Edge+ for racing will even be glad with the Magic Velocity 2 as a coaching companion for exercises and tempo runs as a result of it received’t break the financial institution, it has wonderful sturdiness and it has higher stability resulting from its agency experience.
In comparison with the opposite plated trainers, the Magic Velocity 2 doesn’t do a lot to face out from the gang. It’s now as stiff because the Boston 11 and the Zoom Fly 5 however its midsole foam lacks liveliness in comparison with say the Endorphin Velocity 3 with a PEBA midsole.
The Magic Velocity 2 does have probably the most sturdy outsole of the bunch and it undercuts the opposite plated trainers by $10 to $50.
If ASICS can soften up the midsole of the Magic Velocity by including a bouncy layer of FF Turbo foam as an alternative of FF Blast+ for a worth level of $160 or under, it’s going to turn into a really, very talked-about pace shoe.
