So is everyone happy with the same old same old? If they are, why are they? What's stopping you from trying something different? Is this just the normal aversion to change? If some of the modern stuff was aesthetically better, would you buy it? Why is teh average cricket buyer so staid?
Softs is one of the aspect of equipments with which I'm truly obsessed with for no particular reason whatsoever.
I don't know whether it is physiologically factor or not but colour scheme makes a notable difference in my opinion. I have Puma Iridium FXT which are 2009 model and Puma Iridium FXT 2011, when I put them side by side I can distinction a difference because the newer colour scheme is more attractive and appealing
(irrespective of fact that I already know, have carried out this test with many people who don't know anything about equipments and all came to same conclusion), the colour scheme in my opinion is chosen based upon latest fads. Currently I feel bright colours are fads, they catch your eye attention right away.
The modern stuff is often aesthetically better compared to traditional one. They don't fit as well but then thats a separate discussion altogether I feel.
One of the foremost factor that I feel is age. As we get old, we generally get mature. I started playing cricket in 2009 when I was 18, so I was no where as mature as I am today at age of 22. Back in 2009 I used to love modern style pads, they looked all "cool" and I preferred funky type of gear like Newbery's latest bag but now I have disliking towards that. I much rather prefer traditional look with decent colour scheme which is not funky or anything like that. If I had seen those new M&H pads in 2009, I would have loved them but today I detest them.
In 2009 I was extremely picky and would always wanted to have latest and up to date gear, but now I don't mind if I'm wearing a year or so old gear
(although some of that instinct is still there where I prefer having latest gear but I can bear old too!)So I would say age and maturity level has vital role.