Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Who should use a high density platform tennis or paddle tennis paddle?

An interesting shift in paddle composition over the past couple of seasons has resulted in many paddle consumers asking "who should use a high density paddle?"  A question no doubt brought on by the increasingly vast array of low and mid density core paddles it leaves one wondering why Viking and Wilson aren't producing more models in the high-density arena as in days past.  The fact is, our customers are still calling for firm cores and lamenting the decreasing offering. 

Feedback from paddle product development folks tell us that "market data" shows that players are interested in going lighter and softer for ease of swing and accuracy of shots.  To some extent, this is probably true, especially for players new to the sport.  With a relatively short overall length, the shock to the arm from hitting in particular a heavy, hard platform tennis ball can lead to some discomfort.  The firmer the paddle core, the less shock-absorption the paddle provides.  This is particularly important for paddle players who suffer from tennis elbow or who have in the past and want to protect their arm as much as possible.

That being said, not everyone needs or wants a soft core paddle.  In fact, many players actually find a "mushy", dampened feeling off-putting when contact is made with the ball and yearn for the crisper pop that only a high density, firm core provides.  Soft core paddles also result in a slower moving ball off the face of the paddle as a portion of the ball's energy is lost as it sinks into and releases from the softer center.  With a firm, high density paddle, the ball deflects more quickly and maintains more of its energy for your return shot.  As you might suspect, this tends to appeal to our intermediate to advanced players who have played for longer and have relatively well-established technique since it also means less margin for error with a ball moving at faster speeds.

Paddles like the Wilson Blade Pro, Wilson Steam Pro and Viking OZ+ (Mid+ density) are great examples of top-selling firmer core paddles.  The Viking OZ+ has been around for years and has consistently been a top performer.  Don't be pushed into the softer core market if it's not really what your game calls for.  If you're up for speed, power and a crisper feel, by all means, go for it!



Order today at 1-800-724-9439 or on-line at www.BellRacquetSports.com



 

Thursday, May 9, 2013

E-Force Invasion X Racquetball Racquets available to order now!

With some exciting reengineering, the new Invasion X is the most powerful and stable racquetball racquet series E-Force has ever launched.  A slight tweeking to the Power Boosters (red grommets) has made them larger in circumference and a couple frame modifications add to the improved overall feel of this Invasion X racquet series.  BUY YOUR INVASION-X TODAY!





www.BellRacquetSports.com


E-Force's most advanced and powerful racquet yet!
  • Entire racquet is a hitting -power kill zone!
  • Massive power on on-center hits
  • Massive power on off-center hits
The Invasion X is all about power!  With new Power Boosters and technology from over 15 patents on this frame you get a highly engineered stick for your buck.  E-Force inventions on this model alone include:
  • Extreme LongString
  • PowerHouse Shaft
  • Dual Cylinder
  • Zero Richter Tubes
  • Launch Pad
  • Hi-Compression Wing
  • By-Pass Stringing System
  • Fiber Alignment (FAT) Zones
  • Tri-Carbon Frame
  • Total Carbon Head
More on Power Boosters:
By creating an incredibly stable string bed, power and points are easy to come by.  How?  The Invasion X is loaded with 24 Power Boosting tubes covering approximately 32 inches of hitting surface strings.  Each "boostered" string is stabilized, thereby stabilizing the entire string bed and generating power at every point on the string bed.  They also serve to reduce vibration for that nearly perfect racquet feel.

New Power Boosters Lead to New Graphite Design:
The Power Boosters add power, but also weight.  Up to 5 grams of weight needed to be eliminated from the graphite frame in areas where all the excess weight had already been eliminated to make way for earlier E-Force inventions.  E-Force engineering solded the problem by further redesigning the approximately 50 graphite piece frame structure.  The result is a new graphite frame that adds the Invasion X's New Power Boosters without increasing weight or sacrificing balance and any other playing characteristics.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

How to select a Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball is a fun game that is played on a badminton sized, hard surface court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic baseball (similar to a whiffle ball) and graphite or composite paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

Pickleball is quickly sweeping the nation and becoming a favorite pastime for folks of all ages.  As a premier dealer of pickleball paddles and gear, we have become experts in the sometimes slight, sometimes more pronounced variations between pickleball paddles. 

Shop at www.BellRacquetSports.com and use our paddle selection tools to filter by paddle weight, core materials, size etc.

Tips for Selecting Pickleball Paddles:

  • A heavier paddle has more mass so it can provide more power to a player with a slower swing.
  • A lighter paddle is easier to get where you want it quickly and is easier for a faster swing.
  • Graphite paddles provide added touch & ball control.
  • Composite paddles provide more power.
  • Each paddle is manufactured in a single grip size.

  • Many, many more selection guides on our web site.  Or phone us at 1-800-724-9439 to discuss paddle options.  We really answer the phone and are passionate about our products!