Unique features of the Wilson Juice Paddle series, making it a top-seller!

As more and more oversized head paddles are hitting the market for platform, paddle and beach tennis, many players are still flocking toward leaner, more maneuverable models that swing with ease and allow maximum slicing and dicing on the court.  If you've tried an oversized head paddle and weren't a fan due to the higher swing weight (more effort to get the paddle under motion), check out the Juice paddles, now on closeout sale!

What is the Wilson Juice paddle series?

Originally introduced for the 2014 season, there are 3 Juice models all of which have the same mid sized head (80 square inches):

• Juice Lite (lightest weight and has low density, soft core for more control)
• for beginner to mid level players seeking comfort & accuracy
• Juice (mid-weight with medium density core for blend of power & control)
• for any level player seeking an all around great playing paddle
• Juice Pro (heaviest with a high density core for more power & firm feel)
• for experienced players who like a crisper feel and want max ball speed off the paddle face
• SOLD OUT / DISCONTINUED.  Check out the Steam Pro.

 


Juice on SALE!

Juice Lite on SALE!

Like what you've seen?  Order one today at www.BellRacquetSports.com or by phone at 1.800.724.9439 with same day shipping & expedited delivery.

New Viking Paddles for 2016 feature MaxGrit

What's new for this fall with Viking's Paddle lineup you ask?

A new grit treatment for the paddle surface that according to Viking will last longer, even in wet playing conditions (ahem, beach tennis players - this doesn't mean submerged in the ocean please.)

Snow, sleet and rain is a guarantee during the Northeast and Midwest platform tennis seasons.  MaxGrit certainly feels securely attached in a layer of clear coat that should help you shred your way through your matches.   Strong sales already show that players continue to value grit as an important part of the game to leverage ball spin and control.

Viking has relaunched every paddle in their line with MaxGrit along with new colors of some of their top selling models from 2015.   When shopping the paddle line, we have called out "MaxGrit" in the paddle name to minimize confusion over which model you are getting.

See MaxGrit in a Video


And for those of you not requiring the latest innovations, we have plenty of great deals on last season's Viking models with their extremely aggressive SpinTex grit.  For you deal-seekers, don't wait - these paddles are available in limited quantities and at the new lower prices, they won't be around long!

SHOP on Viking Paddles on SALE!

Understanding UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) on Athletic Apparel

Many customers inquire about the specifics of UPF ratings on court apparel that we stock.  Having forgotten the details and aware that technology continues to evolve with fabrics utilized in athletic wear, I thought I'd freshen up on my UPF IQ and share what I've found.

What is UPF?

UPF is essentially built-in sunscreen for clothes.  The UPF rating is the fraction of UV rays that can pass through the fabric and is based on the content, weight, finish and color of a particular fabric.  A UPF of 50 means that 1/50th, or 2% of the sun's rays will hit the skin.  All clothing provides some degree of UPF naturally.  For instance, it is said that most standard white t-shirts provide a UPF rating of about 7.

Who says so?

In order for apparel manufacturers to (legally) advertise its UPF rating, it has to be ASTM certified either using the U.S.A. or international standards.

How does UPF get into / onto the clothes?

Fabric companies sometimes work sunscreen ingredients into the fibers, and / or use a tighter weave in making these particular fabrics.  Early on, this tended to rely more on a coating of the material, however today's UPF rated fabrics tend to be engineered with a tighter weave to accomplish the task.  This way it won't wash off over time.  The tighter the weave, the fewer holes that sun can penetrate.  The more reflective the fabric (shinier rather than a matte finish), the more the UV rays will reflect off rather than absorb into it.  The thicker (or heavier) the fabric the more protection it will usually afford as well.


Quick Tips

• Lycra, Nylon and Polyester fabrics tend to provide the most UPF protection
• If you are a fan of cotton, wash your garment to preshrink it before wearing in the sun to close the gaps in the weave 
• Don't wear a shirt so tight that you are stretching it and opening the weave
• Seek a garment of at least 30 UPF for a fair amount of protection

Have tips for us? Please share!

Introducing.....Gamma Pickleball Paddles!

NOW IN STOCK...PURCHASE NOW FOR A FREE COVER BAG and FREE 2 DAY DELIVERY!

Known for innovations in the racquet string world, Gamma has entered the Pickleball market with new innovations to help it stand out in the ever growing lineup of pickleball paddle choices.  Key selling points focus on new designs of the paddle perimeter, bumper and handle system, all of which are areas that are weak points in many products in today's marketplace.

For those who have been playing a while, you have probably either experienced (or know someone who has) a wiggly feeling in your paddle's handle.  Perhaps you've seen a rimless paddle edge that has been eaten away to expose the inner paddle core?  Possibly you've seen a chunk or two taken out of the head of such a paddle as well?  Gamma's innovations aim to eliminate these issues by focusing on the weak areas of prior paddle designs and offering a design that will withstand the rigors of pickleball paddle wear over time.  

Their one piece molded design on select paddles eliminates the wiggle-jiggle handle problems that crop up with traditional "palletized" handles where there is a handle with wood or composite pallets stapled to it to form the handle shape beneath the grip.  Such systems come loose over time as glue breaks down or staples shift or break.  With a one piece design, there is nothing to come loose and the handle feels solid and uniform in the hand from top to bottom.

Their Live Periphery TM Frame  strengthens the perimeter of the paddles for added durability and their Flush-Fit TM bumper increases the hitting surface (almost making it look like a "rimless paddle") while still providing the durability that a bumper guard is meant to provide.

With four models available now and two more arriving soon, this line has something for every player!
SHOP THE FULL LINE HERE AT WWW.BELLRACQUETSPORTS.COM 

Do tell!  What do you play with and what do you think of the new technology in these paddles?

A sweet lineup...Get the juice on Selkirk Pickleball Paddles

We are thrilled to welcome Selkirk Pickleball Paddles to our lineup! With crisp, clean graphics, these well designed paddles are as beautiful as they are highly engineered with technologies used in aerospace and other high tech industries. Made in the USA. Stop in to demo one today at Bell Racquet Sports or order on line now with FREE expedited delivery.

Selkirk uses the phrase, "crafters of premium pickleball paddles" to describe themselves, and by all rights, these paddles absolutely have a professional, attention-to-detail look about them that we have yet to see with some other brands.  With innovative core offerings including polymer honeycomb and aluminum honeycomb cores as well as highly engineered surface layers and vinyl laminate finishes with UV protection to preserve colors over time, this company certainly pushes the envelope with every detail of its paddles.

Interesting Differentiators
Looking for a quieter pickleball paddle?  How about one that doesn't fade in the sunlight?  Or perhaps one with size options (shorter / narrower versus longer / wider).  All of those and more are incorporated into this paddle lineup.

Who is Selkirk Sport
Courtesy of Selkirk Sport's web site
Located in the beautiful Coeur d'Alene area in North Idaho (a little more than a stone's throw from Bainbridge Island but still a suburb of Eastern Washington's Spokane) and part of the great American Pacific Northwest. We're crafting some of the world's finest pickleball paddles in the traditional styles but with a few tricks up our sleeves. Our paddles are USAPA approved for tournament play and come with a 30 Day No Questions Asked Return Policy and a standard 90 Day Warranty on all purchases as well as a full, One Year Warranty against manufacturer defects when you register your paddle online with us.

Shop the Selkirk Pickleball Paddle line at Bell Racquet Sports, place for pickleball aficionados

K-Swiss Ultrascendor Replacement - K-Swiss Hypercourt Express LTR

We get asked daily about the new shoe replacing our #1 selling paddle & tennis shoe, the K-Swiss Ultrascendor.  Well, it's called the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express LTR (leather) and let's get it right out there that it is a real makeover, with little design resemblance to the Ultrascendor other than the side stripes.

Fit:
For those of you passionate about the Ultrascendor due to its generous width throughout, you may find this new style a bit narrower.  While I always considered the Ultrascendor a "go to" shoe for players who need added width, this shoe runs average to a bit wide, but not as wide as its predecessor.  As for the shoe length, it runs true to size and you can comfortably order the same size as you did in the Ultrascendor.

Construction:
For those of you passionate about the Ultrascendor due to its Aosta 7.0 durable rubber out sole which made it a standout for paddle, you'll be pleased to know that the out sole material remains unchanged, despite the new tread pattern and midsole Plantar Support Chassis for stability.  This new style also carries forward DragGuard in the toe and heel for added durability.  And one of the few Leather tennis shoes still available, this will satisfy the needs of those who only desire leather.

Overall, we are pleased with the makeover and players have been able to seamless transition into this style.  There are many more detailed specifications offered on our web site, so to read all about it and watch a video of the Hypercourt Express LTR, click on the shoes below.

Questions?  Call us at 1.800.724.9439 or order on line at www.BellRacquetSports.com

Pretty, Functional, Longer Tennis Skorts

Hard to find?  Yes.  Impossible? No.  As tennis skorts have become shorter and shorter and the shorts beneath are seen more than the actual skirt, we are bringing you as many LONG options as we can find.  They aren't many, but we do have one of the largest collections of 14 inch and longer tennis skirts on the market.  Check out our top selling options and let us know what you think!  Questions?  Call us at 1.800.724.9439 or shop at www.BellRacquetSports.com.

SHOP OUR LONGER TENNIS SKIRTS