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?