NEW Viking Platform Tennis Paddles for 2019 Season (Launch August 2018)

Viking Paddles for the 2019 season launching this August offer a slew of new color options and Grit GuardTM on every model to protect against scratches to the hand from the area just above the handle.

Gone is the MaxGrit of 2016 and 2017, replaced with the gritty face first rolled out on 2018 models that feels finer and definitely better adheres to the face of the paddle beneath the topcoat.  For those players who were so jazzed about the super aggressive MAXGRIT, we still have a couple of models in stock that feature that technology for maximum spin.

The 2019 paddles feature color choices per Viking paddle model while the silos remain the same (OZ, O-Zone and Re-Ignite with EVA density choices for softer, medium and firmer feel that translates to control, blend of power and control and more power).

VIKING RE-IGNITE LITE GG PADDLE FOR 2019, IN COLORS!

Viking also carries forward it's two kids platform tennis paddles with tiny 4" grip sizes, including the Viking Smash Jr. GG and the Viking Zombie Jr. GG - the only children's platform paddles on the market at this time.

Can't remember how to choose the best Viking paddle for you?  Here's our tip:

First determine the shape that you'd prefer...

OZ family - Standard/traditional head size (for anyone!)
O-Zone family - Smaller head size (for less head heavy feel, more manuverability)
Re-Ignite family - Largest head size (oversized for a larger sweet spot)

Then, determine the core density that works for your game...

Softest (Prodigy models) - most control, accuracy and comfort to the arm
Mid density - combination of power and control
Mid+ or high density (Pro models) - more power for players with above average technique

AS ALWAYS, WE ARE HERE TO HELP....CALL FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE AT 1.800.724.9439.

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NEW Wilson Platform Tennis Paddles for 2019 Season (Launch August 2018)

So you're in the market for a new "platform paddle" for 2019?  Or, you're just curious to see what's coming in the always much anticipated August launch of the new gear.  Either way, here's a peek at what to expect when the new Wilson products launch on August 1st.

New platform tennis products from Wilson:

One LIMITED EDITION paddle is the Wilson Steam Smart CV 2019 with a stealthy black and red appearance while the 2018/19 Steam Smart in Red and Black goes forward.  This is simply a new cosmetic for those seeking a super cool, dark and determined looking paddle!

Wilson Blade Smart LIMITED EDITION 2019

We also welcome a new cosmetic and the addition of Countervail to the Wilson Blade family of mid-sized paddles for the most aggressive players.  (Insider tip:  watch for price drops on the 2017/2018 Wilson Blade Paddles as they go on sale!)

Finally, Wilson has updated their oversized paddles, the Wilson Ultra Lite 2019 Ultra Lite Pink 2019 (same paddle, two color choices) with new cosmetics to keep in line with their clean, sharper appearance and matte finishes seen on all the new 2019 paddles.

Wilson Ultra Lite 2019 Blue/Black

Wilson Ultra Lite 2019 Pink

   

Shop all Wilson Platform tennis paddles here
Shop new Viking Platform tennis paddles here
Read our blog post on New Viking Platform Paddles for 2019

K-Swiss Ultrascendor Shoes - Back for a limited time, only while they last!

Recognize it? That’s right, it’s back for a LIMITED TIME! DON’T WAIT! The K-Swiss Ultrascendor features high performance technology with lightweight materials and design elements that minimize the weight of the shoe. From the durable 7.0 series outsole to the well-tested design of the Cushion Board, each feature of the Ultrascendor was engineered with comfort, fit and performance in mind. You’ll love the durability for hard wearing sports like platform tennis! Wear it for pickleball, tennis or any paddle sport. For players who need a wide fit on the foot, while this is technically not called a WIDE shoe, its fit is very generous throughout.
Wear it for:

• Outdoor Pickleball
• Tennis
• Paddle

Looking for a roomy shoe with terrific cushioning under foot and lots of support?  Look no further than the Ultrascendor!
Available for men and women.
SHOP NOW - Men's K-Swiss Ultrascendor
SHOP NOW - Ladies K-Swiss Ultrascendor

Or SHOP BY CATEGORY

SHOP indoor pickleball shoes

SHOP outdoor pickleball shoes for men

SHOP outdoor pickleball shoes for women

SHOP tennis / paddle shoes for men

SHOP tennis / paddle shoes for ladies

Viking O-Zone Ultra, Back for a Limited Time and ON SALE

We have a limited quantity of the O-Zone Ultra with Maxgrit in stock!  The Viking O-Zone Ultra was a carry over for the 2017 season and is designed for players seeking ultra-maneuverability.  This paddle features MaxGrit, a special very gritty surface treatment for a longer lasting grit surface.  A featherweight with a Viking’s softest core for arm comfort, ball control and shot making accuracy.  Players with a two-handed hold and players who like to choke up on the grip, holding it closer to the head enjoy this extra long grip that affords more room.  The lightest member of the O-Zone paddle family.  Now at a new lower price….limited stock remains.

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Specifications of the Viking O-Zone Ultra

Weight:  12.2 oz. / 350 grams
Core Density:  Low (soft)
Length:  18”
Beam:  19 mm
Head Surface Size: 82 square inches
Grip Size: 4-1/4
Color:  White / Blue / Black
Replaced by: 2018 O-Zone Prodigy
Don’t miss your chance at this tremendous value!  The new version sells for a premium, making this a value-seekers find!

adidas continues to wow with indoor court shoes for volleyball, racquetball, squash & pickleball

Second season in and hotter than a two dollar pistol!  adidas has made definite crossroads into the indoor court shoe market with sneakers designed specifically for court sports on indoor gym floors (also work for indoor tennis courts).   Constructed for support of your foot during lateral movements as well as forward and back, but without the massive amounts of rubber tread on many of the heavier-weight outdoor tennis shoes which keeps them lightweight for added comfort.  These shoes also have plenty of cushioning for volleyball players landing jumps and the grip needed to keep from sliding at point-of-impact.  Lastly, non-marking outsoles, even on those shoes with darker colored soles ensure that you don't leave telltale skid marks across the gym floor!

Here are the most recent adidas indoor court shoe additions for 2016:

(sorry ladies, although we have styles coming for ladies, this batch is all for the guys)

adidas Court Stabil 12

 

adidas Volley Team 3

To date, all their styles have proven to be lightweight, breathable, and comfortable straight out of the box!
Shop all adidas men's indoor court shoes.

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