September -
October 1997
Vol. 8, No. 5

INDUSTRY NEWS!

LONGER STRINGS SETS FROM ASHAWAY
In response to the introduction of new, larger racquets, Ashaway Racket Strings immediately increased the length of all single sets of racquetball string. Ashaway string sets are now sold in 40' coils, up from the 36' previously. The change involves no price increase. "Prominent racquet manufacturers recently introduced huge frames that require 39'-6" of string," said Kenneth Levine, director of sales at Ashaway Racket Strings. "These new racquets offer more power than previous models, but they cannot be strung with traditionally sized string sets. Ashaway is among the first manufacturers to respond to the change with longer string sets." The only U.S.-based manufacturer of string for tennis, racquetball, squash and badminton, Ashaway is the official string of the USRA, as well as Racquetball Canada.

DUNLOP'S TOUR PRO RACQUETBALLS
Following a six-month absence from the market for research and development, Dunlop Sports is ready to re-launch its green Tour Pro Racquetball. According to Dunlop Racquet Division President Dave Haggerty, "We changed the entire manufacturing process in order to produce a livelier and most importantly, reliably consistent product. The new balls, which are USRA approved, are packaged three-per-can and are warranted against breakage before the logo wears off."

NEW 22" LONGSTRING FRAMES BY E-FORCE
Following the success of the 16.2 and 21.0 LongString Technology, E-Force "pulls out all the stops" by introducing its new 22" LongString Technology. This patent pending technology creates mainstrings that extend nearly 22" through the handle. The result is mainstrings that are at least six inches longer than those in all competitor racquets. The combined length of the 10 longest main string (effective hitting area) is at least 56 inches longer for an increase of over 39%. Two revolutionary frames, the 195 gram Bedlam and 220 gram Anarchy, utilize the incredibly powerful new 22" LongString Technology. The Bedlam and Anarchy have eight center mains to extend 21.5 inches from the racquet's tip to the bottom cap. The combined length of the 10 center mains is 201.5 inches. Both models have a Tri-Tear LongString 107 square-inch head with handle sizes of 3 5/8 (flared) and 3 15/16."

EKTELON ROLLS OUT NEW LINE
New racquet technology from Ektelon effectively extends racquet length ½ to one full inch to deliver up to 10% more power and 13% more reach, in a new line which heralds the Power Ring Ultra LongBody™, Fusion Pro LongBody™, Power Ring Pro LongBody™, Turbo Pro LongBody™ racquets, plus the Thunder Lite™ 21" frame with ultra-maneuverability. In addition, two racquets are back by popular demand: the Power Ring™ and Strobe Lite™ (an ultra-lite update of the Strobe, the most popular Ektelon racquet ever). Innovations to the line include the Sweet Spot Suspension System for improved control; The PowerWEB™ for more power; the Vision Grip™ Cushion Handle System to reduce vibration; and the new DNA Helix RB 16™ string for increased resiliency. Ektelon has also announced a new line of accessories that wrap advanced safety and performance features in dynamic colors and designs that play off the aggressive hot new looks from Ektelon's flagship racquets, including two new gloves, two new protective eyewear models and a new sport bag line — along with the new black nubuck leather Natural Foot Shape™shoe, the NFS Indoor 1.5™. The NFS shoes are the official footwear of the men and women's pro tours, as well as the U.S. National Team.

GEMINI BACK IN '98
Gemini is back in '98 with more power, more durability and more choices. Length: three new 22" top-of-the-line racquets and three outstanding 21" state-of-the-art frames. Balance: Each comes in "head-heavy" "head-light" and our newest "mid-balance" racquet. Weight: Ultra light, Light and Heavy (for those who think light weight is for sissies). If you need more than one racquet, Gemini will make sure each has the same weight and balance. Order your customized racquet today and enjoy the best racquets you'll ever play with. Gemini Racquetball: 800-899-3367.

IRT RACQUETBALL GEAR
Courtesy Sports presents IRT Racquetball Gear as the Official Clothing of the Pro Tour. These clothes were designed to withstand the most aggressive play in the world by the top pros in the world. Classy and comfortable, IRT Racquetball Gear will allow you to look, feel and play your best racquetball. For a free color catalog, call 1-800-729-1771 or visit www.courtesysports.com.

PACIFIC SPORTS WAREHOUSE
PSW announces the publication of its fall-winter catalog, featuring all of the new longer-length racquetball racquets as well as gloves, shoes, eyewear and an expanded selection of instructional books & videos. Everything for the serious racquetball player is included in this colorful 32 page catalog. To obtain a free copy or place an order, call PSW toll-free at 1-800-835-1055 Monday through Friday from 8-5 PST, or Saturday from 10-3.

PRO KENNEX ADDS "JEWELS" TO DIAMOND LINE
Two new frames have been added to the ProKennex Kinetic Diamond Series, which features the Kinetic System Technology [KST], with its proprietary Diamond Frame Technology [DFT]. The extended length Kinetic Diamond 15G Reach (22") and the 5G Reach (21.5") join the original Kinetic Diamond 10G to create a family of racquets that offer unprecendented power and performance. In addition, the entire line is designed to virtually eliminate arm trauma, with a 102-square-inch "diamond" headshape and an ultralight strung weight of just 205 grams for excellent maneuverability. Striking racquet cosmetics are as impressive as their performance, and the manufacturer's suggested retail price range for the Kinetic Diamond 15G Reach is $225-$250; for the 5G Reach $200-$225.

WILSON STRETCH RACQUETS
Wilson Racquetball has introduced five longer racquets featuring the company's patented Stretch technology. Wilson engineers completely re-designed each Stretch racquet to maximize its power. Importantly, they kept the handle length the same as a conventional 21-inch racquet, and lengthened the hitting surface by a full inch. The combination of greater overall length and greater mass in the racquet head generates a level of power not achievable by length alone. Wilson's Stretch technology is available in two distinct racquet series — the ultralite Air Hammers (175-190 grams) and the Energy racquets (220-230 grams). Enthusiasts will be able to choose from among the new 22" models in the performance line, with suggested retail prices ranging from $79.99 - 199.99. Wilson will also maintain five other conventional length (21") racquetball racquets for those consumers seeking traditional specs.

WIN SPORTS GOES ONLINE
Win Sports computer software recently announced the launch of its Internet web page at http://members.aol.com/Win4sports. Since 1987, Win Sports has been selling high-performance sports software for tournaments, leagues, ladders, rankings, ratings, mixers and match-ups. They can also be reached via e-mail at Win4sports@aol.com.

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