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LP Supports
This support features a Double-Eight Contoured Structure, promising maximum stability to guard against ankle sprains, while LP Supports says durability and breathability come through the Fitting Knit and highly permeable fabric. A J-shape silicone pad around the heel cord is designed to reduce ankle pain and swelling.
RRP: £19.99
Clear vision
Super six: Zoggs allowed its ULTEX Chlorine Proof swimwear to be lane-tested by six cross-Channel swimmers
Zoggs UK marketing manager David Annand explains why the brand has broad appeal to all swimmers at retail by going that extra length
McDavid
This support is intended to provide relief from painful symptoms such as tennis elbow and golf elbow. McDavid promises that the dual buttress relieves pain and the velcro closure enables compression to be applied and adjusted.
RRP: £17.99
Precision Training
The Elasticated Patella Strap is designed to offer light compression and support to the patella under the knee joint. Lightweight and adjustable, the patella strap is intended to provide support without limiting knee movement.
Suitable for patella tendonitis sufferers and Osgoods-Schlatters disease, one size fits all.
RRP: £6.99
LP Supports
This support staple features a Y-pattern Magic Power Band, with the intention of preserving energy consumption when the joint flexes. LP Supports says a double-c pattern stable contoured structure besides the kneecap helps enhance joint stability, while bilateral spiral stays should enhance knee support and a shaped silicone pad should improve stability of the patella.
RRP: £24.99
adidas
adidas supports are made using Neoprene, with a view to providing heat retention and maximum compression, and adidas promises they are a great fit, very comfortable and supportive.
RRP: N/A
Neo G
Neo G’s VCS (Variable Compression Supports) are designed for professional medical use. They are sold in to the NHS, private hospitals and physiotherapists across Europe, Australia and the US. Because all Neo G supports are universal in size, the company says retailers can hold less stock, saving on cash flow as well as space.
RRP: N/A
Mueller
Mueller says that exclusive HydraCinn moisture-wicking fabric forms a key part of the Hg80 heat management system. It helps keep sweat to a minimum, and the Hg80 also features an Aegis anti-microbial barrier.
Patented Triaxial hinges are designed to provide maximum support and protection, allowing virtually full knee motion.
RRP: £83.95
Precision Training
Precision Training now offers a range of sports supports. This ankle support is designed for sprains, strains and other injuries, promising to provide compression and warming therapy. The support comes in sizes S–XL, and is made with 65% Neoprene, 20% Nylon, 10% polyester, and 5% Latex.
RRP: £7.99
McDavid
Featuring an ultra-light nylon shell with fully adjustable figure-8 straps, McDavid says this brace is favoured by athletes in tennis, basketball and squash in particular. Straps can be tightened without re-lacing, and a padded lining and notched front with elastic heel and tongue are designed for excellent comfort and fit.
RRP: £34.99
LP Supports
This support features a Double-Eight Contoured Structure, promising maximum stability to guard against ankle sprains, while LP Supports says durability and breathability come through the Fitting Knit and highly permeable fabric. A J-shape silicone pad around the heel cord is designed to reduce ankle pain and swelling.
RRP: £19.99
HEAD TO HEAD
With darts enjoying increasing global popularity, Yvonne Holberton spoke to Edward Lowy (pictured), managing director of Unicorn, to find out how the British company is maintaining its cutting edge
Harrows
Harrows claims its Marathon flights have gained an edge with the development of the F.A.T. model, which is thicker than standard marathon flights, with the thicker material intended for improved durability. The flights are designed for pro players looking for a tighter fit in the shaft, as well as the rigid 90-degree cruciform, with a view to providing better accuracy.
RRP: £1.49
Unicorn
For 2011 all models in Unicorn’s World Champion and Maestro Premier dart ranges will come with a completely new packaging concept. Each model in the Black Titanium, Golden Titanium and Tungsten finishes is packaged in an individual carton complete with a series-matching Midi Wallet. The model illustrated is from Unicorn’s Black Titanium.
Winmau
Winmau’s World Champion brass darts are hand-finished, and created with the intention of providing a quality entry-level set.
RRP £6.99
Harrows
The Buzz Wallet is constructed for high visibility and made from practical, tough, wipe-clean material. The wallet’s interior has three individual dart pockets, two security pouches with zip fastenings, three shaft retention holders, and a purse-style money carrier.
RRP: £7.99
Winmau
Winmau says these are the finest 90% tungsten alloy darts on the market, and the premium missiles are finished with genuine 24-carat gold plating.
RRP: £64.99
Datadart
Datadart offers what it describes as a top-quality Repointer, which is hand made to order. The company says this machine provides the perfect solution to renewing dart points, promising fast and accurate results.
RRP: N/A
Winmau
Two-time World Champion Ted Hankey, the Count, one of darts’ most popular players, endorses these Winmau darts. They are designed to be smooth and tapered, to Hankey’s preference, weighing in at 14g and available in silver finish or smoked atomised.
RRP: £25.99 (silver); £31.99 (Smoked Atomised)
Harrows
To help retailers maximise the opportunity in the growing darts market, Harrows has created a new promotional merchandiser intended to give darts a striking in-store presence. Constructed from rigid, corrugated cardboard and complete with hanging hooks, the unit is supplied flat-packed for quick building, and free of charge with a stocking order.
Unicorn
Unicorn’s Eclipse Pro board is designed to maximize averages, with a wiring design and staple-free construction, which incorporates an ultra-slim segmentation system that Unicorn says is 30% thinner than conventional round wire boards. This also means an increased target area, especially in those vital doubles and trebles. The championship bristle board is endorsed by the PDC.
RRP: approximately £38
Datadart
Orion darts were introduced to give serious players a wider choice of grip, without compromising on quality. This range features laser-engraved 90% tungsten barrels and extra-long points, with a view to boosting close grouping and subsequently, higher scoring. A variety of precision grooves and grips are intended to enable every player to find optimum control and maximum comfort, and the darts come in ringer, smooth or shark barrels.
RRP: N/A
Unicorn
New for 2011, The Power Phase 5 Rosso takes its shape from the renowned Sigma Pro and grip from Phil Taylor’s Purists. Taylor used the specially developed Phase 5 Rosso with DXM flights to hit two perfect 9-dart 501’s on live television at the PDC Premier League Finals in May 2010.
RRP: approximately £100
Harrows
The Assassin Plus is Harrows’ evolution of its Assassin series, with classic parallel-style barrels designed for close grouping and maximum scoring opportunities. Originally launched with white barrels in 2009, the range has now expanded to incorporate pink and blue barrels.
RRP: £22.99
Winmau
Multiple tournament champion Mervyn King endorses these match-weighted tungsten darts. King is known for his consistent, steady style, and these darts are designed to complement his precision. They are available in silver or gold colour finish.
RRP: £25.99 (silver);
£31.99 (gold)
Winmau
Winmau says the Blade 3 is new and improved, making it the world’s most technically advanced dartboard. Blade 3 uses a staple-free system, with a new Hi-Carbon steel blade wiring system designed to reduce bounce-outs and extend the life of the board. The Blade 3 comes with a matt-finished black band, anti-glare number ring, darts booklet and checkout table.
RRP: £37.99
Harrows
Harrows says that, thanks to its Isostatic Cold Extrusion (ICE) process, its 90% tungsten darts are the world’s most advanced. 90% tungsten powder is mixed with iron, nickel and zinc to create a high density projectile, with each barrel individually machined to create a unique radical shape, boasting reverse-cut grooves designed for extra thrust.
RRP: £27.99
Unicorn
Unicorn claims this dart defies the laws of physics. New super-lightweight magnesium shaft alloys, combined with a Screw-in Zigma Zero D titanium nose cone, are designed to reduce deflections. The new Sigma XL Pro comes with longer finger grip points, Sigma Pro Magnesium side load shafts and Sigma Pro flights. The dart is available in three weights: 21g, 23g, and 25g.
RRP: approximately £100
Trading Intelligence
Service with a smile: Aisling (left) and Marie Kenneally of The Central Sports Store, Kanturk
Shop name: The Central Sports Store
Location: Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland
Owner: Francis & Marie Kenneally
Opened: August 2005
Affiliation: STAG
Number of staff: 3
Speciality: Personal service and special requests for the sporting needs of our local and surrounding areas.
VIEW FROM THE INDUSTRY
John Nagle is Managing Director of Sportsrisq Capital, which provides customised financial contracts linked to sports results, with a view to enabling businesses to offset risk and grow sales. Here he explains how Sportsrisq products can be used by retailers to better manage the supply chain and drive innovative promotions.
Dressing up
Colour code: Rosemary Carter, managing director of Team Colours
The past decade has seen a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of Team Colours. Managing Director Rosemary Carter has radically changed the core manufacturing portfolio to produce bespoke sports kit and teamwear, and the family-run business continues to grow.
ON THE WING
Webb Ellis on guard
Webb Ellis has been appointed exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Signature Mouthguards. Signature will be launching a new range of off-the-shelf products in September - The Evo, Force and Genetics – available in adults, intermediate and children’s sizes. The latex-free mouthguards will retail between £4.99 and £19.99.
Riding on the Wave
Mizuno has launched a flagship collection of running and walking shoes for Autumn/Winter, promising innovative, new technology for enhanced performance and comfort. Available for retail delivery immediately, the range encompasses running, trail running and walking in junior and adult collections.
Garland for Garneau
North Face Global Team athlete Tracy Garneau was the first woman to cross the line in the gruelling 100-Mile Western States Endurance Run in California last month - the first Canadian ever to achieve this. Garneau’s next challenge will be the North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc in August.
Special Edition Chrissie Greepers
Greepers launched a special edition Chrissie Greeper lace this month at the Challenge Roth Expo. The special laces bear the motivational slogan of three-time Ironman World Champion, Chrissie Wellington MBE: “Live It, Love It”. For every pair sold, Greepers will donate £1 to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, for which Chrissie is a patron.
Special Edition Chrissie Greepers
Greepers launched a special edition Chrissie Greeper lace this month at the Challenge Roth Expo. The special laces bear the motivational slogan of three-time Ironman World Champion, Chrissie Wellington MBE: “Live It, Love It”. For every pair sold, Greepers will donate £1 to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, for which Chrissie is a patron.
Fighting fit
Leading mixed martial arts brand UFC is launching a range of martial arts products, designed for use at home or in class.
Fitness industry set to grow
More people are turning to exercise as an aid to coping with the stresses of the current economic situation, SkillsActive suggests. According to the Sector Skills Council for Sport and Active Leisure, while there is a sector of society that has sunk into depression, far more are taking up exercise and going to the gym as a way of manifesting and dispersing possible anxieties.
Skins sponsors solo cyclist
Technical apparel company Skins is sponsoring a 51-year-old solo cyclist on his challenge to complete the Tour de France route, which he aims to finish on 22nd July.
Nike takes Livestrong collection global
Nike has taken its Signature Livestrong collection of footwear, apparel and accessories global, expanding into the UK, France and Canada with the launch of its Autumn range.
Water workout
Aqua Sphere has added new workout fins to its stable of aqua gym training equipment. Designed to create extra resistance when kicking, the company says the Zip II Fins help create the most efficient full-leg workout available, helping to build stronger muscles quicker.
Intersport buying show sets the pace
Record-breaking attendance highlighted the recent Intersport buying show, which took place on June 30-July 1 at the company’s purpose built Cranmore Park HQ in Solihull. Intersport hosted 41 suppliers and 5 showcasers, with an impressive attendance of 80 out of 84 members.
First Words
The sport of darts is enjoying a fantastic resurgence in the early 21st century, having slipped off the radar by the end of the last century. The advent of satellite television has clearly spurred the sport back into the mainstream arena.
