EXCURSIONS INTO INNOVATIONS AT THE SUPER SHOW {2004}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

Big names in the tennis industry were absent for various reasons, so the tennis portion of the show was pretty quiet. However, other sports categories introduced products useful to tennis players. Here are a few highlights.

Probably the most unusual product in the tennis area was the X-45 family of racquets. They have a near-elliptical head fitted at a 45-degree angle to the handle. The X-45's look a lot like the old Snauwaert Ergonom, but are updated in weight, shape, and looks.

New strings are coming to compete with Luxilon ALU Power. Alpha, Ashaway, Gamma and Tecnifibre had theirs at the Show. Ashaway has also added an 18-gauge version of their popular Dynamite string.

Other innovations for tennis are thoughtful, small changes to benefit players. For example, Alpha is packaging overgrip in 5-piece sleeves. That's a convenient size and a handy way to keep your overgrip supply neat and clean. In-Between Sportswear has added colors that coordinate with items already available, so adding a new top or skirt multiplies outfit combinations. Bolle has added more sunglasses with the patented Competivision lenses, and one of the best new models has a titanium frame for extremely lightweight comfort. Bushnell has introduced 2 new binoculars that have built-in digital cameras for great pictures of your favorite star from a distance.

Feetures CoolMax Socks added Feetures Light this year. The Light models have the same seamless toe construction, but are thinner and have mesh for ventilation. Other sock companies have also introduced the ventilated construction. New Balance has partnered with Moretz socks to offer a wide range of materials and fit. One that caught my attention was a sock with a compression cuff to give extra ankle support. Watch for "sweatless sweats" from Russell Athletic--lightweight fleece products made from fast-dry textiles. SPENCO has a new gel insole that returns energy, which is unusual for gel. They also have improved their blister products.

When the sun comes on strong, players will appreciate two new sunblock products. Banana Boat offers a dry-feel sport spray in 30 spf, and Hawaiian Tropic has a 50+ spf oil-free sunblock stick. Flex-Ez analgesic made from botanicals comes in a no-mess roll-on. One other new product that we all hope we'll never need is called QR Powder to stop bleeding instantly from nose or cuts and scrapes. For players using yoga or Pilates to maintain flexibility, one company has introduced scented, non-slip yoga mats.

As you can tell from this short review, the Super Show was not a blockbuster. The new convention center was a great venue, the Orlando location was very pleasant and easy to navigate, but the participation by tennis buyers and sellers was poor.

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT, Owner, String Along With Vince in Largo, FL
Copyright 2004, previously published in FLORIDA TENNIS - Feb, 2004