sportstyle

52 • July/August 2022 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com Rhino Deluxe Pickleball Net Champion Sports Shadow-X Pickleball Paddle OS1st e Pickleball Sock by OS1st is the official sock of both USA Pickleball and the PPA Tour. Available in no-show and crew styles, the sock is built for comfort on and off the court with impact protection, blister prevention, and nano-bamboo charcoal cushion in high-friction areas. e signature cooling top panels provide heat relief and the arch band prevents sheering force during quick movement. It is made in no-show and crew styles. As a brand, OS1st is dedicated to independent retailers, and works to educate consumers about the brand without selling directly to them. One of OS1st's greatest assets in that effort, says Stephanie Lee, marketing director, ING Source, is its team of ambassadors – Team OS1st. Within the past year and a half, the brand made a conscious effort to add Pickleball athletes to the roster. When OS1st first launched the Pickleball Sock, it was sold into sporting goods, country club and pro-shop retailers. But, aer bringing a small pickleball display along to footwear and run specialty trade shows, Lee says OS1st quickly learned that there was an interest in serving pickleball players there as well – the same people who shop for comfort footwear or performance running gear have a place on the pickleball court. OS1st has added a pickleball community outreach and marketing kit to its pickleball sock program to assist retailers in establishing or strengthening their connections with local groups and players. As the sport grows, the brand aims to empower retailers to tap into the channel and grow with it. Champion Sports ese two new products from Champion Sports are right on target for pickleball. Recommended for new and seasoned players alike, the Shadow-X Pickleball Paddle is its most versatile yet. Made with a honeycomb core and a solid grip, its lightweight feel allows players a weight:power ratio for maximum control and confidence. e Rhino Deluxe Pickleball net is versatile and can be used on any flat surface on or off a court. With sturdy four-inch locking wheels, this system offers heavy-duty stable construction and easy portability and a constructed black nylon mesh net with all- round nylon binding and a heavy-duty powder coated steel frame complete the package. OS1st Pickleball Sock, Lime Fusion OS1st Pickleball Sock, White Crew SPECIAL REPORT / PICKLEBALL

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