The Game-Changer
Escalade Announces State-of-the-Art Pure 2 Ball
In response to the increasing growth in pickleball, Escalade
Sports has created a new ball its leaders believe will change the sport. Pickleball Magazine conducted an interview with David Vogrin, Escalade’ s Director of Marketing, to learn more about the product.
What necessitated the need for Escalade to create a new ball?
The game has evolved, play has evolved and players have evolved. What has not evolved is the ball.
Our process began with research and we learned that players of all abilities were experiencing issues with the current balls on the market: they wobble in flight, bounce inconsistently, and crack or lose their shape after only moderate play. Playability and durability were the primary and consistent challenges that players experienced with the current balls on the market, and our mission to create a better ball for this sport centered on solving those challenges.
What was the design concept for the new ball? Pickleball, above all else, is fun, so we set out to create a ball that was as fun to play with as the game itself. With that objective in mind, it was very clear that our focus should be on the key playability aspects of the ball … flight, bounce and feel.
When we set out, we thought,“ This is just a whiffle ball— how hard could it be?” Well, after two years of extensive research and development, we’ ve realized that this isn’ t“ just a whiffle ball.” Developing an optimized pickleball requires an extensive engineering and development investment that other companies couldn’ t offer, which has limited the performance of the ball up until this point.
After hundreds of iterations and lots of trial and error, we were able to create a ball that maintains the performance characteristics that players want while dramatically improving upon the longevity.
Whose idea was it? It was a complete team effort. We have a team of developers and engineers( all of whom play pickleball) that worked on the creation of the Pure ball from concept through production. We also have a team of players in the field who helped us validate the product on the court at the highest level of play.
Generally speaking, what was the process to make the ball?
We utilize an injection molding process that creates the most consistent composition possible, and eliminates the imperfections that you see in a roto-molded ball while delivering superior performance on the court.
How is the ball different from competitors’?
The outdoor ball is vastly different than any other outdoor ball on the market. Traditionally, outdoor balls are one-piece, roto-molded balls that are incredibly hard and tend to crack and lose their shape under minimal stress. The Pure ball is created using a two-piece injection molded process and provides more consistency in the bounce and flight, yet retains its shape longer for unmatched durability.
Basic stats( weight, colors, holes) Weight: 23g( Indoor) / 25g( Outdoor) Diameter: 2.875”( Both) Holes: 26( Indoor) / 40( Outdoor) Color: Available in Orange and Yellow
Was the concept fulfilled?
Absolutely! Our mission was to build a better ball that elevated the entire sport of pickleball with enhanced performance, while maintaining the essence of the sport that we know and love. Based on feedback from players at all levels, we definitely attained that goal.
Is the ball ideally indoor or outdoor?
The Pure 2 line consists of both indoor and outdoor options and both will be available in yellow and orange. The outdoor ball is heavier and has a smaller hole pattern to reduce wind
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JULY / AUGUST 2016 | MAGAZINE 29