Category: GENERAL

HOW TO CHOOSE A TABLE TENNIS TABLE

As we warm up coming into summer many families are wondering what activity the whole family can enjoy over the holiday period. A table tennis table is the answer! Nearly everyone at some point in their life has played a fun game of table tennis. Whether it be at school, home, at a friend’s house or even competition, table tennis is fun that can be enjoyed by the whole family regardless of age and skill.

If you have never owned a table tennis table, you probably have many questions. Below you will find frequently asked questions relating to your table tennis table purchase. This is a simple guide designed to help you make the right decision when buying your table tennis table.

 

What are the main features to consider when choosing a table tennis table?

When choosing a table tennis table you will need to consider where you will be using the table. There are two main types of table tennis tables; indoor and outdoor.

Indoor table tennis tables are for indoor use, they provide a more natural bounce. Where the table will be used can play a major part in your decision as to what table to buy.

Moisture and sunlight can cause damage to your table.

To help protect your table a cover is recommended, this can assist with the elements. Table Tennis covers are also available at all Sportsmart stores.

If the table is to be used outdoor or may be subjected to Moisture and sunlight we recommend you consider an Alliance Tornado outdoor table.

Our staff our more than happy to assist with any questions to help you choose the correct table.

 

What is the difference in table top thickness mean/ translate into?

There a variety of thicknesses that are available at Sportsmart. The different thickness in tops and frames give a truer and more consistent bounce. ITTF approved tables need to be 22mm or greater to get an ITTF approval. Our staff would be happy to show you the difference in order to select the correct table for your family.

Our indoor table thickness available: 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 22mm and 25mm.

Our outdoor table thickness available: 6mm

Frame sizes vary according to the Table thickness.

 

Can you use an indoor table outside?

Indoor tables are best used indoors. The table tops are generally made from MDF and should not be exposed to moisture and Sunlight. If you plan on using the table outdoors where the table maybe exposed to moisture or sunlight it is best to buy an outdoor table that has a special top made from a mixture of Plastic, resin or Fibreglass.

 

Do they come in a variety of colours? 

Standard competition colour in Victoria is a Dark Blue top. There are no rules or regulations on colours of the tops

for leisure use. Sportsmart have a few different options for you to choose from.

 

Sportsmart recommendation for a family table. 

Sportsmarts most popular selling tables are 15mm / 16mm tables.  Alliance whirlwind or a Stiga Cyan

 

Sportsmarts recommendation for the more skilled player. 

18mm, 22mm and 25mm will suit the more skilled player. You will appreciate the natural and true bounce these tables offer.

 

What is the best brand?

Stiga still rates up there with the best brands. We buy tables from 2 companies that manufacture for the most of the major brands in the world. Stiga, Alliance and Lion

 

Will my table fold and store easily.

All tables available from Sportsmart come in 2 pieces and can be folded for compact and easy storage. This also allows the table to be used in the playback position for solo practise.

 

If I purchase a table from Sportsmart will it come with accessories?

The majority of tables don’t come with accessories, however any table tennis purchase at Sportsmart entitles you to 20% off all table tennis accessories. We have a large range of bats, balls and nets to help you get started and our staff would be more than willing to discuss the best accessories for you based on your needs and table purchase.

 

Are they easy to set up?

All Sportsmart tables come in a flat pack –they are 90% built in the flat pack. Very little assembly and knowledge is needed to set your table tennis table up and start playing!

 

Is the table size regulation/ What is regulation sizes?

Sportsmart table tennis tables are all of regulation size.

SIZE (IN MM) Length: 2740 mm Width: 1525 mm Height: 760 mm Net Height: 152.5 mm

SIZE (IN FEET) Length: 9.0 ft. Width: 5.0 ft. Height: 2.5 ft. Net Height: 0.5 ft.

SIZES (IN INCHES) Length: 107.87 inches Width: 60.0 inches Height: 29.92 inches Net Height: 6.0 inches

 

Will the Table Tennis Table fit in my car?

The table will not fit into a car. It will need to be transported in a Trailer, Ute, or large van.

It can be placed on roof racks of a car providing there is adequate tie downs available.

 

If its range, value or an early present for the family over the Summer Holidays Sportsmart has you covered.

We have more than 10 table tennis models to choose from, to suit a variety of needs and preferences. Brands that we stock include Stiga, Alliance & Lion table tennis tables and sizes that range from 16mm to 25mm.

Still have more questions about choosing a table tennis table? Feel free to visit us in store at our 3 store locations Sportsmart Moorabbin, Sportsmart Northcote & Sportsmart Kilsyth and one of our friendly and enthusiastic staff members they will be able to assist you with your needs.

Alternately why not contact our online team for more advice on finding the right table tennis table. All online orders placed before December 14 Sportsmart guarantees delivery before Christmas!

Click here to view our range of Table Tennis Tables.

http://sportsmart.com.au/c/table-tennis/table-tennis-tables

 

 

PREPARING YOUR CRICKET BAT FOR THE SEASON

Oiling and knocking in your new, natural-faced cricket bat!

Is your bat ready to face the upcoming cricket season?

Kookaburra Kahuna Pro

OILING YOUR BAT

All bats that have a natural face (uncovered) need to be oiled with cricket bat oil throughout their life to maintain moisture levels in the willow fibres. This will reduce the chance of cracking or splitting during use. The correct type of oil to use on your bat is natural linseed oil (sold in-store and online).

How to apply oil to new bats

The best way to apply oil to a cricket bat is by using a paintbrush. Lightly coat the face of the bat, edges and toe of the blade. Take care to avoid the stickers, logos and the splice area. Generally 3 to 4 light coats should be sufficient initially, and then apply one coat every 3 to 4 weeks thereafter. Allow each coat to dry, placing the bat in a horizontal position, before the next coat is applied.

REMEMBER: use light coats only – you risk more damage to the cricket bat by over-oiling rather than under-oiling.

KNOCKING IN

‘Knocking in’ your new cricket bat is VITAL for its survival. This is the process by which the fibres of the willow in the face and edges are compressed together to form a barrier, which protects the bat against the impact of the ball. Effective ‘knocking in’ will improve the performance & lifespan of the bat. We also recommend that factory pre-prepared bats need extra preparation by further knocking in using a mallet.

How to ‘knock in’ your bat

Step 1: Using a special bat mallet, strike the bat repeatedly across and down the front of the blade. You should gradually apply more force over time. This conditioning must be performed with patience. Particular attention should be given to hardening the edges to minimise damage from an edge shot. This can be done by deflecting the mallet across the edges, not at right-angles. We also recommend ‘boning’ the edges, which involves running the handle of the mallet down the edges to compress them. The bat’s toe area should be struck carefully as there is risk of causing cracks or splits across the base of the bat if it is struck too hard. This step takes between 8 to 10 hours to complete.

Step 2: To ready your bat for match use, you should use your bat against throw downs in the nets or by giving short catches. Make sure the ball you are facing is a quality old ball. This should be done for at least 2 hours. If seam marks, small surface cracks or indentations are visible, immediately go back to Step 1 for further preparation for at least 2 more hours. This is not sign of a faulty bat – it simply means that the bat requires further attention.

If you are using your new bat with a new ball, you should purchase extratec or a bat care pack for added protection (sold in-store and online).

If you have any questions, please visit us in-store.

FATHER’S DAY GIFT PICKS

Wanting to spoil dad this Father’s Day? Shop smart at Sportsmart and get something dad has always wanted.

Here are a few of our top Father’s Day specials:


Skins A400 half tight (flesh color only)

Was $110 NOW $65.99 (40% off)

Skins A400 Half Tight

Wilson Feel Plus Golf Gloves

Only $8

Wilson Feel Plus Golf Glove

 

Callaway XR Hybrid

Was $279 NOW $239 (Save $40)

Callaway XR Hybrid

 

Spalding NBA Official Game Ball

Was $239.99 NOW $199.99 (Save $40)

Spalding NBA Official Leather Game Ball

 

Our Father’s Day specials end 06/10/15.

 

Plenty more Father’s Day gift inspiration in store at Moorabbin, Kilsyth, Northcote and Casey Cranbourne.

Check out our mens running shoes, soccer supporter wear, mens clothing – and more.

CATALOGUE OUT NOW!

Start your season at Sportsmart – catalogue out now!

Sportsmart catalogue

Our latest catalogue is packed full of everything you need to start your season – whether your sport is AFL, soccer, basketball, netball, hockey, or your own fitness training.

We have a huge range of adults and kids football boots, netball shoes, basketball shoes, new release running shoes, soccer balls, protective gear, training aids, footballs, compression gear, basketball systems, fitness clothing, tennis racquets, golf gear, hockey sticks, table tennis tables, home fitness equipment, boxing, plus more.

Shop in store at Moorabbin, Northcote, Kilsyth or Casey Cranbourne, or online. Remember – we have free shipping on all footwear!

Shop smart – catalogue prices valid until 12/04/2015 or until sold out.

CHRISTMAS CATALOGUE OUT NOW!

TEAM UP WITH US FOR CHRISTMAS
Sportsmart Christmas 2014 catalogue
At Sportsmart, we have Christmas covered, with big savings and gift ideas for the whole family.
Are you buying for a cricket-lover? Active kids? A fitness junkie? A golfer? A basketball player? We have Christmas gift ideas for all your family and friends!
View our catalogue online, and keep an eye out for our Top Gift Pick icons.
For more specials and sporty gift solutions, check out our online store or visit us at one of our four Melbourne stores.

WHAT IS PERFORMANCE FLEECE?

Sportswear made from ‘performance fleece’ is becoming more and more popular. Most brands have their own technical names for it, so you may come across it labelled as Dri Fleece, Powertrain or SE, among others.

Essentially, performance fleece tends to have a soft feel to it, and is usually a lighter weight than basic fleece. Performance fleece is great for active or athletic use.

If you’re after something to wear to the gym or for training, or simply a comfortable fashion item, keep an eye out for performance fleece styles in store at Sportsmart.

clothing-fleece

 

SHOP SMART THIS WINTER: CATALOGUE OUT NOW

Our Shop Smart This Winter catalogue is out now, featuring a range of new and sale products.

As always, it is packed with savings for our valued Smart Card members. (Not a member? Sign up now for free!)

View our catalogue online now. See our range of winter fitness equipment, all-new footwear from Brooks, Asics and New Balance, kids shoes from $39 (or $29 for members), sports apparel, compression (mens, womens and kids), supporter wear, basketball systems, tennis racquets, table tennis tables, treadmills plus much more!

Shop online or in store.

Shop Smart This Winter - catalogue out now!

Shop Smart This Winter – catalogue out now!

 Prices valid until 14/07/2014 or until sold out.

 

SMART EASTER FOOTWEAR SAVINGS

Hop into Sportsmart for smart savings on a range of footwear this Easter!

 

20-40% off football boots

Save 40% on Adidas, Puma, Concave and Diadora football boots

Save 20% on Nike and Asics football boots

 

Huge range of Nomis football boots – kids from $39, adults from $49

 

30% off selected footwear:

Brooks and Adidas running shoes

Lawn bowls footwear

Track ‘n’ field footwear

Cricket footwear

Adidas and And1 basketball footwear

 

Save 20% on kids running and cross training shoes

 

Shop online or in store. Sale ends midnight Easter Monday 2014.

Select your store for Easter and Anzac day trading hours: Moorabbin, Kilsyth, Northcote and Casey.

Sportsmart Easter man