The Team Athletic Goods’ Fall Show last weekend
in
St. Charles, MO
 saw top brands in the team space unveil
new designs and concepts running the gamut from footwear to apparel, to
equipment of all varieties. Football was the game of the day, looking at Fall
2008, though track and field also had a healthy presence. In equipment, light
and fast, while maintaining safety, was the motto of the day. Uniforms and
footwear also addressed these same ideals with the introduction of light, fast,
low profile products, while later budget deliveries have encouraged faster turn
around on orders.



“The TAG philosophy in building the group
differs from other organizations in the industry. Primary emphasis has been on
working with true team dealers that have grown their business significantly or
are interested in doing so; they must have representatives on the road and most
cover large geographic regions. TAG currently has about 55 members and we have
a few open territories that we would like to fill. This dynamic is starting to
become more attractive with manufacturers. They are realizing that working with
a group that is dedicated to their product can be more productive then working
with large numbers of dealers who are not…” said Dean Baker, VP of TAG.





Schutt Sports

launched two new helmet designs, the ION 4D and Air XP, both of which
utilize SkyDex material to offer lightweight energy absorption. The company was
also able this year to bend SkyDex around curves, offering full head coverage
without breaks. The ION 4D also features shock-absorbing ‘energy
wedges’ where the faceguard meets the helmet, reducing the force of
impact from shots to the faceguard. The company reports remarkable success in
the NFL with its helmets and faceguards, claiming a 30% share of helmets on the
field and a 75% share of faceguards in use.


Rawlings

had a completely revamped pad line on display, from pro-level, all the
way down to youth. In addition, the company launched a stretch mesh jersey,
addressing the low-profile, tighter-fit look. Self piping was used to add color
pops as more leagues create rules limiting colors above the shoulder line.


Reebok


launched a youth replica jersey line for local leagues to be able to look like
their favorite pro teams when taking the field. The company’s cleat line
features its HardLink technology, bridging a 2-piece plate design that it says
reduces weight while offering torsional rigidity.


Shock Doctor

joined the SkyDex crowd with football protective gear that featured
compression baselayers with ergonomic padding that is thin, yet has a high
degree of durability. In addition, the company was showing the Phantom 360, a
one piece shoulder, elbow and stomach pad set that also included heart
protection.


Markwort

had its new GameFace brand on display, which the company recently
acquired. A spokesman said the GameFace brand quadrupled sales for each of the
past three years with its face masks designed for girls’ lacrosse, field
hockey, soccer and others.


McDavid

tweaked its Thudd short with the addition of a second layer to the
HexPad giving the short dual density protection with a tougher outer layer and
a softer inner layer. The big news for the company, however, was a rules change
by the NCAA that it says makes its Thudd short a legal replacement for the old
school pant with pad pockets. Making this rule change all the more relevant is
the fact that the majority of high schools base their rule book on the
NCAA’s.


Badger Sport

is looking at the team sports market in a similar light to many of the mall’s

footwear retailers, offering customers collections of product with its newest
line, the Hook Collection, featuring color blocking in the form of contrast
inserts and panels. The line includes in product ranging from tees to jackets
and hoodies.


Alleson Athletic

, whose name itself is derived from an amalgam of the founders
‘Abe Levine and Son,’ will celebrate its 75
th
anniversary in 2008 with an extension of its Warrior license into hockey
uniforms. The relationship with New Balance, Warrior’s parent company,
was described as very favorable, aiding in Alleson’s license extension;
though the strong sales seen in lacrosse product probably had more sway.


Intensity Athletics

, Soffe’s brand in the performance apparel space, was on the
floor with several old Russell faces in the mix. Ray Fowle, director of team
sales, noted school budgeting trends pushing final budget delivery back, giving
coaches and AD’s less and less lead time when it comes to ordering
product. As such, Intensity is offering 2 week turnaround on custom product for
all of the major team sports.


Pukka


headwear was at the show completing its first full year addressing the team
sports market after building a name in golf. The company touts a flat panel
embroidery technology that allows for graphics in four locations, as well as 30
day delivery time on custom work.


Outdoor Cap


is seeing success with high
school and travel team sales, believing the sales gain comes from more than
just the players. Sales to parents, friends and others might suggest a local
color-type fashion trend might be on the horizon.


Tachikara


expanded its volleyball line to
include a variety of new colorways, including country-specific designs for

Mexico
, Ireland

and
Spain
,
amongst others.


Baden Sports


launched a ‘performance
logo’ program for footballs, complete with stories of wind tunnel testing
to ensure optimal ball flight. As for the performance logo, itself, the company
made its presence on the ball as small as possible so that players will feel
only football and not corporate identification.