As you know, the current state of the economy remains very challenging. Historically, raw material costs have increased on the order of 2-6% about every 9-12 months. Over the past two years alone, they have increased more than 15%. In an effort to reduce both our carbon footprint and our costs we have redesigned our boxing. The new boxing will hold either bases or mats only. Packing either bases or mats into the same positive lock tab box means:

• higher efficiency
• decreased box unit costs since we can order more of one box rather than a smaller quantity of two different boxes
• eliminates the padding used to keep mats from moving in between the bases
• total tape reduction for palletized shipping (reduced taping means faster boxing and reduced tape costs)
• 80% tape reduction for single boxes shipped via UPS (reduced taping means faster boxing and reduced tape costs)
• individual package weight will be split between two (2) boxes and therefore results in lighter, easier to handle boxes (your back will be thank us)

Though officially bases & sets will be available separately starting in January, we have already started shipping orders using this new boxing scheme. Any “small set” orders  that are split up will now be accompanied with a packing list itemizing the order as it was placed along with a box count detailing the base/mat separation.

We understand that after buying sets from us for over two decades it may take some getting used to, so we are prepared to field any questions you may have regarding the new packaging changes.

We appreciate your business and continued support!

Sincerely,

Jorge Julian

How to choose a traction product

Update:  One company, “Fast-Brake.com”, has made some major upgrades to their white plastic base – they now have a decal on it with their company name.  Their press release also announces that:

• As an upgrade, their new bases will be even stronger AND LIGHTER!  If you read our previous post, the imitation Slipp-Nott bases in our opinion, were too light to begin with.
• They will be offering a new “base customization” option for teams, businesses and individuals. Which is odd since they’ve always had that on their site (though like Bigfoot and the Loch  Ness Monster, we’ve never actually seen a picture of one)
• They have also made changes to the color of the mat. It used to be white but the new color is going to be…wait for it, wait for it…WHITE!

Compare the offerings and do the math on how much a sheet is costing you and then make your decision. Our bases are made of either molded or machined ABS sheets covered by a sheet of rubber bonded to the bottom to completely protect your floor. The competition uses a die-cut plastic sheet with soft foam or a few patches of rubber stuck to the bottom. Sure cutting up patches of rubber to stick to the bottom of the base saves them money, but it also makes the base lighter and more likely to lift off the floor when walked on by an athlete.

The safety and well-being of your athletes depend on the equipment they use. How you spend and what you spend your money on is up to you.