Composite basketballs for NBA The NBA introduced a new official game ball. The new ball, manufactured by Spalding, features a new design and a new material that together offer better grip, feel, and consistency than the current leather ball. The design is comprised of two interlocking, cross-shaped panels rather than the eight oblong panels found on traditional basketballs. The material is a microfibre composite with moisture management that provides superior grip and feel throughout the course of a game. Additionally, the new composite material eliminates the need for a break-in period, which is necessary for the current leather ball, and achieves consistency from ball to ball. More information: www.spalding.com 57 Fly the flag high Flagpoles have traditionally been made from aluminium or stainless steel, but lately fibreglass has entered this market. Australian firm PILA Group’s FRP poles are resistant to bumps and scratches and retain a new look for a longer period of time. Each are covered with a gel-coat finish. PILA also produces goal posts and banner poles with the same materials. More information: www.pilagroup.com No33 June 2007 / JEC Composites Magazinehttp://www.spalding.com http://www.pilagroup.com