ABSTRACT
Textile manufacturers are giving themselves an edge in the increasingly competitive sports and recreation market by developing their own signature products. Use of textile structural composites in sporting goods is increasing. Their applications include composite roller blades, bike frames, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and ski and surf equipment. Sport garments that are used next to the skin are made of plain or satin woven fabrics. New fibers are being created to replace the old, traditional synthetic fibers for outdoor sports. Gentec Corporation developed a laminate that incorporates an impermeable water barrier to prevent any wetness from penetrating from the exterior. The new and exciting technology within the sport of baseball is promising to the textile industry. Tennis rackets are going through some remarkable changes in the design of the racket. Textile materials are used in various marine products for function and fashion purposes including mooring covers, boat tops, shading, and sail covers.
