Sports + Leisure

From the start, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in sports and leisure applications has grown rapidly, thanks to user appreciation for soft touch components.

TPEs can replace thermoset rubber, reducing production steps, weight and cost - and increasing durability and product life. Overmolding offers a range of parts consolidation as well.

Features	Benefits
Broad family of soft touch overmolding TPEs	Enhanced design flexibility Improved ergonomics Non-slip grip, dry or wet Attractive look and feel
Abrasion and tear resistance	Long life in demanding applications
Available from opaque to translucent to clear Easily colored, from pure white to tomorrow's hues Range of surface appearances from rough to silky to smooth	Enhanced aesthetics Product differentiation
Range of resiliency and compliance	Low & high temperature flexibility Noise & vibration damping Flexible assembly
Good to excellent weatherability	Enhanced product durability
Capable of overmold bonding to wide range of materials, including engineering plastics	Product differentiation Reduced assembly, cycle time

Example TPE applications include:

Swimming goggle seals & straps, fins, snorkels
Footwear inserts, soles
Grips from knives, to bicycle, golf club, jet ski, racket handles and more
Gels for seats, shoe inserts
Pedals/knobs/flaps on bicycles, water recreation craft, snowmobiles and motorcycles
Hunting/fishing knives, rifle shoulder rests, lures and rod grips
Sports equipment from baseball bat grips/ends, to rackets and ball bladders

Product Families

Dynaflex, Versaflex and Versalloy compounds are used for applications requiring flexibility or a soft, non-slip grip, such as swimming accessories, grips, handles, pedals, knobs and flaps.
Versaflex compounds are particularly well suited for applications requiring high elasticity or ultra-soft characteristics, such as goggle straps, bicycle seat pads and shoe gel inserts.