At Team Pickleball, we’re committed to creating gear that not only performs well on the court but also aligns with our sustainability values. When we designed our RePlay Pickleball Bags, choosing the right fabric was crucial to ensure the bags were durable, functional, and eco-friendly. In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes to show you why we chose 840D recycled ballistic fabric and how it helps our bags stand out.
What is 840D Recycled Ballistic Fabric?
The term 840D refers to the fabric’s denier rating — a measure of the thickness and weight of the fibers used. Typically, ballistic fabrics start at a rating of 1000D, known for their use in military-grade products, where durability is key. For the RePlay Pickleball Bags, we opted for a slightly lighter fabric at 840D. This allows us to maintain the benefits of ballistic fabric, such as exceptional durability and strength, while also keeping the bag flexible and comfortable for everyday use.
Ballistic fabric is well-known for its strength. Originally designed for military purposes, it’s now commonly used in high-performance products. The key to its durability lies in its two-by-two weave, which provides incredible strength, making it resistant to tears, abrasions, and general wear and tear. This means that no matter how often you toss your bag around, it’ll hold up and keep your gear protected.
Water Resistance for All-Weather Play
One of the standout features of the fabric we chose is its water-resistant coating. Whether you’re caught in the rain on your way to the court or placing your bag on a damp surface, this coating helps prevent water from soaking through, keeping your gear dry. While it’s not entirely waterproof, the water resistance adds another layer of protection, ensuring that your bag can handle a variety of weather conditions without getting drenched.
The Sustainability Factor: Recycled Materials
We believe that great products don’t have to come at the expense of the planet. That’s why we’ve incorporated recycled materials into our RePlay Pickleball Bags. Each bag is made from 840D recycled ballistic fabric, which repurposes plastic bottles to create high-performance fabric. For example, the RePlay Pickleball Bag repurposes 39 recycled bottles, while the RePlay Pickleball Backpack uses 37 recycled bottles.
This approach reduces our carbon footprint by minimizing the need for new, or virgin, materials. By giving discarded bottles a second life, we’re helping to reduce waste while delivering a product that’s as tough and reliable as it is eco-conscious. The interior of the bags is also made from 200D recycled fabric, which is lighter and softer, making it perfect for a liner that feels comfortable yet functional.
Strong and Sturdy Webbing
In addition to the recycled ballistic fabric, our bags feature recycled pressed webbing. This webbing is used in our main strap handles, ensuring the bag remains sturdy without being too stiff. We chose a 50mm webbing with a thickness of 1.6mm to strike a balance between durability and comfort. It provides the support you need when carrying your gear, but it’s flexible enough to feel comfortable on your shoulder or in your hand.
Why We Love This Fabric
What makes the fabric on our RePlay Pickleball Bags so special? It’s a combination of durability, functionality, and sustainability. The ballistic weave provides incredible strength, the water-resistant coating adds a layer of protection, and the fact that it’s fully recycled makes it an eco-friendly choice. Plus, the medium weight of the 840D fabric gives it just the right amount of sturdiness without making the bag feel too heavy.
We wanted to create a bag that’s not only tough enough for the demands of pickleball players but also reflects our commitment to protecting the planet. By using recycled materials, we’re reducing waste and helping to lower our carbon footprint, all while delivering a high-quality product that stands up to daily use.
Conclusion: Built to Last, Built for the Planet
The fabric we chose for our RePlay Pickleball Bags is more than just a material; it’s a statement about our values. By opting for 840D recycled ballistic fabric, we’ve created a bag that’s tough, reliable, and eco-friendly. Whether you’re hauling paddles, balls, or your daily essentials, these bags are designed to last and to help reduce environmental impact. The next time you head to the court, you can feel good knowing that your gear is not only protected but also made from materials that contribute to a more sustainable future.
If you’re curious to learn more about our bags or have any questions about the fabric, let us know — we’re always happy to chat about our design process and what makes our gear unique.
