All posts filed under: Things for Playing

My Football Kit by Nendo

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Inflatable soccer balls are hard to maintain in impoverished communities because of the unavailability of air pumps or the deterioration and damage of the tube inside the ball. In response, Japanese design firm Nendo has designed a non-inflatable soccer ball that gives the same kicking sensation as a standard ball. Inspired by the structure of the traditional Japanese woven bamboo ball, the My Football Kit is assembled with three types of components and includes a total of 54 parts. The instructions for assembly are designed like a picture book in easily understood illustrations. Instead of relying on internal air pressure, the ball uses the resilience of its surface material, soft, recycled polypropylene and elastomeric synthetic resin components, to bounce. The material won’t hurt bare feet and is unlikely to develop a sharp fractured surface that might cause injury, even if broken. If a component comes off during play, the interlocking structure ensures the ball will not disassemble. Components may be shipped in disassembled states in compact packages, potentially cutting shipping costs. The ball comes in multiple colors, …

Woolsey Shuffleboard Table

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I’m a huge fan of shuffleboard tables, and can spend hours playing against someone else or even myself. Earlier this year, California craftsman Sean Woolsey launched the Woolsey Shuffleboard Table for fans of the puck sliding game. The handcrafted table features a rift sawn white oak top with two coats of UV-resistant epoxy resin for durability. Black walnut is inlaid as the playing lines and numbers to contrast with the white oak and tie in with the solid walnut legs. The gutters are lined with an industrial charcoal gray felt while hidden levelers are concealed under the top and in the legs. The steel-framed table also comes with four white and four black pucks, plenty of shuffleboard “salt” (wax, powder, and sand) and a magnetic wall mount to hold the pucks when not in use. Each table comes in black and white, comes in 10′ to 16′ sizes, and is built-to-order in six to nine weeks. The table is available from Sean Woolsey Studio starting from $10,000. All of the studio’s products, ranging from lounge …

DIY Shark and Diver Models

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The accessories brand Kontextür has introduced two new model kits created by the Brooklyn-based designer Matt Cavanaugh. Shark and Diver feature flat pieces of vinyl and plastic screws that come in an accordian-style package with graphic step-by-step assembly instructions. So will you be the shark or the diver? ($39.50 each or $79 for the set) Images courtesy of Kontextür.

Boombotix & Globe Introduce World’s First Bluetooth-Enabled Speaker Skateboard

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Two new Bluetooth-enabled speaker skateboards from the San Francisco-based audio technology maker Boombotix and the Australian board brand Globe were designed to help eliminate the isolation of skating with headphones and let users more easily share their music with others. The GSB Blazer, a mini cruiser board and GSB Pinner, a long board, are outfitted with a custom wireless speaker module that plays continuously for two hours with a full charge and at full volume. At 70% volume, the music lasts for up to six hours or more. The dust, water, and standard-impact resistant boards were engineered to retain their rigidity, while allowing for the audio components. The boards feature a vibration easing system and a high-impact ABS construction. They charge with a 6′ USB cable and work with any Bluetooth-enabled device. A custom 5W amp with an integrated passive radiator lets users feel the bass as they ride. Can speaker-friendly snowboards or surfboards be far behind? $249.95, Blazer; $299.95, Pinner   Images courtesy of Globe.

Travel Dice by Walnut Studiolo

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Walnut Studiolo‘s line of handmade accessories and games are produced in the company’s Portland, Oregon workshop. The latest addition to their growing line of travel games is a lightweight, portable set of dice ideal for players of any game using six or less die. The dice are secured inside the brass tube with a brass-beaded chain that can be worn as a necklace or carried as a keychain. The solid brass square tube perfectly houses six (6x) 7mm travel dice. A chain secures the dice in the tube at one end, and inlaid walnut wood closes the other end. Over time, the brass will develop a patina from hands and scratches. The die are available in either white or black and the chain comes in two lengths. $25. All images courtesy Walnut Studiolo.