IPA PARTNERSHIP WITH 8 BALL DIRECT

8 Ball Direct is delighted to announce its new partnership with the IPA, which will see the IPA using the new Smart Rack at all their forthcoming events, starting with the big one – the IPA World Championships in January 2023.

The innovative new ‘Smart Rack’ will be the preferred triangle that will be available to all IPA participants and referees, which has been developed and perfected over the last two years.

The hinged design is both easy and simple to use – and what’s more, it’s so easy to transport – it even comes supplied with a strap to attach it to your cue case, so you don’t have to leave home without it.

IPA Chairman Kevin Barton said:

“We have been working with Alan at 8 Ball Direct over the last few years and its great news that we are taking the relationship to a whole new level. Alan is a perfectionist, who is well known for his high-quality work as a table fitter”.

“And we know that the new Smart Rack will do exactly what we want, having seen the final development samples in action last year behind closed doors. Our professional referees have also been busy getting hands on this week, and feedback has been extremely positive with consistency and ease of use being high up the list”.

8 Ball Direct CEO Alan Yates added:

“The Smart Rack was started as a ‘lockdown’ project. I’ve worked as a Product Development Consultant for over 20 years, so when Covid happened it gave me the time to focus on products for my own passion – Pool”.

“Having some of the top players, referees and my CAD designer all on my doorstep, it was a logical opportunity not to be missed. 2 years and over 20 samples later we had the design perfected”.

“It’s really intuitive and simple to use, but unlike a traditional fixed triangle the hinge design allows pressure to be applied from the sides of the rack and not just pressure from the balls at the back”.

“Once set, removal is super simple as there is nothing no lift or catch the balls. Should there be any ball settling or movement, it takes only seconds to do a quick reset”.

“There will be a mini ‘test table’ at the IPA events, so any players wanting a quick demo to show exactly how to get the best out of it are welcome to pop over and give it a go”.

“And Smart Rack is just the start, over the next 12 months we will be introducing many more innovative products, with players getting a preview of these at the at the Worlds”.