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A classic game of precision and skill, pool is a table game enjoyed by many across the world. Put simply, players attempt to roll billiard balls into six pockets across a pool table using a pool cue. The first player or team to get all of their balls into the pockets wins. While the billiard ball is a pretty iconic symbol of the game, there is very little you can change to improve your game. However, the pool cue is fully customizable and available in a variety of lengths, weights, materials, and colors with many different construction styles and accessories.

The cue is a pool accessory that has been a part of this great table game from its earliest roots. It evolved from the game of croquet in Northern Europe and soon become known as ”billiards.” Today the term ”billiards” refers to several games played on a table using billiard balls and billiard cues. The term is often synonymous with ”pool” and can be used in its place.

Buying the right pool cue can help you change your level of play and comfort. Knowing the breakdown of a pool cue may help you make the right choice when you’re in the market for a new cue:

Construction: The one-piece pool cue is the standard construction seen at most pool halls or recreational centers (try the Gamecraft 48” Solid Wood Pool Cue). It’s great for beginners and heavy use. More advanced models come with a two-piece construction like the Eliminator 58” Red Fiberglass Two-Piece Pool Cue. These billiard cues require you to screw a bottom portion and a top portion together. The two-piece cues can provide you with durability and added control and power. They can come with a stainless steel joint, which is extremely sturdy and durable, or an implex joint, which can allow for more spin on the ball.

• Most pool cues are made of some sort of hardwood or maple. Sticks covered in carbon fiber or fiberglass are also available.
• The shaft is the top portion of any cue. It’s located above the joint of any two-piece pool cue.
• The butt is the bottom portion of any cue. It’s where most of the weight is located.

Length: Standard pool cues have a length between 57 and 59 inches. The only way to know which length is the right one for you is through experience. Beginners may want to start out with a standard cue and go from there. If you don’t like the standard length, try adjusting the length in relation to your height. For example, if you’re on the tall side (over 6’) you may want to try a longer cue and if you’re on the short side, you’ll want to experiment with a shorter cue.

Tip: The tip is the piece that actually makes contact with the ball. You cover the tip in chalk to gain the proper amount of friction. Tips are made of leather, and they come in a variety of hardness and roundness levels. Rounder tips create more spin with impact while harder tips hold their shape longer. Billiard cue tips range between 11.75 and 14 mm.

Ferrule: The ferrule wraps around the bottom of the tip and cushions the tip during impact. They come in a variety of lengths and materials. Ferrules made of higher quality, more durable materials will ensure your tip stays in place and lasts longer.

Because most cues are made of wood, it is important to take good care of it. Keeping your billiard cue away from moisture or extreme temperature changes will make it last longer. Try a cue case with a waterproof construction to protect your cue during transport. They’re also helpful for storing your pool cue at home.

At Dazadi we know that variety is always important when shopping for a new pool cue. We have a ton of cues to choose from in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. We also have an extensive selection of billiards accessories to choose from. We have everything from pool tables to table covers, ball racks, chalk, or bridge cues in a variety of styles and budgets. Having just the right pool cue and billiard accessories are sure to help you on your path to success!

The soccer ball is a black and white symbol of what is considered by many to be the most popular sport in the world. For centuries, humans have been kicking around balls in many different forms. Originally, balls could have been made of human heads, cloth, animal or human skulls, and pig or cow bladders. Eventually, balls made of animal bladders were covered in leather for better air retention. In 1836, Charles Goodyear invented the first vulcanized rubber soccer ball and in 1862 the rubber bladder was created.

Since then, the design and make-up of soccer balls have changed pretty dramatically. Now, balls are made of synthetic materials including polyurethane and synthetic leather, which are better suited for air retention and water resistance. The appearance was also revolutionized by the creation of the “Buckminster ball.” Referring to the black and white 32-panel design we are used to, this style of ball is made up of 20 hexagon and 12 pentagon panels, which create a near perfect sphere.

Today, there is a soccer ball for every level of play. Whether you’re looking for a ball to kick around in your backyard or a serious top-quality soccer ball for your professional matches, you can find a great ball in a variety of colors, dimensions, and materials to suit your needs:

• Match Play – For serious, top-level play, match play soccer balls feature approval from FIFA, NFHS, or the NCAA because they meet specific size, shape, weight, and other specifications set up by the respective organizations. They are constructed of top-quality synthetic materials, can be used on multiple surfaces, and are waterproof. Try the Molten Elite Vantaggio Soccer Ball or the Brine International Soccer Ball.

• Practice – Practice soccer balls are a bit nicer than recreational soccer balls, but not quite as nice as match play balls. They are typically made out of synthetic materials such as polyurethane, but are machine sewn, which creates a looser fit between the panels. They are often the same size and shape as regulation soccer balls, but do not meet the requirements of FIFA, NFHS, or the NCAA. Options include the MacGregor Classic Soccer Ball and the Molten Competition Soccer Ball

• Recreational – Perfect for kicking in your backyard or for use in a P.E. class, recreational soccer balls feature a lower quality outer cover such as rubber or PVC. These are the least expensive soccer balls available. Recreational soccer balls may also feature fun, interesting colors and designs such as the Champion Sports Extreme Tie-Dye Soccer Ball or the US Games Hawaiian Soccer Balls.

• Indoor – Indoor soccer balls feature a soft felt or suede cover. They meet all of the same size and shape regulations as outdoor balls. Great indoor soccer balls include the Brine High Visibility Indoor Soccer Ball and the Voit Indoor Felt Soccer Ball.

• Futsal– Futsal soccer is an indoor variation of soccer. The main difference between the two is that the Futsal ball bladder is filled with foam, so that it bounces less. This factor makes the ball better for play on a harder surface. Try the Brine Lobo Futsal Ball or the Champion Sports Futsal Ball.

Size is also important when shopping for a soccer ball. Size 3 soccer balls are ideal for players ages 8 and under. Size 4 soccer balls are perfect for players ages 8-12. Size 5 soccer balls are suited for players 13 and up and are the standard size for most match balls.

Confidently buying the correct soccer ball for your specific needs may be just what you need to enjoy a great game of soccer.  You’ll join the millions of people around the world who have found the fun and fitness benefits of playing. Not only will you have a blast, but you’ll get a great cardiovascular workout that also works your calf and thigh muscles!

With summer fast approaching, everybody is looking for a way to beat the heat. There are few activities more enjoyable in the summertime than a refreshing dip, an exhilarating swim or a relaxing float. In fact, the swimming pool has existed as a means of leisure and recreation since ancient times. Ancient Greeks and Romans built swimming pools for athletic and military training as well as games and entertainment. The first heated swimming pool was built by the wealthy noble Gaius Maecenas of Rome in the first century BC. A swimming pool creates an outdoor oasis that you and your family can enjoy together and for many years. However, with the excessive costs of in-ground swimming pool installation and upkeep, many consumers are investing in above-ground pools. The above-ground swimming pool- with a myriad of shapes, liner designs, wall patterns and other exceptional features- offers the same fun and entertainment of in-ground pools. If you’re interested in swimming, splashing, playing and spending more quality family time without the landscape modification and dizzying cost of pool installation, look into an above-ground swimming pool!

Above-ground swimming pools comes in different shapes, sizes, colors etc. Most are either 48” or 52” in height (though some are built as tall as 54”!) and are usually either round or oval in shape. Depth is based upon personal preference, the availability of space in your yard, and whether you want to eventually build a deck. Some pools can even be made deeper once they’re installed. Round pools do not need the external bracing that many oval pools require. Oval pools, in general, include side bracing that adds an additional 5 to 6 feet to the total width of the pool. While round pool are self-supporting and easier to install, they do not offer the space for laps, games and other water sports that oval pools provide. Dazadi offers exceptional options in both shapes and lots of sizes. Our Atlantis Economy Pools offer outstanding strength and durability at a lower price. The Atlantis is a great starter pool and comes in 48” and 52” heights. The Aegean Above Ground Pool also offers good quality at a manageable price.

Most above-ground pools are composed of steel, aluminum, resin or a steel-resin hybrid.

• Steel pools are heavier, tougher and more solid than other pools. Steel pools offer fine strength and durability but are more prone to rust. However, thanks to advanced protective coatings and sophisticated design features, many steel pools are far more rust-resistant and can have a 20+ year lifespan. The Atlantis and Aegean Above Ground Pools are composed of steel materials and feature efficient protective coatings.
• Resin pools do not oxidize, are high-impact, and extremely durable. All-resin pools are 100% rust-resistant and often have exceptionally long lifespans. The Aruba Above Ground Pool is constructed of resin and comes with 54” of wall height! The resin-steel hybrid usually includes structural components like caps, uprights and top rails that have been fabricated from resin and attached to a steel wall. The Tahitian Above-Ground Pool provides many of the same great advantages of an all-resin without the higher expense.
• The aluminum pool is lighter than others and thus easier to move. Aluminum is able to flex and can even allow for semi-in ground installation! The Bermuda is a top-of-the-line aluminum pool that can be installed semi-in ground and comes backed by a lifetime warranty.

Once you’ve invested in your summer sanctuary, you’ll want to purchase the necessary equipment. Your pool will need liners, a filter and pump system, a basic chemical package and ladder.

There are two types of standard liners.

• Overlap liners, the less expensive and more basic of the two, require that the vinyl liner be draped over the pool wall and held in place by the top rails.
• Beaded liner, on the other hand, features a thickened, preformed fold along the edge of the liner that is pressed into place on the pool wall.

Uni-Bead or J-Hook Liners are more expensive but fit both overlap and beaded type pools.

Liners also vary by thickness, style and color. The thicker, more ornate liners are more expensive than standard blue. However, this enhanced detail adds a drop of energy, style and elegance for a pool that fits your taste and surroundings.

Every above ground pool requires a system to heat, filter and evenly distribute chemicals. A pump and filter system does just that. There are three types of filter systems.

• Sand Filters: These low-maintenance filters circulate pool water through a precisely sized sand bed that traps dirt throughout its depth to retain filth and keep your pool particle-free. Dazadi offers several sand filter packages that include a perfectly sized filter and pump as well as a pool maintenance kit. Sand filters are the most common type sold in above-ground pool packages.
• Cartridge Filters: More powerful than sand filters. A cartridge filter circulates pool water through extra large filter elements for better water quality than sand filters. Dazadi’s Standard Cartridge Filter System and Equipment Package includes a rugged filter tank constructed of tough, water-resistant, corrosion-proof polymer and requires a minimum of cleaning.
• Diatomaceous Earth or D.E. Filters: The most powerful and efficient filter system. The D.E. filter hydraulically applies filter aid (a precoat layer of diatomaceous earth) to filter elements, ultimately screening out small particles for clear, sparkling water.

Dazadi carries the Mod Media Filter and Pump system- a method that combines the filtering capabilities of a cartridge filter with the low-maintenance of a sand filter. This premium filter can be purchased with a ladder and maintenance kit in the Ultra Equipment Package.

Chemicals are crucial to maintaining the purity and clarity of your above-ground pool. Our site offers pool chemical start-up kits that are sold individually, as an option with the purchase of a pool or as part of a comprehensive equipment package. Generally, you want chemicals for pool water balance (including maintenance of alkalinity, calcium hardness and PH), sanitization (usually achieved through chlorinating products) and shock (to break down and destroy damaging chloramines).

Dazadi’s inclusive equipment packages contain filters, pumps, and useful pool care accessories for a beautiful backyard sanctuary and years of good clean fun!

Exercise balls are called by many names such as Swiss balls, stability balls, fitness balls, workout balls, therapy balls and even birthing balls. The Gymnastik exercise ball was created in the 1960’s by an Italian manufacturer.  Originally, exercise balls were used for physical therapy and rehabilitation needs. Eventually, exercise balls were used for fitness purposes and in the early 1990’s, Ball Dynamics created the FitBALL, which features a burst resistant material specifically for heavy fitness and rehabilitation needs.

The exercise ball is a beneficial tool and can be used for a variety of applications including the improvement of cardiovascular health, posture, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, muscle tone, and core strength.

Choosing the right sized exercise ball is important and depends on your individual height and weight. A great way to test if an exercise ball is right for you is to sit on top of an inflated ball. If your feet touch the ground, and your knees are in line with your hips at a 90 degree angle, you have the correct ball. This method is purely an approximate guess and often you may need a larger ball based on weight. If you are unsure, go for the larger ball since you can always add less air depending on the appropriate size. Remember to check with a physical therapist or personal trainer if you are still having trouble deciding which ball is right for you. Below is a helpful guide to follow when purchasing an exercise ball:

• Under 5′0” - 45 cm ball
• 5′0” to 5′5” - 55 cm ball
• 5′5” to 5′11” - 65 cm ball
• 6′0″ and up - 75 cm ball

The Physioball Exercise Ball is a larger ball that was created specifically for physical therapy and rehabilitation needs. This line of balls is available in 85 cm, 95 cm, 105 cm, and 120 cm sizes.

Exercise balls also make great office chairs and have began popping up in offices everywhere. When sitting on top of the exercise ball, the instability requires you to sit up straighter and engage your core muscles to stay balanced. This allows you not only to improve your core, but also your balance, posture, and coordination. Items such as the FitBALL Holder and the FitBALL Stand transform any exercise ball into an office chair. The FitBALL with Feet, and the SitSolution Maxafe line of exercise balls feature small stabilizers that make the ball great for sitting.

Most exercise balls come packaged in a box or bag and require proper inflation before use. Products such as the FitBALL Pump inflate your ball to the desired level. More inflation makes the ball more unstable creating a greater balance challenge. For an easier balance ball experience, slightly under-inflate the ball.

For help with your exercise ball routine, check out Dazadi’s collection of fitness DVDs and Books.

After carefully choosing the right ball, you can join this great fitness craze. The exercise ball is ideal for a variety of uses and allows you to be creative with your exercise routine. So, get on the ball and roll your way into a more fit and toned body!