Orbit Sports – Geared for Success

Port Elizabeth based Orbit Sports, manufacturer of the South
African brand StormForce, has strategically positioned itself in the protective sporting gear market. In the past manufacturers in Pakistan and India have held the monopoly on the manufacture of cricket pads, guards and the like.

Using inexpensive moulding technology Orbit Sports has anaged to find its competitive edge in the areas of price and quality. According to the owner of the company, Jaco Kirsten, Orbit Sports is one of the front-runners in the world in the
field of moulding technology.

Renowned international cricketers have found that the locally produced product is a stronger, lighter and allows for more unrestricted body movement when compared to the traditional canvas and leather alternatives.

While playing rugby for Eastern Province, Jaco Kirsten, started making body shields, tackle bags and pole protectors. His knowledge of the game and of practice techniques gave him valuable insight into developing innovative designs for players;
Orbit Sports is now producing a range of body armour for rugby players.

Hockey protection is another area that has developed over the years. Modern
technology is being used to make pads, kickers and breast protectors lighter, more
flexible and stronger. Goal keeping equipment has been particularly successful
and is currently the best selling product produced by the factory.

Orbit Sports has captured the majority of the African market and a large percentage
of the South African market.

All of the materials and designs used by Orbit Sports are manufactured to stringent
quality control tests. The laminated design of the products allow for a hard outer
surface followed by softer layers, which absorb and spread the force of an impact.

There are different designs needed throughout the different levels of the games,
the protective needs of a young school child are totally different to the needs of an
international sports person. Orbit Sports caters for all the levels of the games.

Equipment made in the Port Elizabeth factory is being exported to and sold by
well-known international brand names. Cricket pads and protectors have also been
tailor made for individual sportsmen.

The competitive prices and quality of the Orbit Sports product has alerted the
interest of a variety of international markets and things are looking very positive for
the company.

Protective sports equipment is a niche market and Orbit Sports has the market well
covered.