Abstract: A sports paddle for use in striking an object during play comprises a head including a first base layer and a first support layer. The first base layer has an exposed, first base surface that is configured to contact the object during play, and a first opposed base surface. Additionally, the first base layer is formed from a first material. The first support layer has a first support surface that substantially faces the first opposed base surface. The first support surface is only partially exposed. Additionally, the first support layer is formed from a second material that is different than the first material. The first base surface and the first support surface cooperate to form a first hitting surface that is configured to contact the object during play.

Abstract: A sports paddle for use in striking an object during play comprises a head, a handle, a neck and a neck cover. The head is configured to contact the object during play. The handle is coupled to the head. The neck that extends substantially between the head and the handle. Additionally, the neck cover is selectively positionable substantially about the neck to provide a smooth transition between the head and the handle. The neck cover includes an engineered surface formed from at least one of rubber, polymer, foam, composites and plastic. Additionally, the neck cover can include an ergonomically formed outer surface that can be selectively gripped by the hand of the user. For example, the outer surface can be shaped to fit into a crease between a palm and forefingers of the hand of the user.

Abstract: A sports bat system includes a bat body, a barrel end assembly and a handle end assembly. The bat body includes a barrel section and a handle section that is connected to the barrel section. The barrel end assembly is secured to the barrel section. The barrel end assembly can include a removable first weight. The handle end assembly is secured to the handle section. The handle end assembly can include a removable second weight. The first weight and the second weight can be interchangeable with one another. The barrel end assembly can include a first weight retainer that is fixedly secured to the barrel section and selectively retains the first weight. The sports bat system can also include plurality of removable first weights that are alternately retained by the first weight retainer. In some embodiments, each of the first weights can have a different mass from one another, can be the same size and shape as one another and/or can be formed from a different material from one another.