Book excerpt: The first volume of Materials in Sports Equipment has become an essential reference describing improvements in materials technology and their impact on equipment in a range of sports. This second volume covers recent developments in advanced materials and their application in a number of sports not included in Volume 1. It begins with a discussion of general issues such as modelling of materials behaviour in sports equipment, non-destructive testing methods, materials and design for sports apparel and mouth and skull protection. It then analyses the materials and design of equipment used for specific sports and reviews design and materials in athletic and fitness equipment.