Karakal Sliotars, Grips & GAA Equipment

Karakal is best known in Ireland for two things: the PU Super Grip, which is the most widely used hurling grip in the country, and a graded sliotar range that matches ball hardness and size to each age group.

At McSport Ireland, Karakal is a core GAA specification for clubs, schools and academies across hurling, camogie and Gaelic football.

Sliotars by grade — First Touch, Quick Touch (U10), Smart Touch (U12) and GAA Match Size 5, available in 12 packs
Grips — PU Super Grip Hurling XL in assorted colours, sold individually
Gaelic footballs — Smart Touch and Quick Touch development balls and Gaelic Trainer size 4
Protection and pitch — junior and senior mouthguards singly or in 12 packs, and telescopic boundary poles in sets of 12

Karakal: common questions

Which sliotar suits which age group? First Touch is the softest, for youngest beginners. Quick Touch is graded for under-10s, Smart Touch for under-12s, and the Match Size 5 is the standard ball from under-14 upward. The graded balls are lighter and softer so young players can strike and catch confidently.

Are mouthguards mandatory in GAA? Yes. The GAA requires mouthguards at all levels of Gaelic football, in both training and matches. They are also strongly recommended for hurling and camogie alongside the mandatory helmet.

How often should a hurling grip be replaced? Most players replace a grip every few months, or sooner if it hardens or starts to slip in wet conditions — a worn grip is the most common cause of a hurley twisting on strike. Pair with Uwin ash hurleys and Cumas coaching aids.

Shop Karakal below, or browse the full GAA range at McSport Ireland.

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Karakal is best known in Ireland for two things: the PU Super Grip, which is the most widely used hurling grip in the country, and a graded sliotar range that matches ball hardness and size to each age group.At McSport Ireland, Karakal is a core GAA specification for clubs, schools and academies across hurling, camogie and Gaelic football. Sliotars by grade — First Touch, Quick Touch (U10), Smart Touch (U12) and GAA Match Size 5, available in 12 packs Grips — PU Super Grip Hurling XL in assorted colours, sold individually Gaelic footballs — Smart Touch and Quick Touch development balls and Gaelic Trainer size 4 Protection and pitch — junior and senior mouthguards singly or in 12 packs, and telescopic boundary poles in sets of 12 Karakal: common questionsWhich sliotar suits which age group? First Touch is the softest, for youngest beginners. Quick Touch is graded for under-10s, Smart Touch for under-12s, and the Match Size 5 is the standard ball from under-14 upward. The graded balls are lighter and softer so young players can strike and catch confidently.Are mouthguards mandatory in GAA? Yes. The GAA requires mouthguards at all levels of Gaelic football, in both training and matches. They are also strongly recommended for hurling and camogie alongside the mandatory helmet.How often should a hurling grip be replaced? Most players replace a grip every few months, or sooner if it hardens or starts to slip in wet conditions — a worn grip is the most common cause of a hurley twisting on strike. Pair with Uwin ash hurleys and Cumas coaching aids.Shop Karakal below, or browse the full GAA range at McSport Ireland.