The Paris Olympic Games are now behind us… yet, at Laporte, the future is already in motion!
The moment the curtain fell, the Franco-British company was already preparing for its next Olympic challenge. An event reserved for athletes, you might say? True, but don’t be mistaken: the investments, technical challenges, and innovations developed for Olympic shooters benefit all Clay Shooting enthusiasts, regardless of their discipline.
Ten Olympic Selections: A Unique Achievement
In the highly demanding world of the Olympic Games, official suppliers are never chosen by chance. It’s neither a matter of money nor influence—only excellence earns selection. Since Rome 1960, Laporte has been the official supplier of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Montreal, Moscow, Athens, Beijing, London, Rio, Tokyo again, and of course, Paris 2024.
This exceptional track record places Laporte among the very few manufacturers who have consistently met the IOC’s high standards, event after event. But what does this mean for fans of other Ball-Trap disciplines?
Innovation Born from Olympic Challenges, Available to All
History is full of examples of cutting-edge technology developed for extreme environments that later benefited the general public. Citroën demonstrated the robustness of its vehicles through the legendary «Croisière Noire» and «Croisière Jaune» expeditions. Porsche surprised the world by entering the Paris-Dakar rally in 1986 with a car originally designed for luxury and speed. Rolex conquered Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary, while Omega went to the Moon on Apollo 11.
Laporte is no exception. The relentless pursuit of perfection required by the Olympic Games has driven the company to create innovations that now benefit all shooters, including those practicing non-Olympic disciplines.
Technology Tested in Extreme Conditions
When the Beijing and Tokyo Games were marked by intense flood, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, or when sandstorms disrupted the famous Nad Al Sheba sporting competition in Dubai, Laporte launchers stood firm. Tested beyond standard limits, their robustness ensures exceptional reliability regardless of conditions.
But innovation goes beyond weather resistance. Pierre Laporte, father of the current CEO Jean-Michel Laporte, revolutionized shooting with the support arm for improved target trajectory and voice-activated release. He also introduced midi and mini targets (90mm and 60mm) to enhance Skeet training. Iconic machines like the Multitrap and Skeet 1000 were also born in the Laporte workshops as well as some of the first eco clays more than 30 years ago.
When the ISSF (formerly UIT) and shooting legends like Michel Carrega discovered the Flash Target, an invention by Jean-Michel Laporte that improved target visibility for the audience, it was a game-changer. This innovation secured the Olympic future of Ball-Trap by making the sport more engaging for spectators.
Advanced Equipment for All Ball-Trap Disciplines
Today, Laporte launchers used across various disciplines benefit directly from technological advances initially developed for top-level competitions:
- Unalterable cast aluminum frames for maximum durability.
- High-performance arms for greater throwing distances without vibration or extra effort.
- Ultra-resistant one way bearing ensuring greater longevity and reduced maintenance needs.
- Variable speed a technology first seen on the Multitrap—now adapted for hunting simulation and training machines, allowing adjustable throwing distances from 5 to 130m using the same spring.
Laporte has also invented specialized equipment for Parcours and Compak shooters, such as the Battue target and its dedicated launcher, or the Gravity system, delivering an ideal shooting experience for beginners, champions, and shooting schools alike.
A Myth Accessible to All
For nearly a century, Laporte has been part of the Shooting legend. Yet, for years, its technical supremacy was almost intimidating: many believed the equipment was reserved for professionals. That myth has now been shattered.
Thanks to sound management, controlled production, and economies of scale, Laporte now offers the best value for money in the market, even when faced with aggressive competition.
The Future of Ball-Trap is Moving Forward
As Jean-Claude Laporte, Jean-Michel’s brother, once said in 1965: “-With Laporte, the hunt season never closes!”
This phrase perfectly embodies the brand’s philosophy: To deliver more realism, excitement, and enjoyment to shooters.
Jean-Michel Laporte and his son Thomas, continuing the family tradition, are already working on new innovations that will push the boundaries of sporting and recreational Ball-Trap even further. Research is ongoing into the Whistling Pigeon, the Boomerang, new configurations of “smart” launchers to create immersive shooting scenario ie… These innovations will appeal to hunting enthusiasts and competition shooters alike
Excellence, for All
The Olympic Games have served as a remarkable testing ground for pushing the limits of Ball-Trap.
But these breakthroughs are not reserved for an elite few. Laporte has turned every challenge into an opportunity, and every constraint into innovation.
Whatever your discipline or level, Laporte remains the ideal partner for your passion.
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