Two Sequim couples want to offer high-end baseball and softball equipment for athletes across the Olympic Peninsula.

John Qualls and Lisa Jones, and Chris Young and Diana Thompson-Young recently opened 360 Sporting Goods, 71 Ruth’s Place No. 8, an extension of 360 Sports Performance to provide a hands-on experience for players.

“I can’t tell you how many times we’ve purchases something online and it’s not been a good fit and we can’t return it because it’s been used,” Thompson-Young said.

One of the selling points for 360 Sporting Goods is the opportunity to try demo bats and other equipment before you buy.

“So many athletes have to go to Seattle to get high quality equipment,” Young said.

The Carlsborg business offers dozens of brands for baseball and softball gloves, helmets and more from Easton to Rawlings to Wilson and offers different inventory from other local retailers, owners said.

“This way you can make a decision based on fit rather than brand,” Qualls said.

“Customization has been lost because of the Internet.”

The couples’ long-term goal is to build an inventory with hopes to supply local schools and teams for all sports.

Qualls said 360 Sports Performance, which opened earlier this year, is growing organically.

Its purpose is to help athletes on the Olympic Peninsula have a better opportunity for athletic college scholarships and to play professionally by increasing strength and power, fundamentals and more.

Qualls said between him and Young they have 40-plus years of baseball experience to help athletes.

360 Sports Performance is open seven days a week and offers team and school discounts.

360 Sporting Goods hosts a grand opening at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. A baseball clinic begins that day at 9 a.m. and a softball clinic at 2 p.m.

For more information, call 683-8214, email contact360sports@gmail.com or visit www.360sportspt.com.

Owners of 360 Sporting Goods say they want players to be confident in their purchases before buying.