July 13, 2026
The paddle market just changed. Here's what it means.
Two things happened in the paddle world recently that are easy to miss individually but harder to ignore together: a major brand got absorbed into a bigger one, and a material that barely existed in the market a few years ago is now everywhere. Here's what both mean for you when you're standing in front of a wall of paddles trying to make a decision.
PIKKL Is Now Paddletek. What the Gear Industry's Consolidation Wave Means When You're Shopping for a Paddle
Paddletek Group acquired PIKKL — a Minnesota startup founded just two and a half years ago — and simultaneously signed JW Johnson, Jorja Johnson, Julie Johnson, and Tyra Black in July 2026.
Foam Core Paddles Are Taking Over: What the Biggest Technology Shift in Pickleball Means for Your Game
Before January 2025, polypropylene honeycomb held 91.5% of the certified paddle market; by March 2026, foam-core paddles had crossed to outnumber it in new approvals — the fastest major technology flip this sport has seen.
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