Pickleball Technology: Past, Present, and Future
Introduction
In any sport, especially at the professional level, players seek advanced technology for a competitive edge. This drive pushes brands to innovate continually, creating superior products for the consumer. While this holds true for many sports, it’s particularly evident in pickleball, which has seen rapid growth both at the professional and recreational levels. New paddle brands find it easy to enter the market, due to low barriers of entry. Notably, the USA Pickleball Association has approved over 400 brand manufacturers—this figure pertains to brands, not individual paddle models. The burgeoning competitive pressure has spurred immense innovation, even as some brands struggle to keep up, while others push boundaries, occasionally too far.
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The team at Selkirk has observed other sports (notably golf, tennis, racquetball, and softball) keenly, identifying patterns in product and regulatory evolution. This analysis has led to the identification of a three-stage lifecycle for sports equipment: Infancy, Growth, and Stability. Presently, pickleball is amidst the growth stage, fostering a wave of new products and opportunities, coupled with inevitable growing pains. Over the past few years, insiders have dealt with these challenges, although they’ve recently become more noticeable to consumers.
With eight years of experience in the pickleball industry, we've witnessed both its challenges and triumphs. Our innovations, such as the first thick-core paddle and lifetime warranties, have been widely embraced. Historically, we've kept a tight lid on information about paddle innovation, spin technology, core and face technology, and the evolution of rules. Yet, recognizing growing consumer interest, we’re excited to reintroduce the Selkirk Insider series. Titled Pickleball Technology: the Past, Present, and Future, this series aims to open the vault on these topics. Here's a draft outline of our intentions for this series, though it may evolve as we proceed and garner feedback. Feel free to send suggestions to support@selkirk.com.
we’ll discuss the phases of equipment technology - Infancy, Growth, and Stability.
starting in 2014, we’ll trace the evolution of paddle testing alongside the growth of the sport, and discuss the pivotal role of USA Pickleball Association regulations. We’ll also explore how issues with equipment regulations contributed to racquetball’s decline.
examining the current flux in paddle technology and regulations, we’ll delve into the ongoing spin revolution and recent industry controversies. Additionally, we’ll outline our USA-based quality control procedures ensuring our paddles comply with regulations.
covering three spin technology categories (Raw, Engineered, and Coatings), we’ll unpack their pros and cons. We’ll also discuss current spin regulations and testing methods, and highlight how an overlooked change in roughness testing sparked the current spin revolution.
we’ll suggest short-term and long-term solutions to address industry challenges. Notably, the PPA has introduced immediate measures allowing paddle roughness testing at Pro events (https://www.ppatour.com/paddles-and-testing/). We recommend continuous and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to preserve the sport’s integrity.
anticipating future trends, we believe legal spin technology will play a pivotal role. We’ll highlight the Selkirk Labs Project 002, a breakthrough in spin technology, and discuss innovations in core, shape, and edge technology aimed at enhancing performance. Get ready, competitive pickleball players—the next year’s product releases promise unprecedented advancements.
Now that you know what we will cover in this series, we will finish this article by giving an overview of the sports equipment lifecycle.
Sports equipment lifecycle
Generally speaking, sports equipment technology follows three stages: Infancy, Growth, and Stability. Historical boundaries between these stages are not always clear, but from a distance, we can often identify the transitions. These stages apply not only to technology but also to associated rules and regulations.
In the infancy stage, equipment is basic and scarcely differentiated across manufacturers. Innovations are minimal, manufacturing methods are equivalent, and marketing claims often overpromise. However, landmark innovations or rule changes can spark competitive advantages, initiating the growth stage.
During the growth stage, multiple factors can drive innovation:
- Increased participation leads to new investments and brands entering the market.
- Rising prize pools and a growing professional scene heighten stakes.
- An array of new testing methods and technologies from brands.
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Pickleball is experiencing all these growth drivers simultaneously.
In this stage, manufacturers race to develop new technologies and materials. Competition sparks further innovation, often driven by early breakthroughs that challenge others to match the new performance standards.
Rules and regulations also evolve, experiencing growing pains as new technologies emerge. Regulatory adaptations must ensure consumer confidence while fostering industry growth. Collaborative efforts among all stakeholders—USA Pickleball, manufacturers, tours, retailers, pros, and consumers—are vital.
Eventually, the industry reaches the stability stage, where innovation slows and becomes incremental. Marketing often overshadows actual technological advancements, and large R&D departments may struggle to maintain the excitement of previous growth phases. Yet, after some time, the cycle often restarts as new, disruptive innovations emerge, marking the end of stability and the beginning of a new infancy stage.
Tennis Racquets and the Sports Equipment Lifecycle
Tennis racquets provide an illustrative example of this lifecycle. Until the 1970s, racquets were primarily wooden and basic. The introduction of composite materials and oversized heads marked a significant growth phase, driven by professionals like Jimmy Connors winning with steel racquets. Higher prize pools incentivized players to seek any performance edge, propelling further innovation. Today, tennis racquets are in a stability phase, with minor improvements over the past few decades but no radical changes.
Golf Clubs and the Sports Equipment Lifecycle
Golf clubs have also evolved through multiple lifecycle iterations. Initially carved from wood by the players themselves, clubs became professionally manufactured, experiencing numerous growth phases, such as the introduction of Calloway's oversized Big Bertha clubhead. This revolutionized club design and inspired other sports equipment advancements, like Selkirk's AMPED series in pickleball. Although golf technology has recently plateaued, it’s a prime example of how sports equipment cycles through stages of innovation and stability.
The Sports Equipment Lifecycle in Pickleball & Selkirk
Pickleball has undergone similar lifecycles, from early wooden paddles to the significant leap with composite materials introduced by Arlen Paranto in the 1970s. Smaller iterations include the adoption of polypropylene honeycomb cores in 2011. As the sport evolved from grassroots to a professional level, Selkirk aimed to elevate it further.
We transitioned pickleball from a mom-and-pop hobby to a professional sport, emphasizing performance and innovation. Terms like "athletes" instead of "players" and "performance" instead of "gameplay" transformed perceptions. Initially, asserting that equipment provided a competitive advantage was controversial, but our dedication to innovation through the AMPED series and thick-core paddles revolutionized the industry.
Tennis players entering pickleball have influenced the sport's pace and equipment preferences, favoring heavier weights and more spin. The latest advancements in spin performance stem, not from new technologies, but from how existing rules are administered. Selkirk Labs continues to test and innovate spin technologies, maintaining legality and durability. Our ongoing developments in cores, face materials, and manufacturing techniques aim to enhance power, control, and durability, bringing the future of pickleball technology to the present.
Conclusion
Pickleball is evolving rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities. From our inception, Selkirk has strived to grow the sport through innovative equipment. We aim to lead the industry, and with your support through the Selkirk Labs Program, we’ll continue to pioneer advancements in pickleball. Look forward to groundbreaking releases across all price points in 2023. The future of pickleball technology is here, and we are its champions.
Is Graphite or Fiberglass Better for Pickleball?
When choosing a pickleball paddle, players often debate between graphite and fiberglass. Both materials have strengths and weaknesses, catering to different playing styles.
Graphite paddles are favored for their power and control. They are lighter, offering better maneuverability and more powerful shots. The consistent feel of graphite paddles improves shot accuracy.
Fiberglass paddles, in contrast, are preferred for touch and control. They are stiffer, giving better control over shots, especially drops and serves. Known for durability, they’re an economical choice for long-term use.
The performance of a paddle also depends on the quality of materials used. High-quality graphite or fiberglass enhances maneuverability and control. Conversely, lower-quality materials can undermine performance.
Ultimately, the choice hinges on personal preference. It's vital for players to try different paddles to find the one that suits their style and enhances their game.
In conclusion, both graphite and fiberglass paddles offer distinct advantages. Whether you prioritize power or control, the key is to find a paddle that improves your game and enjoyment on the court.
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