Mizuno, a major general sporting-goods maker, released pickleball paddles in the U.S. on May 18, 2026. It rolls out five USA Pickleball-approved models across three series, bringing the material technology cultivated in tennis and running into competition paddles. In Japan, under a promotion partnership with the Japan Pickleball Association, it is expanding trial sessions at facilities it operates nationwide, and a picture of a long-established maker entering the field in earnest is coming into view.
Launching five models at once in the U.S.
The paddles Mizuno put on sale in the U.S. are five USA Pickleball-approved models. They are organized into three series: the speed-focused “Acrospeed,” the more control-oriented “Acrostrike,” and the entry-level “CALIBER.”
Even within the same series, it offers “SX” and “LX” with different shapes, so players can choose to match their playing style. The design lineup includes a square-shaped type with a wide sweet spot and a type with a narrowed tip that prioritizes a clean swing-through.
Breaking down the specs of the three series
Each series differs in the material and thickness of its core and face (hitting surface). Thickness ties directly to the size of the sweet spot and the feel at impact, so it serves as a guide when choosing.
| Series | Thickness | Face material | Aim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrospeed（SX/LX） | 12.2mm | Graphite composite | Speed and maneuverability |
| Acrostrike（SX/LX） | 15.2mm | Carbon composite | Control and stability |
| CALIBER | 15.2mm | Fiberglass + resin | Entry-level and ease of use |
The cores all use polypropylene honeycomb (CALIBER uses polypropylene). The thin 12.2 mm model releases the ball quickly, suiting aggressive play, while the thick 15.2 mm model keeps the face stable, suiting players who want to hold down mistakes.
U.S. retail prices not disclosed
The U.S. launch is May 18, 2026. On the other hand, the U.S.-dollar price of each model has not been made public as of this announcement. The timing, price, and retailers for the Japanese domestic launch are also at a stage of awaiting an official follow-up from Mizuno.
In Japan, groundwork laid via the association partnership
Ahead of the product launch, Mizuno signed a promotion partnership with the Japan Pickleball Association in October 2025. The contract runs one year, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Using the sports facilities it manages under designation, it has rolled out drop-in trial sessions, level-based clinics, and tournament programs.
As of October 2025, it had made pickleball playable at roughly 30 facilities nationwide. The move to increase “places to try it” even before the equipment launch takes effect in broadening the base of new players.
What a long-established entrant means for the market
Until now, Japan's paddle market has been led by overseas specialist brands. With a general manufacturer that has quality control and a sales network joining in, the options that beginners can pick up with confidence increase.
If the development of trial facilities and in-house paddle supply mesh together, the pathway of “try it → buy the gear” is completed within a single company. An equipment maker's entry looks set to help convert growth in the playing population into real demand.
Summary
On May 18, 2026, Mizuno released five pickleball paddle models in the U.S. In Japan, building on its promotion contract with the association and trial sessions, it is set to layer on equipment supply. We'll want to check future announcements for the sale price and timing in Japan.
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Source:Pickleball Online / Mizuno's paddles finally arrive / Mizuno / promotion partnership signed with the Japan Pickleball Association
