The founding of Paddletek Group──the full picture of the three-brand merger
In December 2025, the long-established U.S. paddle maker Paddletek merged with ProXR and Yobow to establish a new holding company,「Paddletek Group」を設立した。ピックルボール3ブランドに加え、パデル（Padel）ブランド Padeltek を含む4ブランドが傘下に入り、製品開発・選手サポート・流通を一本化する。
As CEO,Ron Saslow, founder of the private equity firm Thirty-5 Capital, took office. Founder Curtis Smith commented, “The founding of Paddletek Group is an important milestone for both pickleball and padel.”
Why merge now?──the market environment behind it
Paddletek has a track record of having manufactured and soldover 1 million paddlesin the U.S., and in the sales data of the SFIA (Sports & Fitness Industry Association) it holds the No. 2 spot in the market for advanced players. Meanwhile, ProXR has broadened support among intermediate-to-advanced players with its proprietary spin technology.
両社の技術と流通網を統合することで、JOOLAやSelkirkといった大手との競争力を強化する狙いがある。加えて、世界的に急速に普及が進むパデル市場へ Padeltek ブランドで参入する布石でもある。
第1弾プロダクト「Reserve HoneyFoam」の仕様
Released in early 2026 as the first product after the merger wasReserve HoneyFoam No.001. Its main features are as follows.
- HoneyFoam multi-foam core: a 3-layer foam expands the sweet spot and extends dwell time (contact time)
- EVA foam wrap: EVA foam placed in the 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock direction improves energy return
- PT-700 unidirectional carbon fiber surface: secures spin performance while maintaining grip even in high-intensity play
- 14mm / 16mm available in two types. 14mm is more pop-oriented, 16mm more control-oriented
Because it's a limited-production model, it's sold only at Pickleball Central and the Paddletek official site. It's announced that once stock runs out, there will be no restock as the “Reserve” series.
What happens to the player support setup?
Paddletek Group states clearly that it will continue to support the sponsored players of the existing Paddletek and ProXR brands. On the 2026-season PPA Tour and MLP too, multiple players using the group's paddles are entered. Details of specific contracted players are expected to be announced in sequence on the official site.
Entering the padel market──a new strategy for pickleball companies
Paddletek Group がパデルにも注力する背景には、欧州・南米を中心とするパデルの急速な普及がある。ピックルボールとパデルは使用する道具や競技特性に共通点があり、製造技術の転用が比較的容易だ。Padeltek ブランドでグローバル展開を狙う同社の動きは、今後のピックルボール業界全体の多角化トレンドを象徴している。
What's the impact on the Japanese market?
At present there's no specific announcement regarding Paddletek Group's Japan rollout. However, domestically as well,demand for foam-core paddles is surging, and there's a strong possibility that new-material models like HoneyFoam will be distributed via Japanese distributors.
Points to watch going forward
Paddletek Group は「両ブランドの強みを活かした新パドルラインを継続投入する」と表明している。パデル用製品の具体的なラインナップや、PPAツアー選手との新規契約も注目だ。
Summary
Paddletek、ProXR、Yobow の3社統合による Paddletek Group の誕生は、パドル業界の競争環境を大きく変える可能性がある。第1弾の Reserve HoneyFoam は限定モデルで、複数の技術的工夫が盛り込まれている。JOOLA's patent lawsuitAmid it rocking the industry, the company's move to go on the offensive through technical integration is one to keep an eye on.
FAQ
Q. What is Paddletek Group?
A. It's a holding company established in December 2025 when the U.S. paddle maker Paddletek merged with ProXR and Yobow. In addition to three pickleball brands, it also has the padel brand Padeltek under its umbrella.
Q. Where can I buy the Reserve HoneyFoam paddle?
A. It's sold exclusively at Pickleball Central and the Paddletek official site. Because it's limited production, no restock is planned after it sells out.
Q. Will ProXR remain as a brand going forward?
A. Yes. The ProXR name and product line will continue as a brand under Paddletek Group. It's announced that support for existing sponsored players will also be maintained.
