Bet you didn’t know the following pieces of pickleball trivia:

📝 It was almost called “Paddle Tennis,” which some argue would be preferable (we’ll let you be the judge)
📝 Pro players can hit the ball over 60mph — literally faster than an antelope runs.
📝 Atari almost made a pickleball video game in the ‘80s. Just wasn’t popular enough then for a greenlight.

Now that you’ve educated yourself with some lesser-known pickleball knowledge, it’s time to arm yourself with the best gear. But it seems the pickleball marketplace is changing rapidly…read on for more.

🛑 But first! We’d like to understand your preferences a bit better. Can you fill this survey out real quick? It’ll take less than 30 seconds, promise.

…2025 Gear hits different (literally)

There’s a whole new generation of pickle products available this year. Here’s what will up your game in 2025:

PB Vision
PB Vision breaks down match footage to show where you shine and where you need work, featuring 3D trajectory analysis, movement tracking, and serve insights.

2025: The Year of Gen 4 Paddles
The latest Gen 4 paddle designs are starting to hit the market, bringing more durability, better feel, and a poppier finish. The CRBN Truefoam Genesis (see below) is generating tons of buzz.

There is also literal tech being embedded in the paddles, like the SMARTx COREx4 from Potenza—the first ‘smart paddle’ that tracks spin, power, and speed.

Real-Time Coaching, Anytime
The Picklr + Wingfield partnership is bringing AI-powered coaching straight to the court. The Wingfield Box tracks your game and delivers real-time feedback—plus, you can use the ERNE ball machine for pro-level drills.

➡️ More trending pickleball tech

When to hit (differently)

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: Adding spin to your shots can give you an advantage, making your game more unpredictable and difficult for opponents to counter.

Types of spin & when to use them:

• Topspin: Helps your shots drop quickly and bounce high. Use it for powerful serves, returns, and baseline rallies to keep opponents on the defensive.

• Slice (Backspin): Slows the ball down and keeps it low after bouncing. Great for dinks and defensive shots that make aggressive attacks difficult.

• Sidespin: Curves the ball in the air, making serves and strategic placements trickier for opponents to anticipate.

One critical rule: never return a slice with a slice. Since backspin creates a low bounce, responding with another slice often sends the ball into the net. Instead, counter with topspin or a flat shot.

The Future is Foam

Meet the CRBN TruFoam Genesis—your new go-to on the court. 💖🏓

With a 100% foam core and 4th Gen technology, this paddle is built for power, precision, and control. It’s built for players who want to play smarter, strike cleaner, and feel confident in every shot.

💥 Take 10% off with code EMPOWER10 at checkout—because the right paddle makes all the difference.

Buc-ee’s tempts pickleballers with branded paddles

“Let’s see…got my gas, my gum, my energy drink, my Cheetos, my…aw heck, why not throw a pickleball set in just in case.”

Does Buc-ee’s, the popular Texas & Southern chain, think that^ is what people will say when they pass by their new branded paddles?

After teaming up with Diadem Sports, the brand launched a beginner-friendly paddle set: two carbon fiber paddles and two pickleballs, all stamped with its iconic beaver mascot. They’re also selling individual paddles and 3-packs of balls.

Guess it’s not a wild assumption with the popularity of pickleball nowadays, but if the brand really wants to ensnare the hearts of pickleballer’s, they’ll build some courts, too. Their roadside complexes are definitely big enough to fit some.

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