Paddle Manufacturing Is Going Global
Where Are Pickleball Paddles Really Made?
Ask a pickleball player where their paddle was made and you’ll usually hear one of two answers: China or the USA.
For years, that was true. The U.S. had a few loyal manufacturers making paddles stateside, and China pumped out most of the rest. But pickleball is booming worldwide—and the paddle business is following right along. Factories, brands, and entire pickleball ecosystems are popping up in places most players never imagined.
Let’s start with what you probably already know.
Made in the USA: The Usual Suspects
There are still some paddle companies producing here at home. A few of the most notable include:
- Paddletek – Makers of the Bantam Carbon Fiber series and one of the longest-standing U.S. manufacturers.
- Engage Pickleball – Proudly does all design and manufacturing in the U.S.
- Selkirk – Their high-end lines like the Vanguard Pro and LUXX Control Air are produced domestically.
- PROLITE – Known for models like the Stealth GS2 and Titan Pro, made in the U.S.
- GAMMA Sports – Still builds some paddles in Pennsylvania, including their 405 Graphite series.
- Franklin – While most are overseas, their FS Tour Dynasty is U.S.-made.
- TMPR – A Michigan brand with a loyal following, especially for their Terra series.
- Honolulu Pickleball – Produces its Sword and Shield paddles in Hawaii.
Outside of these, most of the paddles (and pretty much all accessories) you see on U.S. courts are made in China.
But here’s the twist: China isn’t the only game in town anymore.
India: A New Paddle Powerhouse
Pickleball is exploding in India, and manufacturers are stepping up in a big way. One company in particular is leading the charge: Strokess.
If you haven’t heard of them yet, you will. Strokess paddles use the same premium materials as many U.S. and Chinese brands—T700 carbon fiber, Reactive Polymer cores, Hyperfoam Edge Walls. Right now, they’re only sold within India, but global shipping (and maybe even foam-core paddles) are in the works.
Strokess is also investing in the community. They built their own courts—3rd Shot by Strokess in Vadodara—showing they’re serious about growing the sport, not just selling gear.
Check out 3rd Shot by Strokess:
And they’re not the only ones in India:
- Gliderz Pickleball – Makers of the G-40 outdoor ball.
- Sundek Sports Private Limited – India’s biggest pickleball flooring manufacturer. (Fun fact: when I lived in Texas, Sundek did the surface around my swimming pool!)
Vietnam: Rising Fast
India isn’t the only new hotspot. Vietnam is also carving out space in the pickleball world.
One name you may already know: Quang Duong (aka Avatar), a PPA pro who’s been instrumental in spreading the game there. His work even led to a recent UPA suspension for running unapproved clinics and tournaments—but it shows just how fast pickleball is growing in Vietnam.
Even more surprising? Vietnam ranks third in global YouTube viewership for pickleball, behind only the U.S. and Canada. That kind of audience brings brands, and sure enough, LETTRO Sports is now producing both nets and paddles.
What This Means for the Future
Pickleball’s rapid global expansion is changing the paddle market in real time. Manufacturing is no longer a two-country race between China and the U.S.—India and Vietnam are now serious players, and other regions will likely follow.
Many enthusiasts (myself included) have pushed for pickleball to become an Olympic sport. But as the saying goes: be careful what you wish for. Olympic recognition would likely accelerate globalization even more, with production spreading to new regions and international companies competing for dominance.
One thing is certain: the days of simply answering “China” or “USA” when asked where paddles are made are numbered.
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