Small Companies Creating Stylish Pickleball Gear: Five small companies across the U.S. are creating unique products for the fast-growing sport of pickleball. With participation in pickleball rising by 223.5% since 2022, these businesses launched gear that blends performance with fun, eye-catching designs. Inspired by their love for the game, these founders turned passion into business, aiming to fill the gap in stylish and high-quality pickleball products.
LUXE: Fun Looks with Serious Play
Kiana Lake, a pickleball fan, started LUXE in 2022 with help from her brother, Colby Stoker, and his wife, Rylee Stoker. Colby is a businessperson and a skilled player, which makes him a strong partner in creating paddles with a feminine and playful style.
The team focused on quality and created three paddle lines: Leisure for beginners, Ace for intermediate players, and Luxury for advanced users. Each level offers more power and control, with the price rising as well. Most designs are bright and fun, though the Luxury line looks a bit more serious.
“Instead of sending PR packages to lots of influencers, we like to send PR to our customers! It is our way of supporting the people who support us.” – (lake)
Recess: Designs That Match the Players
Grace Moore and Maggie Brown, who have been friends since childhood, founded Recess in 2021 after they began playing pickleball during COVID lockdowns. They loved the game but thought the gear didn’t suit their style.
“It just didn’t fit our vibe.” – (Grace Moore)
They decided to create paddles that show off personality. Many are made in Austin, Texas, and there’s even an option to design your own paddle. Recess also sells athletic outfits, clothing, and gear online and through a few stores.
Helios: High-Tech Meets Sport
Ivy Sun, a data scientist, started Helios in 2023 after falling in love with pickleball. The brand is named after the Greek sun god and is built around science and technology to create top-performing paddles.
She began playing at Equinox and wanted something more meaningful in her life. Though she works long days, she says the business gives her purpose.
Helios has worked with brands like Columbia Sportswear, Poshmark, and EOS. It was the first pickleball brand sold at Nordstrom. Ivy Sun’s team is now making a smart paddle with a chip that shares contact details with a phone. Helios also donates custom paddles and supports tournaments at Equinox clubs.
Tangerine Paddle: Inspired by Beauty
Taylor Llewellyn and Carly Llewellyn launched Tangerine Paddle during the pandemic. They wanted gear that was as fun and pretty as the sport itself. Their first product was a stylish bag, which caught on quickly. Customers then asked for paddles.
Their paddle patterns come from places they love, like Hawaii, Maine, and the Mediterranean. The couple is also inspired by photos and fabric designs. Tangerine Paddle has worked with brands like Rothy’s and Criquet and created custom paddles for hotels like The Four Seasons and The Sagamore Resort.
Bread & Butter Pickleball Co.: Power and Personality
Doug Sapusek, a former Marine and street fighter, started Bread & Butter Pickleball Co. in Vero Beach, Florida, after a Vespa accident ended his fighting career. He found joy in pickleball and used it as a new creative outlet.
The company has strong, bold branding. Paddle names include The Filth, The Fat Boy, and The Shogun, each built for a different playing style. The Filth is the top seller.
Doug’s children, Aurora Sapusek and Devin Sapusek, help run the business. They handle office work and planning so Doug can focus on design and community. A year ago, they started a brand ambassador program to team up with pro players.
Why This Matters
These five businesses show how a fast-growing sport like pickleball is creating new space for creativity, style, and technology. Each company adds something new to the game, from bright patterns to smart paddles. As pickleball keeps growing, these brands are helping shape its future while staying connected to their customers and communities.
News in Brief: Small Companies Creating Stylish Pickleball Gear
Five small companies — LUXE, Recess, Helios, Tangerine Paddle, and Bread & Butter Pickleball Co. — are creating stylish, fun, and high-quality pickleball gear. These brands were started by people passionate about the sport and are helping grow its popularity with creative designs, tech, and strong community ties.
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