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HomePickleball NewsONIX Pickleball Unveils Game-Changing Pickleball Paddles as Global Ambitions Take Off

ONIX Pickleball Unveils Game-Changing Pickleball Paddles as Global Ambitions Take Off

ONIX Pickleball’s Global Expansion: ONIX Pickleball has released new pickleball paddles for 2025 as part of its plan to support players at every level. The company, owned by Escalade Sports and based in Evansville, Indiana, is also looking to grow in college sports and expand into international markets like Asia, Europe, and India.

Since Jay Simmons joined Escalade Sports in 2019 as Senior Product Manager, ONIX has continued to grow with the sport of pickleball. At that time, ONIX was already well-known, but the sport was still small. Now, as pickleball has become much more popular, ONIX offers a full line of gear for players of all skill levels. The company makes paddles, balls, nets, bags, overgrips, protective eyewear, and more.

“The focus moved quickly to the tournament end and performance end of products as the sport continued to grow. We went from being a staple brand with a couple products, to now we have that full range of products from tip to grip and products for players at all price points. And our products are something that players are going to have a good experience with as well.” – (Jay Simmons)

New Paddles Released for Beginners and Intermediate Players

This week, ONIX released two new paddles called the Hype X and Hype X Pro. Both paddles are made with features from higher-end models but cost less. Jay Simmons said they are meant to help new and improving players.

The Hype X paddle has a strong composite surface, giving it power and spin. Its shape is longer than normal (16.5 inches by 7.5 inches), which gives players better reach and power. It is made using the patented Thermofused Technology and has a 14mm polypropylene honeycomb core that offers a good mix of power, touch, and pop.

The Hype X Pro paddle has a raw carbon fiber surface that helps players spin the ball more easily. It also has the same size and build as the Hype X, using the same Thermofused Technology and core.

These new paddles join ONIX’s other well-known paddle, the Evoke Premier Raw Carbon Fiber paddle. That model is used by top professionals like Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova, who have been part of ONIX since 2018. Senior professionals Altaf Merchant and Steve Deakin also use this paddle.

“We were looking for something that brings more features and benefits and unbelievable value to a lower price point and more beginner players. The new Hype paddles can take care of that rec player or somebody new getting into the game, while also being a great choice for intermediate and improving players. We’ve packed a lot into these products, and we’re very excited about it.” – (Jay Simmons)

Strong presence in the Midwest and focus on amateur support

ONIX continues to be strong in the Midwest. Its parent company, Escalade Sports, is located in Indiana. Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova are based in Kansas. Altaf Merchant and rising star Eli Bertram also live close to ONIX headquarters.

The brand has also supported many amateur players across the country. These partnerships help ONIX test products before they are sold to the public.

“In terms of product development, we really utilize that group of people and players to validate what we’re bringing to market and help us in play testing and fine tuning to ensure that the consumer is going to have a good experience with it. That’s allowed us to bring technology from higher price points down to a more budget-friendly place.” – (Jay Simmons)

Jarrod Smith, an ONIX player from Springfield, Missouri, helped start the pickleball program at Drury University. This school was one of the first to offer pickleball as a real sport for students.

Next steps: College programs and global expansion

Looking ahead, ONIX wants to grow in the college sports world. More schools are building pickleball courts and creating club or official teams. Simmons said ONIX wants to be a part of that future.

“Things are obviously rapidly involving in pickleball and have been for years. But I think what we’re all going to see is continued exponential growth for the core of the sport and also more of an emphasis on youth being introduced into the sport. We’ve seen that already with collegiate tournaments and now talk of college scholarships for pickleball, which to think that that’s a possibility is amazing.” – (Jay Simmons)

ONIX is also working to expand its brand worldwide. It already has some products available in parts of Asia and Europe. The company hopes to grow more in those regions, along with places like India.

“Whether it’s Asia, Europe, India … a lot of countries are looking for the ONIX brand right now. We’re constantly having meetings and opening up communication with distributors to get involved in those markets, and we’re looking to quickly evaluate and invest in those areas.” – (Jay Simmons)

News in Brief: ONIX Pickleball’s Global Expansion

ONIX Pickleball launched new pickleball paddles—the Hype X and Hype X Pro—for beginner and intermediate players in 2025. Backed by a strong Midwest presence and top professionals like Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova, ONIX is now aiming for growth in colleges and international markets across Asia, Europe, and India.

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