Andrei Daescu, the Romanian pickleball athlete known for his formidable presence on the court, appears to be considering a switch from his long-time sponsor, Proton, to a new paddle brand. This development comes amid a wave of top-tier players changing equipment sponsors throughout the past several months.
Daescu, currently ranked fifth in men’s doubles and mixed doubles on the PPA Tour, has been a dedicated Proton user for years, but recent activity suggests he might soon join CRBN’s roster. This potential move draws attention as many prominent pros have recently switched brands during this period.
Recent Changes Among Leading Pickleball Professionals
This offseason has seen several notable players align with new paddle sponsors. Players such as Anna Leigh Waters with Franklin, Gabe Tardio now with Facolos, Rachel Rohrabacher joining Friday, Dekel Bar affiliating with 11Six24, and Zane Navratil moving to Paddletek represent a significant reshuffling among elite athletes. Meanwhile, JW and Jorja Johnson, who recently departed Franklin and competed at PPA Mesa using JOOLA paddles, remain free agents.
Signs Point to Daescu Testing CRBN’s Latest Model
Recently, an image surfaced showing Andrei Daescu using CRBN’s new TruFoam Barrage paddle, set to release on March 17. This sighting suggests Daescu is actively testing CRBN’s equipment and has found it promising. While official announcements from CRBN or Proton have yet to be made, this test run indicates a possible sponsorship shift in the near future.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from both CRBN and Proton are ongoing, with updates expected as new information becomes available.
Interest Grows in CRBN’s Upcoming Barrage Paddle
For players intrigued by the new paddle Daescu has been testing, CRBN’s TruFoam Barrage is now available for pre-order. Customers can apply the code THEDINK for a discount during checkout, providing an opportunity to experience the paddle favored by one of the sport’s top contenders ahead of its official launch.
