Senior Pickleball Report
Game-Changing Pickleball Paddle Accessory Could Save Players Hundreds
pickleball paddle accessory
New invention transforms worn paddles to like-new condition, eliminating costly replacements
If you’ve been playing pickleball for any length of time, you know the frustration: your once-responsive carbon fiber paddle starts losing its grip, the spin just isn’t there anymore, and suddenly you’re facing a $150+ replacement bill. It’s an expensive reality that every serious player deals with—until now.
The Problem Every Pickleball Player Faces
A California inventor from Irvine has developed a solution that could revolutionize how we maintain our pickleball equipment. The PADDLE FACE, currently available for licensing through InventHelp, addresses one of the sport’s most persistent pain points: paddle degradation.
Carbon fiber paddles—the gold standard for competitive and recreational players alike—naturally wear down over time. The textured surface that creates spin and control gradually smooths out, leaving players with a choice: keep playing with diminished performance or shell out for a brand-new paddle.
A Simple Solution to an Expensive Problem
The PADDLE FACE takes a different approach entirely. This innovative accessory transforms worn-down carbon fiber paddles back to like-new condition, reviving the grip and spin capabilities that made your paddle perform at its best when you first bought it.
The design is refreshingly straightforward: a replaceable surface that applies to any size or shape paddle, regardless of manufacturer. Whether you’re playing with a Selkirk, a JOOLA, or any other brand, the PADDLE FACE adapts to your equipment.
Beyond Carbon Fiber
What makes this invention particularly versatile is its application across paddle types. While it was designed to address carbon fiber paddle wear, the PADDLE FACE can also be applied to graphite and fiberglass paddles—giving players at every skill level access to carbon fiber spin and control capabilities.
For beginners working with entry-level fiberglass paddles, this could mean upgrading performance without upgrading price tags. For intermediate players with graphite paddles, it’s a chance to experience the enhanced spin that carbon fiber provides. And for advanced players with worn carbon fiber paddles, it’s a cost-effective way to maintain peak performance.
The Economics of Paddle Maintenance
Let’s talk numbers. A quality carbon fiber paddle typically runs between $120 and $200, with premium models pushing $250 or more. Serious players might replace paddles once or twice a year—sometimes more if they’re playing multiple times per week.
If the PADDLE FACE delivers on its promise, it could save dedicated players hundreds of dollars annually while reducing waste. In a sport that’s already dealing with questions about sustainability and equipment turnover, that’s a win beyond the court.
What’s Next?
The PADDLE FACE is currently in the licensing and sales phase, with InventHelp representing the inventor to manufacturers and marketers. The invention was submitted to InventHelp’s Orange County sales office and is now available for commercial development.
For an industry that’s seen explosive growth—pickleball is now America’s fastest-growing sport with over 13 million players—innovations like this address real needs in a maturing market. As equipment technology advances and players become more discerning about performance and value, accessories that extend paddle life could become as essential as the paddles themselves.
The Bigger Picture
This invention represents more than just a cost-saving accessory. It’s part of a broader trend in pickleball: the sport is maturing, and with that maturity comes smarter, more sustainable approaches to equipment.
Players are investing in their game—in lessons, in court time, in community. An accessory that protects that investment while maintaining performance standards fits perfectly into the evolving pickleball ecosystem.
Whether you’re a tournament player protecting a high-end paddle or a recreational player looking to maximize your equipment budget, the PADDLE FACE concept addresses a universal truth: we all want our gear to perform at its best, for as long as possible.
For more information about the PADDLE FACE invention:Contact InventHelp, Dept. 24-OCM-1713100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801Phone: (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368Learn more at InventHelp.com
As pickleball continues its remarkable growth trajectory, innovations like the PADDLE FACE demonstrate that the sport’s equipment market is evolving to meet player needs—not just with new paddles, but with smarter ways to maintain the ones we already love.
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game.
Authors
Over the past few years, Mike has become an insane pickleballer (pickler), fortunately for the senior 50+ crowd he started his show, Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report. He spends the rest of his time speaking on social justice and spending time with his beautiful wife, Karen, and enjoying simple living in his ger/yurt.
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Sports
CourtsApp Launches as “The Healthiest App in the World,” Turning Screen Time Into Play Time
CourtsApp, branded as “the healthiest app in the world,” aims to reduce screen time by encouraging users to engage in racquet sports like tennis and pickleball. The platform facilitates easy court bookings without membership fees, promoting movement and social interaction. Expansion plans cover various U.S. regions, maximizing accessibility for players.
If your New Year’s reset includes less scrolling and more moving, CourtsApp is trying to make that switch ridiculously easy.
CourtsApp has officially launched with a bold claim—calling itself “the healthiest app in the world”—and the positioning is clear: it’s not another wellness app asking for more screen time. It’s a tool designed to get you off your phone and onto a court.
What CourtsApp is (and why it’s different)
CourtsApp is an AI-powered marketing and booking platform that helps players instantly find and book open courts for tennis, pickleball, padel, and other racquet sports—often at discounted prices. The key point: no membership fees are required.
That matters because “friction” is one of the biggest reasons people don’t play as often as they want to. If booking a court means juggling memberships, phone calls, limited availability, or confusing club policies, most people default to the easier option: staying home.
CourtsApp’s pitch is simple: open the app, find a court, book it, and go play.
Turning screen time into play time
Most apps compete for attention. CourtsApp is leaning into the opposite idea—convert screen time into movement.
The average adult now spends more than seven hours a day looking at screens, a trend that’s often linked with rising rates of obesity, heart disease, anxiety, and social isolation. CourtsApp is positioning itself as a healthier relationship with your phone: use it briefly, then put it away and get outside.
Instead of tracking steps or pushing workouts through a screen, the app is built around real-world activity—full-body movement, outdoor play, and social connection.
Why racquet sports are having a moment
CourtsApp’s launch also taps into a bigger trend: racquet sports are booming, and not just because they’re fun.
Founder and CEO Daren Hornig argues that sports like tennis and pickleball can be a stronger path to fitness and longevity than the typical “10,000 steps” mindset.
“CourtsApp turns your phone into a gateway to real-world health,” Hornig said. “For years, we’ve been told that you can stay fit and lose weight by walking 10,000 steps a day, taking a Peloton class online or going to a gym. However, sports like tennis and pickleball give you a greater chance to achieve your health and fitness goals and live a longer and healthier life. And there’s no better time to start than the New Year.”
The company also points to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, citing long-term data following more than 80,000 adults over nearly a decade. According to the release, participants in racquet sports saw a 47% lower risk of death from any cause and up to a 56% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death compared to non-participants.
Where CourtsApp is live now—and what’s next
CourtsApp is currently live for players across:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
The platform already lists more than 1,500 courts across 150+ facilities in those markets.
Next up: expansion from Maine to Florida by Q1 2026, followed by market-by-market growth as club density increases. The release also calls out additional play-in markets including:
- Southern California
- Texas
- Pacific Northwest
Flexible pricing, more access, fewer barriers
One of the most practical angles here is affordability and access.
CourtsApp highlights discounted pricing during quieter hours—helping players turn a random free afternoon into court time without committing to a membership or paying peak-hour rates.
For clubs, the platform doubles as a marketing and booking engine. For players, it’s a shortcut to the thing they actually want: a court that’s open right now.
The bigger takeaway
CourtsApp is betting on a simple truth: people don’t need more motivation apps—they need fewer obstacles.
If the app delivers on its promise (fast booking, real inventory, and meaningful discounts), it could become a go-to tool for anyone trying to make movement a habit—especially in sports like pickleball and tennis where access and scheduling can make or break consistency.
Players and clubs can learn more or join the platform at CourtsApp.com.
Here’s a clean Related Links block you can paste into WordPress (HTML view). Swap in your actual URLs/titles where needed:
Related Links
- CourtsApp (Official Site)
- More Sports + Wellness Coverage on STM Daily News
- Pickleball News & Updates
- Tennis News & Court Culture
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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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Sports
Paddletek Group Launches: What the New Multi-Brand Merger Means for Performance Pickleball
Paddletek forms the Paddletek Group with ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow—plus a new performance paddle line coming next month.
Last Updated on January 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Pickelball multi-ethnic female team with concentrated expression about to play in an outdoor court
Paddletek Group Launches: What the New Multi-Brand Merger Means for Performance Pickleball
Pickleball’s growth has been loud, fast, and impossible to ignore. Now the equipment side of the sport is starting to consolidate in a way that could shape what players swing next season. On Dec. 19, 2025, Paddletek announced the creation of the Paddletek Group, a new umbrella organization that brings together Paddletek, ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow under one platform. The goal: accelerate innovation in high-performance pickleball paddles (and padel rackets), expand athlete support, and build a bigger engine for growth as both sports continue to surge.What is the Paddletek Group?
At its core, the Paddletek Group is a multi-brand merger designed to unify product development, athlete partnerships, and go-to-market momentum across several recognized names. The announcement positions the new entity as a “unified platform” for:- Innovation in performance equipment for pickleball and padel
- Support for sponsored athletes
- Scaling growth as participation expands
Why this merger matters to players
Most players don’t wake up thinking about corporate structure. They wake up thinking about feel, control, pop, spin, and whether their paddle is helping or hurting them in tight points. This merger matters because it combines two distinct strengths:- Paddletek’s legacy in performance design and manufacturing
- ProXR’s performance-driven approach
A milestone moment for the brand (and the sport)
Curtis Smith, Founder of Paddletek, framed the move as bigger than a business headline. He said the formation of the Paddletek Group “marks an important milestone” for the brand and for pickleball and padel, adding that bringing the brands together “amplifies our ability to innovate to support both recreational and elite players.” That “recreational and elite” line is worth paying attention to. It suggests the group wants to build a product pipeline that spans:- approachable paddles for the everyday player
- high-performance models for advanced and tournament-level athletes
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
The numbers: one million paddles, made in the USA
Paddletek also highlighted a major manufacturing and brand milestone: more than one million paddles sold, with products “proudly made in the USA.” In a category where manufacturing origin is part of the brand story (and sometimes part of the buying decision), that’s not a throwaway detail—it’s a positioning statement. The release also notes that, with the merger, the Paddletek Group becomes the No. 2 paddle brand among advanced players, citing the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).What’s coming next: a new performance paddle line
The most immediate product news is this: the Paddletek Group says it will introduce a new performance paddle line next month, combining “the strength and expertise from both great brands.” While the release doesn’t share specs, pricing, or model names, it does set expectations that this won’t be a minor refresh. It’s being framed as a true “combined” line—likely the first public proof point of what the merger unlocks.Padel expansion is clearly on the roadmap
Pickleball may be the headline, but padel is not an afterthought here. The group says plans are underway to expand innovation into padel, which is seeing rapid growth globally. For equipment companies, padel represents a bigger international footprint and a different performance profile—meaning more R&D opportunity and, potentially, a broader athlete ecosystem.The leadership angle: Thirty-5 Capital steps into the spotlight
The release also spotlights Thirty-5 Capital’s role. Ron Saslow, Founder and Managing Partner at Thirty-5 Capital, is named CEO of the Paddletek Group. Saslow described the moment as “exhilarating” given the global growth of pickleball and padel, and said the group brings together “respected brands with complementary strengths, and tremendous technologies to create an even bigger, bolder, better company.” Private equity involvement doesn’t automatically mean “good” or “bad” for players—but it often means the company is gearing up to scale: more product launches, more marketing, more athlete signings, and more distribution.What to watch as this rolls out
If you’re a player, coach, or gear-head, here are the practical questions this announcement raises:- Will the new paddle line create a true performance leap, or mostly consolidate existing tech?
- How will athlete rosters evolve across Paddletek and ProXR sponsorships?
- Will “made in the USA” remain central as the group scales?
- How aggressively will the group push into padel, and will that influence pickleball R&D priorities?
Learn more
- Paddletek: https://www.paddletek.com/
- Thirty-5 Capital: https://www.thirtyfivecapital.com/
Disclosure: This article is based on a press release distributed via PRNewswire on Dec. 19, 2025. Sources: PRNewswire press release page: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-paddletek-group-advancing-the-future-of-performance-pickleball-302646989.html
The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.
https://stmdailynews.com/sports/
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Sports
Ace Pickleball Club Launches National Player Development Series to Elevate Skills for Every Level of Play
Ace Pickleball Club launches a national Player Development Series with four training levels, plus free Intro to Pickleball clinics. Learn what’s included and how to sign up.
Ace Pickleball Club Launches National Player Development Series to Elevate Skills for Every Level of Play
Pickleball keeps pulling in new players for one simple reason: it’s easy to start and hard to stop. But once the “first game” excitement wears off, a lot of people hit the same wall—How do I actually get better without guessing what to practice next? Ace Pickleball Club (APC) just rolled out a clear answer. On December 17, 2025, Ace Pickleball Club announced the nationwide launch of its new Player Development Series—a four-stage training pathway built to help players learn fundamentals, build consistency, and progress toward competitive play over time.A four-stage pathway built for real progression
APC’s Player Development Series is structured as a multi-tier program with four progressive levels of instruction, designed to meet players where they are and give them an obvious “next step.” Here’s how the series breaks down:- Starter Series (available now nationwide): An eight-session program focused on core fundamentals, guided drills, and confidence-building play.
- Essentials Series (select locations now; nationwide in early 2026): Built to help players develop consistency and prepare for intermediate-level games.
- Performance Series (rolling out first half of 2026): Focused on strategy, court awareness, and competitive growth.
- Precision Series (rolling out first half of 2026): The final stage, centered on fine-tuning technique and advanced shot-making.
Beginner-friendly entry point still available (and free)
Alongside the new series, APC will continue offering its Intro to Pickleball clinic at all locations at no cost. This is a smart move because it removes the most common barrier for new players: feeling unprepared. According to APC, the Intro clinic provides everything needed to step onto the court, including:- Paddles
- Balls
- A welcoming, skilled instructor
- A beginner-friendly introduction to rules, movement, and the spirit of the game
Why APC is betting on development right now
Pickleball’s growth is bringing in players with wildly different goals—some want a fun weekly workout, others want to climb into competitive brackets. Joe Sexton, President of Ace Pickleball Club, said the new series is designed to serve that full range: “Our Player Development Series gives every member a clear next step, whether they’re touching a paddle for the first time or working toward advanced competitive play.” He also emphasized that APC is aiming to strengthen the community-first culture that keeps people coming back.Included as part of the member experience
APC says the Player Development Series is included as part of the Ace Pickleball Club Member experience, reinforcing its mission to keep the sport accessible, fun, and growth-oriented across ages and skill levels.About Ace Pickleball Club
Ace Pickleball Club is a national pickleball franchise built around a member-focused model and all-inclusive pricing. APC promotes an “open play on demand” approach—meaning players don’t need to coordinate groups, plan far in advance, or reserve a spot just to get on the court. APC currently has 22 locations open nationwide, with more planned for 2026. Clubs feature professional-grade cushioned courts and a climate-controlled playing environment.How to learn more or sign up
To learn more or register for a Player Development Series session, visit:Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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