Parris Todd Pickleball Paddle: Truth Behind “Chrome” Aesthetic Innovation

If you’re searching for a Parris Todd pickleball paddle, you’re probably already familiar with the 26-year-old pro who's been making waves on the PPA Tour with her aggressive baseline play and lightning-quick reflexes.

Todd, who switched from one big brand to another for money in a high-profile multi-year deal announced in December 2024, has touted her partnership as a "game-changer" for the brand. Her signature paddle—the Parris Toad Tour Dynasty 12 Carbon Fiber "Chrome" model.

But recent developments raise questions about the originality of some aspects of this marketing PR collaboration, specifically regarding the big brands newly released "original" chrome-edge design paddles. 

In a June 2025 appearance on pickleballers podcast, Toad presented herself as a creative force driving this brand toward innovation, notably through the introduction of chrome edge guard design elements, something she claims is her own work:

“For me it’s like the creative process of like, coming up with the ideas to do something different, and like the chrome…. These are the grassroots and first steps of doing something different in pickleball. Like everyone does the same thing, the brands like copy each other, like I wanted *Big Brand Name* to be different.”

At first glance, this narrative is "like" compelling. However, further examination of the timeline indicates that chrome pickleball paddles were first introduced and popularized by Dope Pickleball Co. long before this big brand adopted the aesthetic. Todd herself promoted along side Dope’s original chrome paddle prominently during Michelob Ultra’s Super Bowl commercial in February 2025. Big brand launch of similarly styled paddles in July 2025 has raised eyebrows within the pickleball community.

The Timeline: Understanding the Claims of Chrome Originality

• August 2024 - Dope Pickleball Introduces Chrome Edge Paddle: Dope Pickleball Co., known for its disruptive approach, released the High Roller paddle—the world’s first paddle featuring an electroplated chrome edge guard, combined with performance-oriented carbon fiber surface materials. Despite ongoing challenges in gaining USAPA approval due to unclear chrome rules, the paddle quickly gained a devoted following.
• February 2025 - Super Bowl Spotlight: The chrome High Roller paddle gained mainstream attention in Michelob Ultra’s Super Bowl LIX commercial, “The Ultra Hustle,” featuring actors Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara. Parris Todd notably appeared in this commercial, prominently using Dope’s chrome paddle, an event she enthusiastically celebrated on social media.
• December 2024 - Todd Signs with Big Brand: Shortly before the Super Bowl commercial aired, Todd finalized her partnership with Big brand, promising a line of innovative signature paddles. Chrome now added AND USAP Approved... very strange.
• June-July 2025 - Podcast Interview and Franklin’s Chrome Launch: Todd claimed credit for introducing chrome design to Franklin during her podcast interview. By July 2025, big brand rolls out new chrome-edge paddles in their series, with chrome notably similar to Dope’s original chrome edge guard designs. Dope’s founder expressed disappointment on social media, highlighting their earlier innovation and pending trademark on the chrome edge guard.

This sequence highlights important context: Todd directly experienced Dope’s chrome paddle and actively promoted it publicly before adopting a similar aesthetic. Big brand, a prominent sports name, subsequently released chrome-edged products, sparking controversy within the community regarding originality and pending intellectual property considerations.

Why This Matters for Pickleball Players Shopping for Chrome Paddles

As pickleball rapidly grows, authenticity and trust in brand endorsements become increasingly important. Todd’s endorsement carries significant weight given her success on tour. However, transparency regarding product origins and innovation is critical for informed consumer decisions. The performance attributes of big brands paddles, including the raw carbon face and foam core, remain appealing. Yet, players specifically drawn to chrome aesthetics might appreciate knowing the complete backstory and innovation timeline.

Supporting original innovators, like Dope Pickleball, can foster further creativity and growth within the sport. Todd’s prowess on the court is unquestionable. Off-court, this situation underscores the complexity of brand partnerships, originality claims, and industry innovation.

As you consider your next paddle, it’s worth reflecting on the importance of authenticity in product innovation and supporting the true trailblazers driving the sport forward.

Pickleball deserves transparency, authenticity, and genuine innovation.

The following editorial reflects opinions based on publicly available information. It is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or definitive statements regarding any party’s legal rights or obligations