FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dope Pickleball Unveils Groundbreaking Electroplated Chrome Edge Guard Paddle, Setting New Trend for Pickleball Aesthetics

Gilbert, AZ — August 1st, 2024 — Dope Pickleball, known for its innovative and disruptively original products, proudly announces the official release of the industry’s first-ever electroplated chrome edge guard pickleball paddle. This revolutionary launch represents over two years of intensive development, countless experiments, and the tenacious determination to redefine pickleball's visual identity.

The electroplated chrome edge guard paddle, envisioned and pursued relentlessly by founder Stitch (@stitchdisrupts), originated in 2022 from his desire to create an unmatched aesthetic presence in pickleball. Inspired by a gold racquetball paddle and motivated by his commitment to breaking industry norms, Stitch set out to create a paddle that didn’t merely perform—it captivated. Create a paddle never before seen. Something truly dope.

Over two rigorous years of development, founder, Stitch reached out to more than 100 manufacturers worldwide, seeking a partner bold enough to accept the immense technical battle with his combined financial risks associated with such an unprecedented project.

Most manufacturers declined immediately, citing the prohibitive cost, complexity, and uncertainty of removing production machines from profitable lines for extensive experimentation. After exhaustive searches and numerous setbacks, only one manufacturer demonstrated the courage and innovation needed to tackle this ambitious project.

The journey to perfection was arduous, fraught with trial and error. Early attempts with hydrodipping, spray painting, and various material alterations proved unsuccessful, leading Stitch to explore electroplating—a meticulous technique traditionally reserved for jewelry and automotive parts, never before applied to pickleball equipment.

Challenges persisted even after settling on electroplating: bending the chrome-finished TPU plastic edge guard around a paddle face initially caused rippling and cracking. Months of dedicated testing followed, refining the chemical makeup and physical properties of the TPU plastic to achieve a flawless finish that could withstand gameplay stresses without compromising its striking appearance. Ultimately, the rigorous testing process showed that only 25% of edges produced met Dope Pickleball’s exceptional standards.

By the time pre-sales commenced in August 2024, excitement for the paddle had reached an all time high, selling out almost immediately. Further validation came when the electroplated chrome edge paddle was prominently featured, unpaid ad, in Michelob Ultra’s celebrated Super Bowl commercial, cementing its place as an icon of disruptive innovation.

"Creating this paddle was never as simple as finding someone to manufacture a chrome edge guard. We had to navigate a landscape where nobody believed in the vision because it didn’t align with traditional tournament standards," explains Stitch. "We weren't just challenging the rules—we were rewriting them."

Though the paddle was ultimately deemed "too disruptive" for official competition by pickleball regulatory bodies, it has generated unprecedented enthusiasm from celebrities, athletes, brands, and media entities such as Forbes and Michelob Ultra. This groundbreaking paddle now symbolizes individuality, style, and self-expression, reflecting Dope Pickleball’s core philosophy: Look Dope, Feel Dope, Play Dope.

With international attention, partnerships with prominent companies, and media features including Michelob Ultra's Super Bowl commercial, Dope Pickleball continues to attract interest from industry leaders worldwide. The electroplated chrome edge guard paddle not only redefines aesthetics but also firmly positions Dope Pickleball as the pioneer of pickleball’s bold new era using aesthetics at its core.

Dope Pickleball is planning to launch additional electroplated edge colors via a Kickstarter campaign scheduled for April-May 2025, further solidifying their legacy of innovation and influence within the industry.

For more information, visit www.dopepickleball.co or follow the visionary journey of Stitch at @stitchdisrupts.