Since late 2022, Proton has become one of the most sought-after pickleball paddle brands, with their paddles selling out for almost an entire year. Those lucky enough to snag one have praised two key features: the incredible spin (measured in RPMs) and superior durability compared to other brands.
And, of course, there’s the distinctive look. Proton’s use of bold pinks and blues ensures their paddles stand out on any court.
Every aspect of Proton's design, from its unique color palette to its groundbreaking technology, is intentional. Proton Sports is a company committed to thoughtful, deliberate innovation in every product. So, what sets Proton paddles apart from the rest of the market?
We took a closer look to find out.
The Proton Difference: Prioritizing Longevity
In the paddle industry, it’s no secret that product degradation drives sales. Many companies, whether in pickleball, golf, or other sports, design equipment that inevitably wears out, encouraging frequent replacements. The focus is often on creating products that deliver peak performance at first but degrade over time.
There's little incentive to produce long-lasting equipment.
In addition to focusing on quality and durability, Proton has also secured major partnerships, including becoming the exclusive paddle partner for AZ Drive, Arizona's premier Major League Pickleball team. This collaboration underscores Proton's growing influence within the professional scene, but what really sets Proton apart is its refusal to follow industry trends that favor planned obsolescence.
Proton Sports is Now the Exclusive Paddle Partner for the AZ Drive
AZ Drive, Arizona’s top professional Major League Pickleball team, has announced a new partnership with Proton Sports, the leading local manufacturer of high-quality pickleball paddles.
Proton: Challenging the Status Quo
In today's market, paddle performance is often prioritized over longevity. Many paddles are designed to perform at their best right out of the box, but this initial performance comes with a drawback – paddles quickly lose their grit, develop 'dead spots' (areas on the paddle that lose responsiveness), or simply wear out faster than expected.
The outcome?
Players find themselves buying replacements every few months, driving an endless cycle of consumption.
Enter Proton: a company that refuses to follow this industry norm.
For Proton, It's Quality Over Everything
For Proton, quality comes before everything else.
While most companies design paddles that degrade over time to encourage repeat purchases, Proton takes a different approach. They reject the idea that paddles should be disposable. Instead, they focus on creating products that last three, five, or even ten times longer than anything else on the market.
Proton is committed to providing players with equipment that maintains its high performance over time, ensuring they can play with confidence for as long as they like.
Top pickleball Pro Andrei Daescu is on record as saying that he has used the same Proton Paddle for over three months – which for a pickleball professional who plays and practices daily, that equates to tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of swings.
On an episode of the "Tennis Sucks Podcast" Andrei said:
"Once you break the Proton paddles in, they start playing better. The longer you go through it, the better it plays off of. The Proton paddles don’t use the traditional grit that most paddles on the market use, so it doesn’t wear off I feel like it starts grabbing better and better. The nice thing about them is that I've been playing the same for months now and I think it goes a very long way when you’re able to do that."
Like Andrei, many players (and paddle reviewers) have claimed that Proton paddles get "grippier" over time, making the spin even more of an advantage for the player.
Pros love Proton
For the pros who rely on their equipment day in and day out, Proton paddles are a game-changer.
Big Moves: Proton Signs Wave of Top Pros
Proton Sports is officially a player in the pickleball space, announcing a line of paddles and a who’s who of professional sponsorship deals that will make the company a force in the industry.
Many top players report that they can use their Proton paddles 3-5 times longer than others they've used in the past. This not only saves money in the long run but also provides a consistent playing experience that is crucial for high-level performance.
Proton's current list of pros include:
- Andrei Daescu
- Meghan Dizon
- Travis Rettenmaier
- Donald Young
- CJ Klinger
- Kaitlin Christian
- Angie and Alex Walker
- Pesa Teoni
CJ Klinger, one of the top young players in pro pickleball, is also a big fan of Proton:
“The Proton series 3 is the ultimate paddle with a massive sweet spot, and they are incredibly durable. I have used the same primary paddles for months in practice and tournaments, and they feel as good in my hands now as they did on day one.”
He went on to tell us why exactly he chose to partner with Proton:
"I chose Proton because I believe in their paddles. The opportunity to be on the ground-floor with an innovative and cool company that also makes it fun to be a part of their team has been awesome."
Design That Stands Out
From the high-quality materials used in construction to the careful application of grit on the paddle surface, every detail is engineered for longevity.
But durability isn’t the only thing that sets Proton apart.
The eye-catching, bold colors on Proton paddles aren’t just for aesthetics – they serve two distinct purposes.
First, these colors make Proton paddles instantly recognizable. At any park, a player holding a Proton paddle is sure to draw attention.
Second, the bold design reflects Proton’s ability to innovate without being constrained by traditional industry practices.
"Our choice of materials allows us to break free from the limitations other companies face. We're not restricted to plain black or relying on spray-on grit to achieve our colors," explains Brant Weiss, Vice President of Proton Sports Inc.
Nanotac Technology: Game-Changing Grip
This mindset led to the development of Proton’s exclusive Nanotac technology, an innovation that sets them apart from its competitors.
Nanotac is an advanced technology derived from a material originally developed by NASA. When applied to a pickleball paddle, it enhances the 'grip' – or the Coefficient of Friction – to the maximum level allowed by USA Pickleball standards.
Proton’s unique grit technology ensures that their paddles maintain their texture far longer than competing brands, providing players with better control, spin, and power over an extended period. This level of reliability is something the industry has long been missing – until now.
Highly Anticipated Proton Line of Paddles Now Available at Pickleball Central
Proton has unveiled a new line of pickleball paddles, now sold exclusively at Pickleball Central. We highlight the series and tell you how you can get yours today!
The Proton Series 4 Project Roadrunner
The Series Four Project Roadrunner paddle stands out as a groundbreaking innovation in pickleball paddle design.
As the first of its kind, this lightweight, edgeless paddle offers players a unique combination of power and precision. Its hybrid core provides a responsive feel, delivering a soft touch for finesse shots while packing plenty of punch for those high-powered drives. Whether you're a finesse player or an aggressive shot-maker, the Roadrunner adapts effortlessly to your needs on the court.
Constructed with a bi-directional weave of carbon fiber and Kevlar fibers, the paddle is infused with a ruggedized resin, ensuring long-lasting durability even through thousands of hits. The textured surface maintains its roughness over time, allowing players to generate consistent spin and control.
With its extended reach and large sweet spot, the Roadrunner offers versatility for both singles and doubles play, giving players an edge in every rally.
The ergonomic grip enhances comfort, allowing for longer play without hand fatigue. Whether you're looking for enhanced touch, powerful shots, or spin control, the Series Four Project Roadrunner is designed to elevate your game, making it a must-have for serious players.
Proton’s Commitment to Durability
Proton’s dedication to longevity is a game-changer in the pickleball industry. By prioritizing durability and longevity, they are challenging the status quo and setting a new standard for what players should expect from their paddles.
In an industry where products are often designed to fail, Proton proves there’s plenty of room to be different.
Shop for Proton paddles at PickleballCentral.com and use code PRO-THEDINK for $25 off.