Hi, I'm Simona Galik Moore. Before diving deep into the world of pickleball, I was a professional tennis player (WTA 505 in singles and 209 in doubles).
Now, you might be wondering, what does tennis have to do with designing pickleball paddles?
Well, let me tell you, tennis players have a knack for feel. We can sense the subtle differences in equipment and articulate how each paddle performs. In tennis, it's all about that feel – it's the key to unlocking precise shots and hitting targets with pinpoint accuracy.
But when I transitioned to pickleball, I encountered a problem. Every paddle I tried felt like I was swinging a stiff board. I experimented with 20-30 paddles, but they all left me wanting more. The feel was off, and as tennis players, we're used to adapting to different gear. However, to truly excel and enjoy the game, the paddle has to feel just right.
Now, I know it might sound bold to claim that "our paddles feel better," but it's the truth. We've put in the work to refine our designs and elevate the overall quality. From our initial Tour Line to where we are now, we've listened, learned, and made significant improvements along the way.
Alright, let's talk paddles. They matter more than you might think. They can take your game from mediocre to magnificent. Now, many pickleball enthusiasts, especially beginners, tend to stick with the paddle they picked up when they first started. Makes sense, right? But here's the thing – at that stage, you might not really know what paddle suits your style best.
Sure, paddle brands tout various features and benefits, and that's all well and good. But for me, the game-changer has always been control. And where does control come from? It's all about that paddle feel. You want something that's not too stiff but still packs a punch when it comes to power. It's that sweet spot where finesse meets force.
Creating a new product is no walk in the park. It's a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. When we embark on developing a new line, it's not just about slapping a label on a paddle and calling it a day. Oh no, it's much more than that.
We dive deep into the nitty-gritty details, crafting and refining each aspect meticulously. Picture this: we start out anywhere from 30 to 50 test models, each with its own unique blend of thickness, shape, and weight. Then comes the real fun part – testing.
For a good 2 to 3 months, we put these babies through their paces, hitting the courts with players of all levels. We soak in their feedback like sponges, looking for those golden nuggets of insight that can take our paddles from good to great. And let me tell you, most of these folks are tennis players (beginner, intermediate, advanced), so they know a thing or two about a feel.
Back in the lab, we sift through the data, crunch the numbers, and narrow it down to the cream of the crop – 4 to 6 models that have that special something. It's a labor of love, really.
Then, one fateful day, the phone rings. It's Dick's Sporting Goods on the line, and they want to stock our paddles in all their stores. And just like that, we know we've hit the jackpot.
Last year, out of the multitude of paddles we sold, we encountered fewer than 15 returns.
Our customers often find that once they get their hands on our paddles, they're hooked and never want to put them down!
It boils down to this fundamental principle: "The better you can feel the ball, the better you're likely to perform."
