Samples

Hold the paddle before you commit to it.

Every project starts with pickleball paddle samples in your hands. Stock references first, then samples with your own graphics. No production run starts without your sign-off.

Samples are paid. The honest reasons why are in the FAQ below.

Sample Path

Three kinds of sample, in order.

  1. 1

    Reference samples

    Existing paddles from candidate constructions, so you can feel the difference between tiers and layups before spending on customisation.

  2. 2

    Branded pre-production sample

    Your construction with your actual graphics: the paddle your customers would receive. Revise until it's right.

  3. 3

    Golden sample

    The approved branded sample, signed off by you, kept as the physical standard every production paddle is checked against.

Evaluation

How to test a paddle sample properly.

A sample evaluation is not "it looks nice". Play with it hard for at least a week, and check the boring things. That is where bulk orders go wrong.

  • Weight and balance: weigh it, compare against spec tolerance, feel for head-heaviness
  • Surface: texture consistency across the face, print sharpness, finish under raking light
  • Core response: tap-test across the whole face for dead spots and rattles
  • Edge guard: seating, gaps, glue squeeze-out at the throat
  • Handle and grip: alignment, wrap quality, butt-cap fit
  • Durability: play it hard. A sample that softens in a week fails
What the materials do to feel

FAQ

Sample questions, answered.

How much do paddle samples cost?

Samples are paid. A stock reference costs roughly what a retail paddle costs. A branded pre-production sample costs more because it carries one-off setup. We quote sample costs exactly, up front. Free samples in this industry usually mean the cost is hidden somewhere else.

Is the sample cost credited against my first order?

Typically yes for the branded pre-production sample, when the project proceeds to production. The credit terms are stated in your quote, so there is nothing to remember or renegotiate.

How long do samples take to arrive?

Stock reference samples ship in days. Branded pre-production samples typically take two to four weeks, including artwork setup and international courier. The exact window is in your quote.

How many revision rounds do I get?

As many as it takes to reach a sample you'll genuinely sign off. We scope revisions honestly, though: graphics tweaks are quick, while construction changes restart the sampling clock.

Will production paddles really match the sample?

That is what the golden-sample system is for. Production is measured against your signed-off sample, with in-line checks and a pre-shipment inspection you review before paying the balance. The sample isn't marketing. It is the QC standard.

Start with a sample.

Tell us what you're exploring. We'll recommend the right reference samples and quote them exactly.