Digitally Decorating Pickleball Rackets with High Throw Flatbed Printers

Pickleball is currently the fastest-growing sport in America, and its rise comes as no surprise. From 2022 to 2023, the sport grew by 51.8%, and over the past three years, it has experienced a staggering 223.5% increase in popularity. Dedicated pickleball courts are now springing up in local parks across the country, while tennis courts are being reconfigured with pickleball lines. In northern states, indoor arenas are offering year-round play opportunities. 

Much like tennis, pickleball appeals to people of all ages and is relatively easy to learn. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), nearly 50 million adult Americans have played the sport in the past year. Once regarded as a pastime for retirees, pickleball’s average player age has now dropped to 35. Compared to other active hobbies like skiing or fishing, pickleball is a more affordable option. With just a pair of sneakers and a paddle, anyone can enjoy the sport for free on public courts. 

It took nearly 60 years for pickleball to gain the momentum it has today. Invented in 1965 by three fathers—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—with the intention of keeping their children entertained, pickleball began as a casual backyard game. Over time, it evolved into a fast-paced sport. While there is some debate on how the sport was named pickleball, some believe it’s named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball. Despite this debate, there is no argument about the current popularity of the sport. 

Why Pickleball Is So Popular 

The appeal of pickleball lies in its inclusivity and accessibility. It’s a sport that can be played recreationally or competitively, depending on the player’s goals. The court is smaller than a tennis court, which makes the game less physically demanding, and its slower ball speed makes it easier to learn. For those who enjoy fast-paced action, pickleball still offers the excitement of rapid rallies. The game is also highly social, with doubles play being the norm, encouraging connection and camaraderie. 

Beyond the casual and social elements, pickleball is becoming a serious competitive sport. Professional tournaments are gaining viewership, and the sport has seen an uptick in sponsorships, media coverage, and professional athletes adopting it into their training regimens. Whether played as a hobby or a competitive pursuit, pickleball is here to stay—and it’s evolving into a mainstream sport with a broad demographic. 

If you’ve gone to your local recreation center and stepped near the pickleball court, you may have noticed all of the colorful and stunning paddles. But how do they achieve that? 

What are Pickleball Paddles Made of? 

Pickleball paddles are commonly made from four main materials: graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and wood. Each material offers distinct performance benefits, with some hybrid models emerging to combine the advantages of different materials. Graphite paddles are light and durable, carbon fiber paddles offer a high degree of control and strength, fiberglass paddles are known for their power, and wooden paddles provide a more classic, budget-friendly option. 

While pickleball paddles may appear to be simple, flat surfaces, decorating them can be more challenging than expected. The paddle’s handle is typically higher than the face, making it difficult to print on with a traditional flatbed printer. This height variation complicates the decoration process. 

Enter High Throw Flatbed Printers 

High throw flatbed printers are designed to handle items with varying heights, such as pickleball paddles. The “ink throw distance” refers to the space between the printer’s printhead and the substrate. A longer ink throw (or high throw) allows for printing on a wider range of products, including those with contours, unique shapes, or tiered surfaces. 

As pickleball continues to gain popularity, these paddles present an exciting opportunity for promotional products. Healthcare companies, for example, can easily brand pickleball paddles and distribute them as giveaways that align with health-focused goals. Similarly, real estate agencies can use these paddles to connect with clients of all ages. Sports brands or fitness centers could also take advantage of this trend by giving away branded paddles at tournaments, local events, or fitness expos. Additionally, companies in the hospitality industry could offer pickleball paddles as part of vacation packages or to enhance resort amenities. With the sport’s growing appeal, branded pickleball paddles offer an excellent new item for promotional campaigns. 

How to Digitally Decorate Pickleball Paddles with High Throw Flatbed Printers by Inkcups

The X5-T flatbed UV digital printer is a high-performance printing solution designed to tackle the most demanding applications. With its impressive ability to print a full 43.3″ x 24″ (1,100 x 610 mm) area in just two minutes (uni- or bi-directional) and accommodate parts up to 19.7″ (500 mm), the X5-T delivers rapid, high-quality prints every time.

Equipped with cutting-edge print head technology, the X5-T prints CMYK plus two highly opaque UV LED-curable white inks, with an optional varnish for enhanced visual appeal and superior adhesion protection.

What sets the X5-T apart is its high throw capabilities or extended jetting distance, allowing it to reach farther than traditional flatbed inkjet printers. This capability makes it the ideal choice for printing on deep recesses, textured surfaces, and uneven shapes. Its advanced drop control technology guarantees crisp, high-resolution prints with reliable ink adhesion across varying surface heights. The X5-T—the ultimate solution for precision, power, and versatility in flatbed UV printing..

Why Inkcups?

As of late, Inkcups noticed an increased demand for the ability to decorate otherwise difficult surfaces digitally. Digital decoration boasts many benefits and creates long-lasting results. UV flatbed printers decorate a variety of different surfaces with a combination of UV Ink and UV LED light. Not only does Inkcups manufacture world-class digital inkjet printers, but it also backs them with technical support around the globe, as well as easy access to manuals, how-to guides, and videos on The Support Hub.