Top 15 Custom Pickleball Paddle Collaborations: Brand Case Studies by Helios
Custom pickleball paddle collaborations have become one of the most effective ways for brands to connect with audiences through shared experiences. A branded paddle is not a throwaway promotional item. It is a piece of performance equipment people hold in their hands, play with for months, photograph, and talk about. When the paddle comes from a premium brand and the design reflects genuine creative collaboration, the result is something that transcends typical corporate gifting.
At Helios, we have partnered with companies, universities, nonprofits, resorts, and media organizations to produce co-branded paddle examples that set the standard for what custom pickleball paddle collaborations can look like. From luxury fitness clubs to Fortune 500 tech companies, each project brought a unique vision, and each paddle tells a distinct story. Here are 15 of our favorite pickleball brand collaborations and what made each one special. Interested in creating your own? See our custom paddle page.
15 Branded Pickleball Paddles That Set the Standard
Every collaboration on this list started with a conversation and ended with a paddle the partner was genuinely proud to put their name on. Here is what each project delivered.
Equinox x Helios: "The Balance" Paddle Series
As the premier fitness club brand, Equinox partnered with us to design "The Balance" paddle, a fusion of elegance and performance inspired by natural dualities. The branded pickleball paddles became premium equipment at Equinox pickleball courts across New York City, reinforcing the brand's belief that fitness is a foundation for a well-lived life. Players at Equinox locations now use Helios paddles daily.
Columbia Sportswear x Helios: "The Khione" Paddle
Inspired by the Greek snow deity Khione, this paddle was designed for Columbia's internal leadership summit in Salt Lake City. The design merged mountainous elegance with outdoor performance, capturing Columbia's Pacific Northwest heritage. It served as both a meaningful gift and a conversation piece among Columbia's top leadership.
Kyndryl x Helios: "The Lava" Paddle
Designed to symbolize dynamic energy and bold transformation, the "Lava" paddle was gifted at Shoptalk 2024. Its molten red design echoed Kyndryl's passion for innovation, sparking conversations and brand engagement among hundreds of attendees. The Kyndryl team described it as one of their most talked-about branded items at the event.
CVS x Helios: Healthcare Meets Movement
In collaboration with CVS, Helios hosted a branded pickleball event celebrating wellness innovation. The custom paddle design, inspired by a rising sun motif, symbolized the future of healthcare powered by movement and active lifestyles. The paddles became a centerpiece of the activation.
Vie L'Ven x Helios: Luxury Resort Experience
The luxury resort in St. Maarten ordered 300 exclusive paddles for the opening of their new pickleball courts. The ocean-inspired color palette blended hospitality with recreation, creating a VIP guest experience that felt both premium and playful. Guests took the paddles home as keepsakes, extending the brand's reach well beyond the resort.
ESPN Honolulu x Helios: Broadcast Partnership
Helios collaborated with ESPN Honolulu to bring custom paddles into sports media storytelling. The partnership helped Helios gain visibility within the sports broadcast landscape while providing ESPN Honolulu with a unique, tangible product that connected its audience to the fastest-growing sport in the country.
Shoptalk 2024 x Helios: "The NEON" Paddle
Featured at the Shoptalk Emporium in Las Vegas, the "NEON" paddle was designed to embody retail innovation and electric collaboration. Helios was the only pickleball brand represented at the entire show. The sharp, glowing design made the paddle a collector's item among attendees and demonstrated how custom pickleball paddle collaborations can drive brand visibility at major industry events.
Dynatrace x Helios: Team-Building Activation
Tech leader Dynatrace partnered with Helios to provide branded pickleball paddles for team-building events. The paddle became a symbol of agility and innovation, bringing energy and engagement to company culture in a way that traditional corporate swag never could.
Fabletics x Helios: Stylish Wellness Integration
Fabletics, the activewear brand co-founded by Kate Hudson, integrated Helios paddles into their wellness campaigns. The co-branded paddle featured clean lines and gradient color tones designed to reflect Fabletics' empowering, movement-focused identity. The collaboration extended the brand's reach into the lifestyle sports segment.
Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC x Helios: Charity Auction
Helios proudly partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC for their Gridiron Gala, creating a custom New York City skyline paddle for auction. The initiative aligned with our mission to use sport and storytelling to uplift youth and build a better future through community support. All auction proceeds went directly to the organization.
Restore NYC x Helios: Freedom Gala Donation
Helios donated a display paddle and box set to Restore NYC's Freedom Gala, supporting survivors of human trafficking. The paddle emphasized dignity and hope, with all proceeds contributing to the nonprofit's critical mission. It demonstrated that pickleball brand collaborations can serve causes far bigger than the sport itself.
Harvard University x Helios: Collegiate Engagement
Helios produced custom-branded paddles for Harvard University's recreational sports department. The paddles were used to engage students in healthy, active lifestyles, reinforcing the university's commitment to balanced wellness and giving students access to premium equipment for their campus pickleball programs.
Georgetown University x Helios: Student Wellness
Helios partnered with Georgetown to deliver performance-grade paddles for student use across recreational and club play. The collaboration highlighted the university's evolving focus on student-centered fitness resources and positioned pickleball as a core part of campus wellness programming.
Stevenson High School x Helios: Youth Sports Development
Helios worked with Stevenson High School to introduce pickleball paddles into their PE curriculum and student events. The partnership included Helios gear and branded team wear, encouraging school pride and athletic engagement among younger players.
Snowball Social x Helios: Performance with Purpose
Helios created branded pickleball paddles for Snowball Social to be used in campaigns that combined conversion tracking with lifestyle branding. The paddle served not just as swag, but as a lead magnet, showcasing how co-branded paddle examples can drive repeat visibility and community traction for marketing-forward organizations.
Start Your Own Custom Pickleball Paddle Collaboration
Every collaboration on this list started the same way: a conversation about what the partner wanted to achieve. Our custom process includes free design consultation, 24-hour mockup turnaround, three surface material options (fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar), USAP-approved construction, and delivery in approximately 15 days. The minimum order is just 10 paddles. Whether you are a Fortune 500 company or a local club, the same quality and creative attention apply. Submit a custom order form to bring your vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of organizations partner with Helios for custom paddles?
Corporations, luxury resorts, universities, nonprofits, media organizations, schools, fitness brands, and event organizers. Our custom pickleball paddle collaborations span every industry and scale, from 10-paddle boutique orders to 300+ unit resort installations.
How do co-branded paddle collaborations work at Helios?
You share your vision, and we handle the rest. Free mockups within 24 hours, collaborative design refinement, three surface materials, USAP-approved construction, and 15-day delivery. See our custom paddle page for examples.
Are branded pickleball paddles from Helios performance-grade?
Yes. Every custom paddle is built with the same materials and construction as our retail Energy Series. These are paddles people genuinely play with, not display-only promotional items.
Can I order custom paddles for a charity event or fundraiser?
Absolutely. Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC and Restore NYC are two examples of nonprofits that used Helios custom paddles for auction and gala events. Custom paddles make high-impact fundraising items because they are unique, premium, and usable.
What is the minimum order for a custom collaboration?
10 paddles. Submit a custom order form to get started with a free design consultation.
