Proton
Durability-first, visually unmistakable, with a smooth high-friction surface.
United States · Founded 2023
- Country
- United States
- Founded
- Proton Pickleball launched late 2023 / 2024 (Proton Sports launched 2021)
- Leadership
- Charles Darling, a former aerospace and defense executive
The story
Darling built Proton Sports to solve a durability problem in softball, then his kids introduced him to pickleball in 2022. He recognized the same equipment patterns, and after a year of R&D Proton Pickleball launched.
The paddles are visually unmistakable: rainbow gradient faces and colored edge guards in a market of black rectangles.
Shape decoder
| Model / shape | Category | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A Square | Widebody | - | - |
| Type A Elongated | Elongated | - | - |
Series Two added elongated shapes with longer handles specifically for two-handed players. Core thicknesses of 11mm and 15mm are offered alongside shape.
Surface technologies
- Nanotac · The signature technology. Rather than relying on grit or a weave, Nanotac grabs the ball at the maximum coefficient of friction USAP allows. Because the face is effectively smooth, there is nothing to wear down. Proton offers a lifetime warranty on the Nanotac surface.
- Gritty raw carbon fiber · On later models (Series Three, Project Flamingo), engineered for long life.
Core technologies
- Velocity Core · 15mm, used in Project Flamingo; one of the most aggressive cores on the market.
- 100% foam core · Series Four (Project Roadrunner), softer and more responsive without losing top-end power.
Series and models
Series One (Type A), Series Two, Series Three, Project Flamingo, Series Four / Project Roadrunner, Atomic.
Worth knowing
The durability story is the best-documented in the category: pros including Meghan Dizon and Andrei Daescu have reportedly used a single paddle for a full tournament season. Pro roster: Andrei Daescu, Meghan Dizon, Travis Rettenmeier.