Tesla's latest product is $350 pickleball paddle you can't buy
What's the story
Tesla has launched a new lifestyle product, but it's not a car accessory. The electric vehicle (EV) company has teamed up with Selkirk, a sports equipment company, to create a high-performance pickleball paddle. The paddle is priced at an eye-watering $350 and is made of carbon fiber with a foam core. It was specifically designed for "high-performance play."
Design process
Collaboration between Tesla and Selkirk
The development of the paddle wasn't just a branding exercise, but a real engineering collaboration. Tom Barnes, co-owner and director of research and development at Selkirk, said that Tesla's design group and their R&D team spent over a year exchanging data, refining geometry, and stress-testing prototypes. The idea for the paddle was first conceived during a conversation at the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships between Barnes and members of Tesla's engineering team.
Sales success
Tesla pickleball paddle sells out quickly
After its launch, the limited-run batch of the paddle sold out on Tesla's website in less than three hours. A Selkirk spokesperson confirmed this to Business Insider. However, it is still unclear if there are plans for a restock. This isn't Tesla's first foray into lifestyle products as it already has a range of apparel and home products like drinkware, backpacks, and salt and pepper shakers.
Sport's growth
Pickleball's rise in popularity
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen a massive surge in popularity. The 2024 Pickleball Single Sport Report from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association shows participation has grown by 45.8% since 2023—311% over three years. Once a suburban pastime for people over 55, pickleball is now popular among Silicon Valley professionals as well as tech personalities like Bill Gates and celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio.