Our History
At Thompson Pickleball, our journey began in 2023 when Bill Gitre and Jeff Thompson united their expertise and passion to redefine the pickleball experience. Fueled by a desire to revolutionize the game, we embarked on a mission to design, engineer, and build a paddle like no other, harnessing cutting-edge technology developed right here in Northern Michigan.
Driven by Bill's entrepreneurial spirit and Jeff's mastery as a mechanical engineer, our collaboration sought to transcend the limitations of existing paddle designs. Drawing from Jeff's 18 years of crafting world-class custom alpine skis at Shaggy’s Skis in Boyne City, Michigan, we fused expertise with innovation to create paddles that marry performance with aesthetics.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond functionality. Every Thompson Pickleball paddle is proudly made in the USA, reflecting our dedication to quality craftsmanship and supporting local talent. With a meticulous attention to detail, we handcraft each paddle in limited quantities to ensure the utmost precision and satisfaction for our customers.
Experience the pinnacle of pickleball innovation with Thompson Pickleball. Join us in elevating your game with paddles engineered for unrivaled performance and crafted with care.
- Bill, Jeff, and the rest of the Thompson Pickleball crew
Origin
This is where our paddle designs begin, and the basis for the playing characteristics of all our paddles. Our fully integrated TrueFeel™ Sidewall Technology is the molded and cast urethane thermoset (outside) peripheral edge of every paddle. (Not to be confused with an off-the-shelf thermoformed paddle).
Thermoset Sidewall
Thermosetting rigid urethane (not foam) is injected to form a rigid sidewall to the exacting standards of a particular paddle. Depending on desired playing characteristics, it may be harder or softer.
Our thermoset TrueFeel™ sidewall is paramount to the intentional design every Thompson Paddle. It encompasses the entire paddle as it is built into the paddle core itself and throughout the entire handle.
