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What will they think of next? We’ve all said it as technology and innovation keep pushing boundaries—and pickleball is no exception. As a product reviewer, it’s always exciting to see what’s coming down the pipeline!
Like many of you, I spot plenty of social media posts showing off new pickleball gear. One that caught my eye? Pickle Putty—a gel-like tape for your paddle’s edge that helps you pick up balls with way less bending over.
So, is it faster, easier, and safer—or just a fun party trick? Honestly, it’s all of the above. For that, I’m giving it 4.5 balls out of 5!
No Bending Needed – Pick up balls effortlessly.
Easy to Apply – Attaches quickly to your paddle.
6 Strips Included – One per day of play.
Subscription Option – Always stay stocked up!
By The Numbers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.5” x 0.75” per gel tape strip |
| Weight | 2g per strip |
| Quantity | 6 gel tape strips per package |
| Price | $15.99 per package (subscriptions available for discounts) |
Nuts And Bolts
- Made of proprietary, non-toxic water based gel
- Removable and replaceable
- Designed and made in the USA
- Patent pending
First Impressions And Application
Saying I was excited to try Pickle Putty is an understatement—I love innovative products that actually deliver. After reaching out to the founder, Steve, I was thrilled to get my hands on a couple of packages. The strips come in compact, foil-lined packets, each holding six strips. They’re neatly arranged—three per plastic sheet—protected by an orange cover that you’ll want to hang onto. As the directions explain, keep the covers to protect the strips after use and store any extras safely in the packet.
Applying the strips was a breeze. Just peel one off the plastic backing, line it up along the top edge of your paddle, press it down, and then remove the orange cover strip. The gel feels sticky but, as promised, leaves no residue on balls, courts, or your paddle.
Once applied, it’s nearly invisible—hardly noticeable at all. I couldn’t wait to test it out, so I grabbed some balls and started tossing them around my office and picking them up. It worked like a charm—next stop, real gameplay!
Game on – Play Testing
My first run with Pickle Putty was at a new indoor club, and I’ll admit—I kept it under wraps at first for the “party trick” effect. During warm-ups, my partner was in on it, but our opponents were clueless. The reactions? Exactly what I hoped for—“What the heck is that? Double-sided tape? Glue?” Cue a 5-minute break in warm-ups to show it off.
I ended up handing out my extra strips to curious players, and by the end of the night, everyone was hooked. Fun, efficient, and no more bending down to pick up balls, saving around 15″ of distance—it was a hit! We even pushed it further with paddle flips and spins, testing how well the ball would stick. Only with intense flips did it finally let go.
Does It Last? Game Testing Results
Durability was my next question. For me—and the others who tried it—the first strip lasted through 7 games without fail, exactly as Pickle Putty promises.
To push the limits, I tested it again during a second outing, and it held up for another 3 games before needing a quick 2-minute replacement. Bonus points for how easily it peeled off my paddle without leaving any residue.
Tweaks and Tricks
For my second strip, I tried applying it to the corner of my paddle instead of the middle. Ergonomically, it felt more natural and even made picking up balls a little quicker. Could it affect paddle balance? Maybe, but I didn’t notice any difference.
By this point, I’d also perfected my paddle flips and spins, using the ball “attached” for extra flair—let’s be honest, mostly to show off. The “party trick” vibe kept grabbing attention, and I got plenty of questions from players curious to try it. It’s safe to say Pickle Putty isn’t just functional—it’s fun, too!
Additional Thoughts
I didn’t notice any negative impact on paddle performance while using Pickle Putty. Since it’s winter here in Ohio, I haven’t tested it outdoors yet, but I’m confident it’ll perform just as well.
- Lightweight Bonus – At less than 1/10th of an ounce, the added weight is barely noticeable. In fact, it might even help players who prefer a bit more weight at the top of their paddle for added swing power.
- Easy Maintenance – The orange protective covers do a great job keeping the gel strips clean between games. Just be sure to keep your paddle away from dirt and debris, as it can affect the gel’s performance.
- Versatile Fit – I also tried it on a thinner, edgeless paddle. Even though the ¾” strip slightly overlapped the edges, it worked just as well as it did on a thicker paddle with edge protection.
- Worth the Cost? – If you’re a frequent player, expect to spend about $25–30 per month on replacements. But for anyone with back issues, wanting to prevent them, or just looking for a quicker, more efficient (and fun) way to play, the value is definitely there.
- Compared to Alternatives – Other products, like suction cup attachments, can be bulky, mess with your grip, and add noticeable weight to the handle. Pickle Putty avoids all of that, keeping things light, easy, and effective.
See Pickle Putty in action:
From the Company
After a couple of great conversations with Pickle Putty founder, Steve, I learned this brand-new product—just 5 weeks old—sold out fast, and more stock is already on the way. Better yet, with tweaks to production and packaging efficiencies, the price per unit may come down in the future.
The next batch also comes with a more durable orange protective strip and a new tab design to make application even easier—though I had no issues applying it as is.
It’s proudly made in the USA, which means top-notch quality control and no worries about unknown or toxic materials. While the price reflects that quality, it’s clear this company is focused on improving and delivering a great product!
The Final Score
| Category | Rating (Out of 5 Balls) |
|---|---|
| Design/Build | 4.75 |
| Application of Strips | 4.5 |
| Performance | 5 |
| Price Point/Value | 4.25 |
| OVERALL | 4.5 |
This product is a great option for anyone looking to cut down on bending or speed up play—and honestly, it’s just fun to use. Since it’s not a permanent part of your paddle, you can use it whenever you want without commitment. It’s easy to apply, removes cleanly, and leaves no residue—so no downsides there. With the first batch selling out fast, it’s clear there’s demand.
Could it be a passing fad? Maybe. But at around $2.50 per session, it’s worth the convenience—and costs less than a latte or a post-game beer!
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
