Arizona start-up pickleball brand CRUSH has announced an exclusive national distribution partnership with Fromuth Racquet Sports for its RQT (pronounced “Racquet”) pickleball paddle.
Fromuth will promote RQT (patent pending) across its national network of 25,000 pro shops, clubs, retailers, and coaches. Consumers can now purchase the paddle directly through fromuthpickleball.com.
Something Unique
“CRUSH is bringing something unique to a crowded market,” said Pat Shields Sr., CEO of Fromuth Racquet Sports. “We think we are the perfect partner to introduce the CRUSH RQT paddle to our customer base of racquet sports clubs, pro shops, retailers, and teachers.”
The unique features of RQT ($199.95) include a maximum allowable 17-inch-long frame and an extra-extended 6.5-inch handle that work together to solve a major problem for many tennis and pickleball players – hitting two-handed backhands comfortably.
The paddle takes advantage of recent breakthrough advances in pickleball paddle construction – specifically, thermoformed raw carbon fiber engineering that generates 20-25% more power than traditional assembled paddles.


“The Best Paddles On The Market”
The first drop of RQT paddles was showcased at the largest pickleball festival in the world, The Pickle Games, which has just wrapped up in Miami.
“Our mission is to offer the best paddles on the market for less, with great attention on our manufacturing, while being equally focused on the community of pickleball that motivates us to CRUSH life,” said Pete and Richelle Nassos, husband-and-wife co-founders of CRUSH.
CRUSH and Fromuth believe the RQT paddle will immediately disrupt the pickleball paddle market, which generates over $150 million annually and is comprised of a crowded field of over 500 companies.
The Most Powerful And Maneuverable Paddles Ever
The opportunity to develop a new category of Maximum Allowable Standard paddles has the potential to provide players with the most powerful and maneuverable pickleball paddle ever made.
“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S., and everyone wants to know what’s coming next,” said Brett Warner, co-founder and paddle designer for CRUSH.”
“As a pro-level player, pro coach, and paddle designer, my belief is that 17-inch by 7-inch Maximum Allowable Standard paddles will become the default paddle for all professional players within two years; playing with traditional 15.5-16.5-inch paddles will be relegated to recreation-level and newcomers to the sport.”
About CRUSH
CRUSH makes premium pickleball paddles and equipment that perform better for longer and cost less.
In addition, the brand strives to be more than a pickleball company, aiming to create a movement to share joy intentionally through the game and works to express how the community of pickleball is healing on so many levels.
Their FREESTYLE Pro Paddle is made with thermoform raw carbon fiber, 16mm, and available in red, grey, and blue.
The FEARLESS Hybrid Paddle is made of traditional construction raw carbon fiber, 14mm, and is available in royal blue and lime green.
For more information on CRUSH and its products or to become an ambassador for the brand, visit crushpickleball.com and join the community on Instagram @crush_pickleball.
Learn more about the brand and its mission with the CRUSH Life podcast.
About Fromuth Racquet Sports
Fromuth Racquet Sports is a wholesale racquet sports distributor for tennis, pickleball, racquetball, and fitness equipment, apparel, and footwear with pro shops, country clubs, and teams across the United States. To learn more, find a store, or purchase RQT, visit fromuthpickleball.com.