If you’ve been tuning into Pickleballtv to watch the action, you might have noticed a mysterious new paddle used by some of the top pros in the game, most notably by Anna Leigh Waters. 

This blacked out paddle has a white question mark design right in the middle of the paddle face. Waters and other Franklin pros have teased that something new is coming, but we know very little about it. 

When will it be released? No clue. But I can assume we’ll get a grand reveal soon. After all, it seems like the Franklin pros have been teasing this more and more. 

The question mark paddle first made an appearance during the MLP Finals when Waters posed with it during the trophy presentation. Days later, Waters shared on Instagram her second Times Square in New York billboard (yes, you read that right. Waters has been on a billboard twice in Times Square) a picture of her with the "?" mark paddle again. 

In the comments section, she said “I’ll tell you this… it rhymes with chrome.” Which we can assume means it’s a foam paddle. 

Waters continued to use the "?" paddle throughout the Veolia Pickleball National Championships. But what’s interesting now, a few additional players were spotted using that same paddle adorning the punctuation. 

Parris Todd, another Franklin athlete, was spotted using the same mysterious paddle throughout the tournament. Todd even posted about it on Instagram, asking her followers to guess what color is underneath. If I could place my bet, I’d say it’s a gorgeous lilac purple to match her signature bag. 

Another Franklin pro, Sofia Sewing also competed with the question mark paddle and teased it on Instagram. I’m hoping these paddles will be signature colorways for each pro, as Todd teased. 

However, another top Franklin pro, Hayden Patriquin wasn’t using this paddle. Could it be because of the infamous feud he has with Waters? Probably not. But it would be funny if it were true. 

But personally, I love that Franklin is having fun with this new paddle unveiling. They’re building anticipation and curiosity – and it’s working. 

For me, paddle drops are not that exciting. Every month I feel like there’s a hot new paddle, some ground breaking technology, or a new core that’s going to completely change my game. It’s simultaneously overwhelming and underwhelming once the reviews actually come out. 

But Franklin is showing how new paddle drops can be fun. Especially when you get the pros involved. 

It’s one thing to put the new paddle in the pros’ hands before they’re available so pickleball fans can see their favorite player compete with the new paddle.

But for me, I love that Franklin is really creating buzz. They’re having fun with their marketing. 

Truly, the question mark design is so simple – but so incredibly effective. I can’t help but be curious about what kind of paddle it is. It’s like a mystery box that I can’t wait to open and see what’s inside. 

Especially when the mystery is used by the best in the game? That’s so fun. 

So consider me intrigued. I can’t wait to see what Franklin has up their sleeve. 

What do you think about the mysterious paddle? Let us know on Instagram.