Westop Sports is new to the pickleball market and was started with a vision by its owner to help veterans and their families. Westop Sports donates a portion of its profits to the Fallen Hero’s Fund.
Westop Sports launched into the scene with their first pickleball paddle in the summer of 2017, sold as an affordable beginner’s bundle set. These wood paddles are made of 7 ply maple and have comparable weight to the Amazin’ Aces and Rally Meister wooden paddles (roughly 10 ounces).
The bundle includes 2 wood paddles, 4 balls, and a carrying bag that fits everything you need for a great day of Pickleball. There is also a two set bundle option that includes 2 Sets- 4 Paddles | 8 Balls | 2 Bags.
But where the company stands out is the value provided in the bundle. Featuring an 8-inch wide-body, fully painted face that increases durability, upgraded ergonomic handle with extra cushion to reduce hand fatigue, and a free eBook with rules and tips to get you started.
I’ve spoken with Dale, the owner of the company and it was clear from the very beginning that the company sets out to provide great customer service. Although the company does not have a website at this point, the paddle sets are sold exclusively on Amazon.
If you’d like to follow the company’s progress on their march to raise the $10k for US veterans or be on the lookout for future Westop product launches, you can check them out and give them a “like” on their Westop Sports Facebook page.
If you are shopping for a one-fits-all bundle for you and your family to enjoy or looking for a backup paddle set for when friends/family are in town then you’ll want to take a closer look at this wooden set by Westop Sports.
If you’re looking for a budget set of paddles and balls, these are worth taking a closer look.
If you are comparison shopping you could also take a look at our roundup review of pickleball sets, although in this price range you’re really probably going to be comparing against other wooden paddle sets in this category such as Upstreet and the brands we mentioned above.
Based on the price point and value, we’ve also decided to this set as a pick on our list of Cheap Paddles Under $30
A short interview with Dale Kouri, Owner of Westop Sports. [June 2018]
I first started playing Pickleball after injures and good ole father time kept me from playing more bruising sports like basketball and flag football. I am an active person and sitting around wasn’t an option. So, a friend who is an avid Pickleballer asked me to join him one evening after work.
The workout was great but best of all was the next day, I didn’t feel like I got hit by a freight train.
After about a year of playing and paying outrageous prices for paddles that lacked the control and durability I needed, I decided to make my own paddle.
But I didn’t just want to make Pickleball paddles for myself. I needed a cause and reason for selling them.
As a veteran, I wanted to help other veterans and their families. So, I started Westop Sports to help as many veterans and their families as possible. You share a bond with other service members both past and present and an even deeper bond with the people you served with.
As a way of supporting all military professionals, Westop Sports donates a portion of every dollar earned to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
Our goal is to donate $10,000 to the Fallen Heroes Fund in 2018.
For a small business just getting off the ground, this will be a hefty challenge!
