World-Class, Made in the USA: Paddletek Officially Launches in Malaysia with Two PPA Stars

Inside MyPickle Lifetime last May, hundreds had turned out to see Zane Navratil wound up for his serve. The one Malaysian pickleball fans have been watching on social media for years. The crowd pressed closer. And then the Chainsaw happened.

Paddletek's official Malaysia launch was not a product demo. It was a full-on pickleball experience, built around two signed PPA Tour professionals, live exhibition matches, and an introduction to the Honeyfoam series - the brand's most advanced paddle line yet.

This is what went down.

Meet Zane Navratil & George Wall

Zane Navratil is one of pickleball's most recognisable personalities.

The Wisconsin-born pro built his name on relentless net play and a signature serve that earned the nickname "the Chainsaw" - a topspin delivery that became one of the sport's most feared weapons. He hosts the PicklePod, serves as President of the UPA Pro Player Committee, and is officially signed to Team Paddletek.

His previous visit to Malaysia generated enormous buzz. This launch brought that same energy directly to local courts.

Standing at 6'3", George Wall is impossible to miss on a pickleball court.

The Australian pro from Queensland turned professional in 2025 and has quickly built a reputation as one of the most physically imposing players on the PPA Asia Tour circuit. He competes primarily in doubles alongside Joseph Wild, with appearances at the 2026 KL Open and Hanoi Cup.

For many Malaysian fans, this was their first up-close look at one of the tour's rising forces.

What Went Down at MyPickle Lifetime

The launch event delivered everything a local pickleball community could ask for.

Dato Minarwan, Melvin Cheong, Safa Kelvin, Jason Tee, Jason Tay, and Xinny joined Zane and George on court for exhibition matches that put pro-level pickleball right in front of the crowd. Lucky fans were pulled into the action too. The energy at MyPickle Lifetime ran at full throttle from start to finish.

Zane's Chainsaw serve demonstration drew the loudest reactions of the night. Watching it in real time, at full pace, is a completely different experience from seeing it on a screen.

Prize giveaways - including Paddletek paddles for lucky attendees - kept the energy high. The meet-and-greet session gave fans real access to both pros. Not just photos. Real conversations, tips, and the kind of direct player interaction that does not happen every day in Malaysian pickleball.

Inside the Honeyfoam Series: What Makes It Different

Paddletek did not just upgrade their core. They rebuilt the concept of what a paddle core can do.

Most paddles use a single-material honeycomb core. The Honeyfoam series uses three distinct foam types in one unified structure, each engineered for a specific role. Paddletek calls it multi-foam technology, and it changes the feel of the paddle at impact in ways that a conventional polymer core cannot replicate.

The architecture works in three layers. At the centre sits a low-density EPP core that provides the base structure. Wrapped around it from the 4 to 8 o'clock positions is a high-performance EVA foam layer, specifically positioned to enhance energy return, extend dwell time, and deliver an exponential power response on contact. The system is completed by a perimeter foam ring that amplifies stability, expands the sweet spot, and adds forgiveness on off-centre hits.

The result: the ball stays on the face longer. That extra dwell time is what gives you control on dinks and resets, while the EVA response layer ensures you do not sacrifice power when you need to drive or attack.

The hitting surface is PT-700 Unidirectional Raw Carbon Fiber - a precision-engineered face that generates elite-level spin and holds its grit through extended high-intensity play. Combined with the Shock Arrestor Edge Guard, which uses advanced impact-dampening material to absorb vibration and reinforce the paddle perimeter, this is a paddle built to perform session after session without losing its edge.

TKO-X vs ESQ: Choosing Your Honeyfoam

The Honeyfoam lineup comes in two shapes, and the difference matters.

The Honeyfoam TKO-X uses an elongated shape (16.5" x 7.5") designed for maximum reach and optimized power. It carries a swing weight of 115, making it the more powerful option - built for players who cover the court aggressively and need extra extension on wide balls.

The Honeyfoam ESQ takes the standard shape (16" x 8"), giving you a wider hitting surface and a higher twist weight of 6.3. More forgiveness on off-centre contact. A genuinely larger sweet spot. For players whose game is built around touch, placement, and consistency at the kitchen line, the ESQ is the smarter choice.

Both models come in 14mm and 16mm core thickness. The 14mm delivers more pop and faster response. The 16mm adds dwell time and control. Both are approved for UPA-sanctioned professional and amateur competition.

The Paddletek Total Knockout Mini Tournament Series Is Now Open

The launch was just the beginning.

Running from 7 July to 18 August 2026, the Paddletek Total Knockout Mini Tournament Series is now live at myPickle Lifetime in Petaling Jaya. A knockout-format competition designed for the Malaysian community to step up, compete, and get hands-on with the same paddles the pros play with.

If the launch event showed you what Paddletek looks like at the pro level, this is your chance to play it yourself.

Get It at MyPickleball.my

The full Paddletek Honeyfoam range is available now at MyPickleball.my, the official Malaysia dealer. Demo paddles can be tested at their pro shops in The Strand Mall and Kota Damansara.

Browse the Honeyfoam series at mypickleball.my/collections/paddletek and get the paddle that the pros trust.