Who is Declan?
I’m Declan. Author of this blurb, creator of this website, and the hands behind each handmade pickleball paddle. I made my first paddle as part of my capstone project while attending trade school in Newport, RI. I found the process of laying out the carbon fiber, infusing it with the optimal ratio of resin, and then tweaking everything a hundred times to be an educational and rewarding experience. When I finished school and witnessed the explosive popularity of pickleball, I decided to continue the pursuit of paddle perfection by fine tuning my product and starting Declan’s Paddles.
Today, I’m proud to say I make each of my paddles to order, by hand, with several improvements over mass produced paddles. Big factories all over the world are pumping out cheap, uninspiring, poorly constructed paddles that quickly end up in landfill. My paddles last longer, play better, and give you that feeling of je ne sais quoi that only a handmade product can deliver.
Spin
Our paddles are made with a raw carbon fiber face with vertically oriented fibers to create the optimal surface for wicked spin.
Better than factory-made performance.
Control
Our carefully 3D printed handle is made from a springy material that bounces back. You will experience better control and protection from tennis elbow.
Craftsmanship
Attention to detail is important. Get your paddle made by a trained craftsman, not a dirty factory.
Build it from scratch
This video shows the original build process for the first paddle prototypes. It takes you through an entire build from scratch, beginning with cutting the carbon fiber cloth and ending with attaching the grip tape.
Declan learned everything he knows about composites engineering at IYRS School of Technology and Trades. More information about the composites program can be found here. Other cool builds from IYRS students can be found here.