THIS is why we love pickleball

Reviewing the new Warping Point Nightblade paddles

September 15, 2026

 

Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters have a 97.3% win rate in 302 matches together at the highest level of pickleball. That’s an incredible stat.

But there are now two — or maybe three — other teams who have gotten to the point where they can challenge the top dogs on a somewhat regular basis.

In today’s newsletter, we’re breaking down the reasons why it could be very difficult for Johns and Waters to maintain their usual level of dominance moving forward. Learn more below.

In this issue:

  • This is why we love pickleball ❤️

  • PPA Tour back in Arizona this week 🌵

  • Take safety seriously with Kitchen Blockers 🤓

  • JOOLA settles lawsuit with several brands 👨🏻‍⚖️

  • Reviewing the new Warping Point Nightblade 🥷🏻

Let’s cook! 👨🏻‍🍳

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Grandpa and granddaughter play epic singles match

Today’s highlight is yet another example of why pickleball is the best sport ever invented.

A granddaughter and grandfather are playing a competitive singles game with quality shots from both players.

That simply isn’t possible in most other sports, and it’s why we all fell in love with the game in the first place.

đź”— Check out this week’s highlight on Instagram

PICKLEBALL SAFETY

How Kitchen Blockers became the standard for protective eyewear in pickleball

A couple years ago, Brad Robins had something happen to him that thousands of other pickleball players have experienced.

During a fast exchange at the net, the ball deflected off of his partner’s paddle directly into Robins’ eye.

Until that moment, he hadn’t really considered the hidden risk inherent in pickleball – a risk that has only become more of an issue in recent years as paddles have become more powerful and the speed of the game has increased.

On the drive home that day, Robins and his partner wondered why nothing was being done to educate players on the danger to such an important part of our daily lives – our vision.

“We immediately started developing Kitchen Blockers, because we all love pickleball, but I also wanted people to be safe,” Robins said. “So we made a product that allows people to protect themselves, feel more confident on the court and not jeopardize their most precious gift, which is their sight.”

PUTTING DURABILITY AND FUNCTION FIRST

Kitchen Blockers are made from high-quality materials and tested using a ball cannon firing a pickleball at 60 mph.

There are several features that differentiate them from most other eyewear options on the market:

  • Lensless design means no fog, no glare and no scratches.

  • Neoprene safety pads for soft, cushioned contact.

  • Adjustable arms for a snug, secure fit.

  • “Speedbumps Technology” to help with impact deflection.

  • Adjustable nosepiece for custom comfort.

  • No obstruction to peripheral vision.

  • Come in standard fit or slim fit for players with smaller heads.

“We know people take their gear seriously, and this is a serious piece of sports equipment,” Robins said. “We think we have the best option for lenseless safety eyewear in pickleball. And if we can get more people prioritizing safety, that’s our main goal. Your eyes are the prize – it’s as simple as that.”

đź”— Learn more about Kitchen Blockers here or shop all Kitchen Blockers styles and colors here — use code “KITCHEN” at checkout for 10% off!

TRENDING

JOOLA on Monday announced that the company has reached a resolution with 8 of the 11 brands named in a patent infringement lawsuit that was filed in April.

At the center of the lawsuit was JOOLA’s claim that the 11 companies had used JOOLA’s proprietary Propulsion Core technology without authorization. The Propulsion Core has been used in several JOOLA paddle models, including the 3S, Pro IV and Pro V paddles, dating back to 2024.

Companies that have settled or consented include: Paddletek, ProXR, Facolos, Proton, Volair, All Racquet Sports/All For Padel (licensee of Adidas pickleball paddles) and Engage (consented to judgment).

Separately, Diadem has failed to respond to the litigation altogether. JOOLA is now asking the court to enter a default judgment against the company.

That leaves three companies that have not settled or consented:

  • Franklin Sports

  • RPM Pickleball

  • Friday Labs

PADDLE CORNER

Expert review: New Warping Point Nightblade lineup gives you two very different options

Warping Point has taken the Nightblade line in two different directions with the brand-new Nightblade 01 and Nightblade 02, which were released this month. Both are power-focused paddles, but they use different foam constructions that give them noticeably different feels and play characteristics.

In our video review, we break down both versions of the Nightblade, including the build, measured specs, feel, power, spin, and how they compare on the court.

  • The Nightblade 01 uses an MPP foam core with a TPE edge and is the more aggressive and powerful option.

  • The Nightblade 02 uses an EPP core with an EVA edge and delivers a more connected, controlled feel.

đź”— Check out our full review here or shop the new Warping Point Nightblade paddles here — use code “KITCHEN” at checkout for 10% off!

THE PROS

Opinion: Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters are no longer alone at the top on the PPA Tour

Imagine you’ve played 302 matches at the highest level of pickleball. Of those, you have won 295 and lost only 7. That’s a 97.3% win rate.

Sounds like a fantasy. But for Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, it’s reality.

They are the most dominant team in the history of our sport across any doubles discipline. But there are two — or maybe three — other teams who are going to make it very difficult for Johns and Waters to maintain that level of dominance in mixed doubles going forward.

Below we explore the recent performance of the top teams in mixed doubles at the PPA Tour Veolia Pickleball National Championships in North Carolina and how we can expect them to fare the remainder of the 2026-27 season.

BEN JOHNS/ANNA LEIGH WATERS

The top seeds lost to JW and Jorja Johnson (the No. 3 seeds) in the semifinals in North Carolina. It was a hard-fought match that came down to Game 3. Final score: 4-11, 11-9, 11-6.

The added difficulty for them in 2026 is that they likely have to contend with two big challenges on their path to gold every single tournament: One in the semifinals and one in the finals. That opens the door for a few more losses than we’re used to seeing, whereas before they were mostly cruising into (and often through) the finals.

HAYDEN PATRIQUIN/ANNA BRIGHT

This team is the most likely one to challenge Johns/Waters for the top spot in 2026-27. In our eyes it will come down to how consistent Patriquin can play, as Bright has proven to be one of the most consistent players on the tour. If Patriquin raises his floor even higher, count on this team to be in the mix for gold week in and week out.

JW JOHNSON/JORJA JOHNSON

The Johnson siblings have been near the top of the mixed doubles game for about 3 years. They’ve now beaten Johns/Waters multiple times and had a ton of success as teammates in MLP. There are two big factors that dictate how well this team plays:

  • Is JW playing big?

  • Is Jorja initiating offense?

If both of those things are true, this team is very dangerous, as we saw in North Carolina.

PPA TOUR BACK IN ARIZONA

The PPA Tour is back in the Phoenix area this week for the 2026 Arizona Open.

Pro qualifying took place Monday and main-draw matches start on Tuesday, with one round in every division to be played each day through Championship Sunday. As an “Open” event, there are 1,000 ranking points on the line for the winners in each division this week.

Because of anticipated temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s, matches have been moved to the late afternoon/evening throughout the event.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

JOOLA Pro IV paddles now more than $100 off!

JOOLA recently announced MAJOR markdowns for all of the brand’s Pro IV models, including the popular Perseus and Scorpeus shapes.

The Pro IV paddles are now $149.95, down from their original price of $279.95. That’s almost 50% off a paddle that we still consider to be among the best on the market.

QUICK HITS

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