Core Insights - J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. has launched its first company-owned brand pickleball paddle, Horizon, which has received official approval from the USA Pickleball Association for sanctioned play [1][3] - The launch of Horizon marks a significant milestone for J-Star's direct-to-consumer strategy, as it enters the pickleball market under its own brand for the first time [2] Product Details - The Horizon paddle is designed for players of all levels, featuring lightweight Japanese carbon fiber, thermoformed foam walls for shock absorption, and a soft honeycomb core for control [3] - The paddle's edgeless design maximizes the hitting area, and it is available in three color options: orange, pink, and yellow [3] Market Context - Pickleball is recognized as North America's fastest-growing sport, with 19.8 million Americans participating, reflecting a 46% increase from 2023 and a 311% growth over the past three years [4] - This growth trend has been consistent, marking the fourth consecutive year that pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport among 124 tracked activities [4] Company Background - J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. has over 50 years of experience in the material composites industry, developing and commercializing technology related to carbon reinforcement and resin systems [6] - The company operates through subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Samoa, focusing on a variety of high-performance carbon composite products [6]