Selkirk Sport and Rhone partner to bring premium performance apparel and equipment to pickleball enthusiasts

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO — April 18, 2024 — Selkirk Sport, the leading manufacturer of pickleball equipment, today announced a collaboration with Rhone, the performance lifestyle brand dedicated to championing mental fitness. The partnership underscores both brands’ dedication to providing top-notch gear to athletes. 

Rhone, renowned for its high-performance apparel, is venturing into the pickleball market with a new product line called The Backspin Collection. With the help of established pickleball brand Selkirk Sport, the line features apparel and paddles designed specifically for pickleball enthusiasts. 

“We are eager to welcome Rhone to the pickleball arena,” said Mike Barnes, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Selkirk Sport. “This collaboration signifies a pivotal movement for both brands as we join forces to cater to the specific needs of pickleball athletes. We are excited to pair Rhone’s authority in performance apparel with Selkirk’s leadership in pickleball to bring top-tier products to the community.” 

Launched to coincide with the US Open Pickleball Championships, the collection features Rhone-designed men’s shorts and T-shirts alongside two of Selkirk Sport’s most sought-after pickleball paddles. The offerings will be available in black, white and stormy sea green.

“We love working with great people who make incredible products. When we fell in love with pickleball we knew we needed equipment that would match the quality of our clothing and for us, the only choice was Selkirk,” said Ben Checketts, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Rhone. “The craftsmanship of their paddles is second to none, and the people behind the brand are just as high quality. We are thrilled to bring this partnership to life.”

Collection details

The collection will be divided between the brands’ websites, with each offering exclusive items. 

Rhone will feature the SLK x Rhone EVO 2.0 Control Max paddle, Men’s 7” Backspin Shorts and the Men’s Backspin T-shirt.

Selkirk Sport will offer the Selkirk x Rhone Luxx Control Air Epic paddle, along with co-branded versions of the shorts and T-shirt. 

Pricing and product details: 

• At $100, the EVO 2.0 Control Max is a great paddle choice for beginners and intermediate players because it is designed with a large sweet spot and spin-friendly materials. 
• The Luxx Control Air Epic, which costs $250, is a premium control paddle designed for advanced players who prefer to play with finesse rather than sheer power. 
• Designed for comfort and performance in mind, the shorts feature all-way stretch fabric and cost $84. 
• Crafted with moisture-wicking technology, the Backspin T-Shirt is designed to keep players dry during the most intense matches. It retails for $68.

About Rhone

Founded in 2014, Rhone is a performance lifestyle brand dedicated to championing mental fitness. Engineered for optimal style, comfort, and performance, our clothing is designed to enhance every aspect of the active individual's life. Led by brothers Nate & Ben Checketts, Rhone is fueled by a clear vision: positively impacting lives through a commitment to mental fitness, inspiring community, and crafting performance-driven products. Rhone's purpose is straightforward yet impactful: to inspire those who challenge themselves in their relentless pursuit of progress. In addition to a robust E-commerce business and a strong wholesale presence, Rhone currently has 15 retail stores across the U.S., all of which are used for building community through various initiatives such as the brand's signature Mind & Muscle events. More information can be found at www.rhone.com. 

About Selkirk Sport

Selkirk Sport, manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim, who is Selkirk’s production manager. Backed by the philosophy of always pushing the limits, Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service. Selkirk Sport has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies, with paddles used by many of the game’s premier players, such as Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau, Parris Todd, Dylan Frazier, Mary Brascia, Maggie Brascia, James Ignatowich and a host of others premier players and national/regional champions.

Media contacts: 

Kyle Whatnall: Kyle@Selkirk.com

Brynn Grissom: Brynn@Selkirk.com