Life Time Inc. has seen the fitness industry boom of pickleball and responded by designing what it branded the Ultimate Pickleball.
The common issues of a pickleball ball involve inconsistent speed, bounce and durability. They are all expected to be resolved by this new ball.
"As an avid pickleball player and engineer, Life Time founder, CEO and Chairman Bahram Akradi, collaborated with our team to design this pickleball with features to address these issues," said Dan Debaun, public relations manager for Life Time of Chanhassen, Minn. "As a recognized leader in pickleball and commitment to member experience, the ball represented a significant opportunity to upgrade the experience for our members."
Life Time has filed for a patent for the ball. It is made of polypropylene and weighs 26 grams with a 2.88-2.89 inches in diameter.
The ball will also have 48 holes that are smaller and more consistent across the surface compared with the average ball, which has between 26 and 40 holes. The placement of the holes helps with the balls' speed and bounce consistency.
The holes in the Ultimate Pickleball will have a rounded edge to enhance the durability of the ball, while other balls usually have a flat edge
The ball is expected to be for sale within Life Time's pro shops and online shop, currently the price is still pending.
Life Time has more than 700 pickleball courts across all its locations. It also hosts Major League Pickleball (MLP) and Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournaments nationwide. The company plans to use the Ultimate Pickleball for these events in the future.