USA Pickleball Grants Official Approval and Certification for J-Star’s First In-House Pickleball Paddle, Horizon

Rhea-AI Summary

J-Star (Nasdaq: YMAT) announced its first in-house pickleball paddle, Horizon, received official approval from USA Pickleball (USAPA) for sanctioned play on Oct 6, 2025. The Horizon paddle is now listed among USAPA-certified paddles and will be sold under J-Star’s YMA brand as the company’s entry into the direct-to-consumer pickleball market.

The paddle uses Japanese carbon fiber, thermoformed foam walls, a soft honeycomb core, an edgeless hitting surface and a Kevlar edge guard. J-Star cites manufacturing experience of more than 45 million racquets. The release references SFIA 2024 data showing 19.8 million US pickleball players (a 46% increase year-over-year).

Positive

• USAPA certification granted for sanctioned play (Oct 6, 2025)
• First company‑brand entry into pickleball under YMA
• Manufacturing experience: 45 million racquets produced historically
• Japanese carbon fiber construction with foam walls and honeycomb core
• Edgeless design plus Kevlar edge guard for durability
• Product launched for U.S. and global markets

Negative

• None.

Insights

Consumer Sports Product Strategist

USAPA certification enables J-Star's Horizon paddle to enter sanctioned play and validates its technical design.

J-Star gains a certified, branded entry into pickleball with the Horizon paddle, leveraging existing carbon‑fiber manufacturing scale to sell direct-to-consumer. USAPA approval clears the product for sanctioned games, which reduces a key market-entry barrier for clubs and tournament players.

Dependencies and risks include distribution, retail placement, and actual consumer uptake despite certification. Sales will depend on channels built by the company and on converting manufacturing reputation into brand preference; certification alone does not guarantee retail traction.

Watch for reported sales rollout details, retail listings, and initial shipment volumes over the next 12 months. Also monitor pricing, channel partners, and any published unit or revenue figures tied to the Horizon launch within that horizon.

TAICHUNG CITY, Taiwan, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: YMAT) (“J-Star” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative carbon fiber and composite solutions across a wide range of applications including personal sports equipment, healthcare products, automobile parts, resin systems, and research and development services, today announced that its first company owned brand pickleball paddle, Horizon, has received official approval from the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) for sanctioned play. The Horizon paddle has successfully passed all USA Pickleball tests and has been added to the official list of USA Pickleball-certified paddles, now accessible to pickleball players nationwide.

J-Star (through its YMA subsidiary) has manufactured racquets for several leading global brands. With the launch of Horizon, YMA enters the pickleball market under its own brand for the first time, marking a milestone in the company’s direct-to-consumer strategy.

“Receiving approval from the USAPA for our Horizon pickleball racket is a testament to our history of innovation and our commitment to capture the momentum of the world’s fastest-growing sport,” said Sam Van, CEO of J-Star. “With our knowledge and expertise of producing more than 45 million racquets over the years, we recognized the opportunity to create a line of exceptional pickleball paddles to serve all levels, whether they be transitional tennis players, advanced club players or accomplished professionals. We developed and designed the Horizon paddle, the under our own brand, for players seeking superior touch, stable control, and high forgiveness. As the first U.S.-listed public company to launch pickleball paddles in both U.S. and global markets, we are excited to soon see Horizon in the hands of exceptional athletes.”

The Horizon paddle embodies J-Star’s engineering excellence and innovation. Constructed from lightweight Japanese carbon fiber, the Horizon integrates thermoformed foam walls for enhanced shock absorption and feel, alongside a soft honeycomb core for forgiveness and control. Its edgeless design maximizes the hitting area, while a Kevlar edge guard provides superior durability. The paddle is available in three dynamic color options—orange, pink, and yellow—offering players both performance and style.

Pickleball continues to dominate as North America’s fastest-growing sport, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). The SFIA’s 2024 report found that 19.8 million Americans played pickleball, representing a 46% increase from 2023 and 311% growth over the past three years. This marks the fourth consecutive year pickleball has held the fastest-growing title across 124 tracked sports, fitness, and outdoor activities.

For more information about USA Pickleball and its certification programs, visit usapickleball.org.

About J-Star Holding Co., Ltd.

J-Star (NASDAQ: YMAT) is a holding company with operations conducted through subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Samoa with its headquarters in Taiwan. J-Star’s predecessor group was established in 1970, and has accumulated over 50 years of know-how in material composites industry. J-Star develops and commercializes the technology on carbon reinforcement and resin systems. With decades of experience and knowledge in composites and materials, J-Star is able to apply its expertise and technology to design and manufacture a great variety of lightweight, high-performance carbon composite products, ranging from key structural parts of electric bicycles and sports bicycles, rackets, automobile parts to healthcare products. Visit j-starholding.com and ymaunivers.com to learn more.

Forward Looking-Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the final prospectus filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and J-Star specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact:
Matt Chesler, CFA
FNK IR
646-809-2183
investor@j-starholding.com

FAQ

What did J-Star (YMAT) announce on October 6, 2025 about the Horizon paddle?

J-Star announced the Horizon paddle received USAPA certification and will be sold under its YMA brand.

Is the J-Star Horizon paddle legal for sanctioned USA Pickleball play?

Yes. The Horizon paddle passed all USA Pickleball tests and is on the certified paddle list.

What materials and features does the YMAT Horizon paddle use?

Horizon uses Japanese carbon fiber, thermoformed foam walls, a soft honeycomb core, an edgeless face, and a Kevlar edge guard.

Will J-Star sell Horizon in the United States and internationally?

The company said Horizon will launch in U.S. and global markets under its YMA brand.

How does J-Star qualify its manufacturing capability for pickleball paddles?

J-Star cites experience manufacturing more than 45 million racquets for global brands.

How large is the U.S. pickleball market cited in the announcement?

The release referenced SFIA 2024 data: 19.8 million U.S. players, a 46% increase from 2023.