Case Study

CRBN Pickleball: Pickleball Paddles

CRBN engaged Linton to review costs on their hero paddle after years of purchasing through a supplier acting as the factory. Linton identified and transitioned production to the true manufacturer with no changes to materials or quality, delivering a 15% COGS reduction and immediately improving margins on a top-volume SKU.

Black CRBN pickleball paddle shown at an angle on a neutral background, featuring a textured face, wrapped handle, and white CRBN branding.
Black CRBN pickleball paddle shown at an angle on a red background, featuring a textured face, wrapped handle, and white CRBN branding.

Overview

CRBN partnered with Linton Group to investigate rising production costs on their hero paddle SKU after years of purchasing through a supplier that presented itself as the factory. As margins tightened, visibility into the true manufacturing source became critical.

By identifying and transitioning production to the actual factory – without altering materials, construction, or quality standards – Linton eliminated unnecessary middle layers and restructured the supply chain.

The result: a verified 15% reduction in Cost of Goods Sold, zero impact on product quality, and a stronger long-term manufacturing relationship, immediately improving profitability on one of CRBN’s highest-volume SKUs.

Challenge

CRBN had been purchasing its hero paddle through a supplier that presented itself as the factory. Over time, costs remained higher than expected, limiting margin flexibility on a high-volume SKU.

There was limited visibility into the true manufacturing source, pricing structure, and cost drivers behind the product.

CRBN needed clarity and cost reduction — without changing materials, performance, or disrupting supply continuity on a core revenue driver.

-15%

in COGS

Zero

Quality Impact

Factory Direct

Relationship Established

Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating
1 Strategic Sourcing & Cost Reduction
2 Product Redesign for Durability
3 Results

-15%

in COGS

Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating

Zero

Quality Impact

Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating

Factory Direct

Relationship Established

Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating
Learn More About Our Process
Pickleball player holding a CRBN 2X paddle in a two-handed grip against a dark background.
Two pickleball players wearing white CRBN apparel and holding CRBN paddles on an outdoor pickleball court.

Partner With Linton to Bring Your Product to Market

We provide full lifecycle support from concept to manufacturing, acting as a true partner invested in your long-term success.