Kitchen Blockers, a first-of-its-kind lensless protective eyewear brand built specifically for pickleball, has been named the official lensless eyewear partner of DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the leading global pickleball rating system. This new alliance positions eye protection alongside performance data as the sport continues its rapid rise across the United States and worldwide.
A New Kind of Pickleball Partnership
The deal makes Kitchen Blockers the official lensless eyewear partner of DUPR, described as the world’s premier pickleball rating system used by thousands of leagues, tours, federations, and clubs. The collaboration is built around a shared focus on player experience, safety, and performance in what is called the fastest-growing sport in America and beyond.
DUPR has recently signed landmark agreements, including becoming the exclusive rating system for USA Pickleball-owned events, further cementing its role in unifying competitive standards across age, gender, and geography. By aligning with Kitchen Blockers, the platform is expanding that mission into physical safety on the court.
Why Lensless Eyewear Matters
Unlike traditional sports eyewear, Kitchen Blockers uses a lensless design built with military-grade materials to protect the eye area while preserving open visibility and comfort for players. The brand specifically targets one of pickleball’s biggest emerging concerns: eye injuries from fast-paced rallies and close-quarters play.
The partnership’s tagline ambition to “Change the Face of Pickleball,” captures this push toward preventative measures that keep recreational players and elite competitors safer without sacrificing style or on-court performance. As the sport grows across North America and other regions, protective equipment is rapidly evolving from a niche to a necessity.
Leaders Weigh In On Safety And Growth
Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, said, “Every match matters in pickleball, and every player’s safety matters just as much,” highlighting how the partnership reinforces DUPR’s commitment to fair and confident competition. He also said that as DUPR unifies the sport under one trusted rating system, supporting safety helps players compete more securely at every level.
Brad Robins, co-founder of Kitchen Blockers, said, “We created Kitchen Blockers to make safety stylish and accessible for all pickleballers,” Now, teaming up with DUPR, we’re thrilled to take awareness and protection to the next level with an organization whose mission aligns with our own.”, noting that teaming up with DUPR will “take awareness and protection to the next level.”
Co-founder Dave Katz is also credited with helping shape the brand’s mission to “Play Safe. Stay Safe.” as lensless protection becomes part of the modern pickleball uniform.
What The Partnership Includes
As part of the collaboration, Kitchen Blockers will activate at DUPR-affiliated events and tournaments, giving players education on eye safety and direct access to its signature lensless eyewear on-site. These activations are expected to reach a broad mix of amateur and competitive players who already rely on DUPR ratings to enter events, structure divisions, and track performance.
By blending tech-driven ratings and on-court protection, DUPR and Kitchen Blockers are positioning themselves as complementary pillars in pickleball’s next stage of professionalization and mass-market growth. The move signals that safety, not just rankings and prize money, is becoming a core part of the sport’s future.
