As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, new brands are stepping in with gear designed specifically for the sport’s growing and evolving community. One brand that’s caught my attention is ADV. A company originally rooted in tennis, now getting attention in both tennis and pickleball circles with a player-first approach to design.
I had the chance to speak with Lavie Sak, co-founder of ADV, to learn more about the brand’s story, its transition into pickleball, and why its Pickleball Backpack V2 has quickly become my personal go-to bag.
What inspired you to start ADV, and how did the brand evolve to include pickleball gear?
Lavie started ADV with deep roots in tennis, as a lifelong player and former coach. “It’s the sport that shaped my discipline, my friendships, my weekends,” he told me. After building a company in tennis tech, Lavie wanted to create gear that reflected not just how players perform, but how they live the sport.
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Co-Founder
What makes ADV stand out is that it’s not just a product company, it’s a mission-driven brand. Lavie’s work includes growing tennis in underserved communities like Cambodia, and that sense of purpose carried into their decision to embrace pickleball.
After a fellow dad nudged him into trying pickleball during their kids’ tennis lesson, Lavie was hooked. He quickly saw the potential: “Families, seniors, beginners—it pulled people in instantly and created community. And when you watch the best compete, you realize the skill ceiling is just as high.”
For Lavie, expanding into pickleball wasn’t a pivot, it was a natural evolution. “We’re not here to choose sides. More people on courts, any court, makes the sport stronger.”
What makes ADV’s approach to gear design different from other tennis or pickleball brands on the market?
The answer? Intentional design, driven by real-world use. While many brands iterate with surface-level changes, ADV takes a more hands-on, feedback-driven approach.
Co-Founder
Lavie also shared that one of their designers, formerly with a major brand, said briefs used to “make this look prettier.” That’s not how ADV works. Their focus is on solving problems, adapting to how players actually use gear, and improving with every version.
How do you gather and use feedback from players when developing or improving products like your paddles or bags?
Lavie stated that feedback is the engine behind ADV’s iterative design process. From court testing to direct customer communication, the brand constantly listens, refines, and reinvents. This grassroots connection to players is what helps their products evolve faster and smarter than traditional big-box brands.
Pickleball is growing fast, how is ADV planning to serve this community in the coming years?
Lavie and his team aren’t jumping on the pickleball trend, they’re investing in it. “We’re all in on pickleball, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s here to stay.”
The roadmap includes refining their current lineup based on real player feedback and creating gear tailored for every kind of pickleball athlete. From coaches and tournament grinders to five-day-a-week rec players. The goal is to raise the bar, not just ride the wave.
Tell us about one of your favorite products in the lineup and what sets it apart.
Lavie’s pick? The Backpack V2. And I’ll back him up, it’s been my personal go-to for months
Co-Founder
Originally built with tennis in mind, the Backpack V2 evolved as ADV listened to its growing pickleball audience. It now works seamlessly for both sports and everyday life. With smart compartments, durable construction, and a clean aesthetic, it’s one of the most functional and versatile bags I’ve used.
In a space where many brands are just repurposing tennis gear for pickleball, ADV is taking the time to get it right, by listening to players, designing with purpose, and building for the future of both sports. Whether you’re a tennis loyalist, a pickleball die-hard, or a hybrid of both, ADV is a brand worth keeping on your radar.
If you’re looking for a reliable bag that fits your racquet life and real life, the ADV Pickleball Backpack V2 is an easy first step into their lineup, and one that’s earned a permanent spot in mine.
Looking for the right paddle to fit your game? Take our paddle fitting quiz for three recommendations that will match your style of play.
