Le Cornichon—Official Paddle of Vancouver Island Pickleball—founder Justin Butler calls himself a “serial entrepreneur,” resulting from, as he jokes, being “basically unemployable.” For 25 years, he played tennis (among other sports), before walking away from competition. Last year, his girlfriend, Ainslie, convinced him to attend an open-play pickleball session at a local Calgary recreation centre.
Having recently relocated from Toronto, Butler lacked a strong social circle.
“Meeting new people as you get older can be challenging,” said Butler. “Pickleball gave me a great social opportunity, connecting, playing sport, and being competitive again. Everyone was wearing mishmash t-shirts or Walmart apparel. There was no performance-type apparel. I thought there was an opportunity for a Canadian company to create a better product for the sport.”
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That realization sparked the creation of Le Cornichon, a made-in-Canada brand committed to developing bamboo and merino wool apparel produced entirely within Canada. At the same time, Butler also steered Le Cornichon toward building a high-quality, pickleball paddle, and after 10 prototypes, the company finalized its own mold.
Le Cornichon’s Future
Butler views Le Cornichon as operating in a wide open market with genuine opportunity. The Canadian community’s early support validates that belief. What excites him most is hearing from players who integrate Le Cornichon products into their daily game routines, and that kind of feedback, he says, feels different from praise from family or friends.
“I’m excited that our development created a product the market likes,” added Butler. “I’m excited about creating new products, traveling, and meeting facility owners, local pros, ambassadors, and players. It’s a fun way to meet new people, and see new things.”
Revolution Pro 1 Tech Specs
Le Cornichon’s Revolution Pro 1 paddle uses a wide body profile: 7 ⅞ inches wide and 16 ⅛ inches long. It features a 16 mm floating generation three core, with an EVA foam ring wrapped around an 8 mm polypropylene honeycomb core. Its elongated 5 ¾ inch handle plays closer to six inches, offering two-handed backhand players extra leverage.
By weighting the paddle closer to the handle, the Revolution Pro 1 increases both stability and speed. Twist weight ranges from 6.5-6.8 ounces, swing weight from 112-116, and static weight from 7.8-8.1 ounces, carefully measured before shipping to maintain consistency.
Feedback has been consistent: plenty of pop and power, but also feel. Players notice dwell time on the face that aids control during resets, dinks, and speed-ups. The wide body broadens the sweet spot for forgiveness. Offered in three colours (red, pink, green) and a single shape.
“We’re excited about the partnership and helping grow pickleball on Vancouver Island,” concluded Butler. “We appreciate the connection and hope it will be fruitful for both of us.”
About Vancouver Island Pickleball
Vancouver Island Pickleball celebrates the growth and diversity of the Island’s pickleball community, sharing stories, updates, and resources that showcase the people, places, and passion driving the sport forward. With a vibrant social media presence and dynamic coverage, VIPB connects local and visiting players alike, highlighting the Island as a destination where pickleball and community thrive together.
Learn more at vancouverislandpickleball.ca. The Island’s pickleball resource.