Can you post pictures?

Sorry I didn't ask my question clearly. I would just like to know if there's a particular technique or system most people use to support branches of paw paw as they ripen and get very heavy. The stems the fruit grow out of seem strong enough; it's the slender branches the stems grow out of that are at risk for breaking. I'm very accustomed to using zip ties, so unless there's a traditional way of supporting the branches that's easy and works well, I think I'll use the zip ties. I will loop the zip ties around the branch that's being weighed down and the next strong branch just above.

I understood your dilemma. I don't actually grow pawpaw, so I'm not going to be much help, but it sounds like your common sense approach should succeed. I hope it works out.