Is Your Paddle Next on the Ban List?

In line with the swift rise in popularity of pickleball, paddle construction has also evolved by leaps and bounds. Until now accurate methods to evaluate the performance of paddles have failed to keep pace.

Now the USAP (USA Pickleball) has introduced a standardized method for testing pickleball paddles called the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR). The USAP claims this test to be accurate and aims to maintain the integrity and fairness of the sport by measuring the power potential of every type of paddle.

Officially the CoR definition is the measurement of an object’s elasticity during a collision between two bodies. The PBCoR test was adapted from CoR tests used for baseball and softball bats, so it’s likely to be pretty accurate and very consistent.

The PBCoR test numerically rates the rebound speed (exit velocity) of the pickleball, relative to the incoming or impact speed of the same ball. This helps with assessing and/or regulating the power potential of paddles to promote a level playing field for everyone in the game.

The PBCoR test is handy for addressing concerns regarding the “trampoline effect” (degree of elasticity/deflection) on the paddle face. Or you could say the test assesses where and how much the surface of a paddle deforms at impact with the ball and then returns to its original state, which tends to increase the exit speed of the ball.

Generally speaking, the PBCoR test uses a device to launch the ball at a consistent speed and aims it toward three specific spots on the face of the paddle. The paddle is held by a clamp on the handle (in the same spot of where a player would grasp it) and is allowed to move in a swing-like direction without any side-to-side twist. High-speed cameras and sensors are used to monitor both the inbound and outbound ball velocities, which allows for the calculation of the paddle’s coefficient of restitution.

At this point the exit speed of the ball seems to be the main concern. If the incoming ball is blasted toward a paddle at 60 mph from a set distance, and the exit speed off the paddle is 30 mph, the result is 0.5 of the incoming ball speed. Or you could qualify it as a 30 mph paddle, which is similar to the way softball bats are rated by velocity potential.

The required changes paddle manufacturers must follow to stay in compliance with the new performance parameters officially begins July 1. This will affect both recreational and tournament players. Obviously, this alters a tournament player’s choice of paddle but will eventually do the same to recreational players. Although you can play with any type of paddle outside of sanctioned competitions, if a paddle lacks USAP approval for tournament play, manufacturers might discontinue it.

So far the list of de-listed paddles are as follows:

• JOOLA Perseus MOD-TA 15 14mm
• JOOLA Perseus MOD-TA 15 16mm
• Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
• Pro Kennex Black Ace Ovation
• Pro Kennex Black Ace Pro
• Pro Kennex Black Ace LG
• Pro Kennex Black Ace XF

Back in the early days of pickleball wood was the material of choice for paddle construction. And without a doubt, playing with wood paddles restricted how powerful your shots could be and therefore placed more of a premium on the fundamentals of the game such as strategy, touch and precision rather than pure power. Once the early composite paddles arrived on the scene, pickleball immediately became easier to play, especially when it came to the power game. By the time second and third generation composite paddles were developed, it could be argued that power was becoming the dominate theme in pickleball.

That said, the addition of the PBCoR test will not eliminate power from the sport but will facilitate a balance between player skill, athleticism and strategy, along with the power potential of a paddle.

The PBCoR test was introduced in late 2024. Paddles outside the testing standards will be phased out from sanctioned tournament play starting July 1, 2025. At this point reputable companies, including JOOLA, Gearbox and ProKennex, are already researching and developing new paddles that are PBCoR compliant, while still pushing the envelope of paddle performance.

Now that the PBCoR test has been refined and standardized, the USAP is developing a comprehensive test for spin rate. The end game for the USAP is to set a clear standard and metric for paddle performance while maintaining fairness and adapting to the rapid changes in paddle technologies.

Summary and Key Points: The USAP has introduced a new standard test for pickleball paddles: the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) test. This initiative aims to maintain fairness in competitive play by measuring the power potential of paddles and addressing the “trampoline effect” of certain designs.

Key Points:

• PBCoR Test: Evaluates the rebound or exit speed of a ball relative to its impact speed on the paddle, providing a measurement of paddle power.
• Importance: To ensure a competitive balance and level playing field for all players by addressing concerns about paddles with excessive trampoline effect, which enhances ball speed and force.
• Test Procedure:
  • A pickleball is fired at a mounted paddle.
  • High-speed cameras and sensors measure the ball’s inbound and outbound speeds to calculate the paddle’s coefficient of restitution.
  • The paddle is clamped horizontally and free to rotate at impact of the ball on a specific axis.
• Implementation Timeline:
  
  • Paddles exceeding the standards will be phased out of sanctioned tournaments starting July 1, 2025.
• Future Developments: USAP is developing a test for spin rate.