The saga between JOOLA and USA Pickleball continues into 2025, with news that the Perseus Mod TA-15 is the latest JOOLA paddle to be decertified by USA Pickleball for tournament use.
The ban doesn't take effect immediately, though, unlike last year when the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles were delisted with immediate effect. This time, USA Pickleball is allowing players to use the Perseus Mod TA-15 until July 1, 2025.
Let's look at why this paddle is being removed, and what it means if you already own it.
JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15 paddle ban - history
Back in May 2024, USA Pickleball announced a ban on JOOLA Gen 3 paddles. These were brand new paddles and many players were excited to use them in tournaments. JOOLA tried to fight the decision but ended up pulling the paddles and issuing full refunds to anyone who bought them.
Fast forward to late July 2024 and JOOLA released the Perseus Mod TA-15. This was the answer to the Gen 3 ban. Many players, including me, were delighted to find a replacement paddle from JOOLA that kept the awesome power and spin of the Gen 3s but was legal for tournament use.
However, that all changed right after Christmas. On December 27, a statement issued by USA Pickleball confirmed new paddle bans on the following paddles:
- JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15 (14 mm & 16 mm)
- Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
- ProKennex Black Ace Ovation
- ProKennex Black Ace Pro
- ProKennex Black Ace LG
- ProKennex Black Ace XF
In USA Pickleball's own words:
"To ensure consistency and maintain the integrity of the sport, we've introduced an enhanced testing standard, PBCoR (Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution) in Q4 of 2024, to measure paddle performance and limit the "trampoline effect"."
USA Pickleball
Note: the ban comes into place on July 1, 2025. This means you can still use these paddles for USA Pickleball-sanctioned events until then.
What is the trampoline effect?
The "trampoline effect" is when the pickleball paddle surface deforms on contact with the ball, and then rapidly bounces back to its original shape. This is a newer feature that many paddle manufacturers introduced to their paddles in 2024.
It was always controversial, with many players complaining that it was unfair. They claimed that paddles with the trampoline effect launched the ball much harder than those without.
When JOOLA Gen 3 paddles were banned, people speculated that this was the reason why, but we never got a concrete answer. Now, USA Pickleball is confirming that they're taking action on this in a big way.
From July onwards, paddles that exceed the limit on the new testing will not be sanctioned for USA Pickleball tournaments.
What does this mean for JOOLA?
JOOLA responded to the paddle ban by saying that they are retiring the Perseus Mod TA-15 from competitions from July 1, 2025, to meet the new regulations:
"The decision is part of JOOLA's commitment to uphold and meet current industry standards, as we feel it is in the best interest of pickleball."
JOOLA
The Mod TA-15 paddle is still available for purchase while stocks last, but JOOLA has now stopped production.
JOOLA plans to introduce a new Pro IV Series, starting with the Perseus Pro IV launching in March 2025. They claim it will be "meticulously designed to comply with both the new USA Pickleball and UPA-A 2025 standards".
What does this mean for you?
Do you own the JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15? JOOLA is creating a paddle refresh program for players who purchased the Mod TA-15 in brand-new condition from JOOLA or an authorized retailer before March 1, 2025. You'll need to provide proof of purchase and a valid serial number.
Note: need help finding the serial number? Try tapping your unlocked smartphone on your paddle's NFC chip. Check out JOOLA's NFC technology guide for instructions.
The paddle refresh program gives you 50% off the upcoming Perseus Pro IV paddle. You will not need to return your Perseus Mod TA-15.
Looking for a different paddle? Take my paddle quiz to find the right one for your playing style:
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Bottom line
I'm a big fan of the JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15 and it's a bummer I won't be able to use it for competitive play in the future. I'm still a big JOOLA fan, though, and I'm excited to see how the Perseus Pro IV plays. Hopefully, it can remain approved. We'll wait and see!
I'll update this article with any further developments, so be sure to check in for the latest news.
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