USA Pickleball released a paddle certification update just after Christmas, listing seven paddles they plan to decertify later this year as part of a new testing standard. This is big news for competitive pickleball players.
Let's take a look at which paddles are being banned by USA Pickleball, and what it means for you if you own one of them.
"Trampoline effect" paddle ban - full story
The story started in May 2024 when USA Pickleball banned JOOLA Gen 3 paddles, meaning they could no longer be used in tournaments. These were brand-new paddles at the time, so it caused some controversy in the pickleball world.
While USA Pickleball didn't clarify the exact reason for this decision, many people suggested it was the "trampoline effect" power of these paddles. Some felt that other paddles with similar power should also be banned.
That's exactly what happened, as USA Pickleball has since created new testing standards around this feature. They said:
"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
The following paddles failed to meet these new standards:
- JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15 (14 mm & 16 mm)
- Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
- ProKennex Black Ace Pro
- ProKennex Black Ace Ovation
- ProKennex Black Ace LG
- ProKennex Black Ace XF
Having tested three of these paddles myself, I understand why they were included in the ban. However, it's still surprising given that they were legal for so long.
Note: the ban doesn't take effect until July 1, 2025, so you can still use these paddles for official tournaments and events until then. Learn more about USA Pickleball's paddle certification update.
What is the trampoline effect?
Many power paddles released last year started using a feature called the "trampoline effect". This is where the paddle face retracts upon impact with the ball and bounces back, launching the ball at high speed like a trampoline.
Lots of players felt this feature was unfair as it gave their opponent an unnatural advantage when it came to power.
When the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles were originally delisted, some people guessed it was because of the trampoline effect power, but we never knew for sure. So, this new update from USA Pickleball confirms it.
What have the paddle companies said?
JOOLA
In response to the announcement, JOOLA stated they would retire the Perseus Mod TA-15 from competitive play from July 1, 2025. They said:
"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
JOOLA has stopped manufacturing the Mod TA-15, though you can still buy it while stocks last. They're also offering any players who bought the paddle 50% off a new Perseus launching in March 2025.
They're claiming this new paddle will be "meticulously designed to comply with both the new USA Pickleball and UPA-A 2025 standards". We'll explore this more later.
Gearbox
Gearbox also announced that they are retiring the Pro Power Elongated. They removed the paddle for sale on their store. They said:
"As a brand dedicated to advancing pickleball and supporting players at all levels, we recognize and fully support the latest 2025 PBCoR guidelines released by USA Pickleball. Our priority has always been to bring cutting-edge technology and high-performance equipment to the sport. Gearbox remains committed to enhancing competition and gameplay under the new 2025 Paddle-Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) standard."
Gearbox
Gearbox is launching a new paddle in response to this decision: the PRO Ultimate Power 14 mm. It is scheduled to be launched in January 2025.
ProKennex
Interestingly, ProKennex released a statement denying that their paddles feature the trampoline effect tech. They said that their paddles have been approved for 2.5 years and never had any issues.
They claim the power comes from features like their "award-winning Kinetic technology". They intend to appeal the decision.
ProKennex says they will provide further updates in the coming days, so I'll update this article once that happens.
What does this mean for you?
So far, JOOLA is the only brand offering any explicit reimbursement following the ban.
They've created a "paddle refresh program" for anyone who purchased the Mod TA-15 in brand-new condition from JOOLA or an authorized retailer before March 1, 2025. Customers must give proof of purchase and a valid serial number.
Note: you can find the serial number by tapping your unlocked smartphone on the NFC chip on your paddle. View the video on JOOLA NFC technology for instructions.
This paddle refresh program gives you 50% off the Perseus Pro IV, launching in March 2025. You do not need to return your Perseus Mod TA-15.
Gearbox has created the Gearbox PBCoR Innovation Program to help you "transition" to their new paddle if you own the Pro Power Elongated.
They haven't been clear about what this means yet, but they recommend checking the Gearbox website for more details. It might be a good idea to contact Gearbox directly if you need more information.
ProKennex did announce that they're launching a new Black Ace series this month that has been "fully tested and approved by both USAP and UPA". I'll keep an eye on that launch too.
If you want to take a look at other paddle options, why not check out my paddle quiz?
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
Bottom line
I'm a fan of these paddles so I'm bummed they're being delisted. They were always controversial, though, as many players thought they were unfairly powerful.
This decision is bound to please some people and annoy others, so there's no winning! We have to trust that USA Pickleball is conducting rigorous testing to ensure fair competition for all players.
I'll update this article with any developments, so check back in for the latest news.
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