Vietnam’s Facolos NEXX Paddle Earns UPA-A Approval for PPA Tour Play
A significant shift is underway in the Asian pickleball market, marked by a major milestone for Vietnamese manufacturing. The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has officially approved the NEXX paddle line by Facolos, authorising its use in professional competition on the PPA Tour. This certification serves as a validation of the equipment’s quality and credibility, signalling the rapid advancement of a Vietnamese brand onto the global stage.
The timing of this approval is particularly notable. Although Facolos only introduced the product in early December, the NEXX paddle is already set to make its international debut at the PPA Hangzhou, the first professional tournament to feature the new line.
Engineering for the Asian Game
Facolos is actively working to dismantle the stereotype that Vietnamese sports brands merely recycle foreign-made templates. The company invested in extensive research to develop the NEXX specifically around the physical characteristics and playing styles of Asian athletes. This player-centric approach resulted in an optimised design that tailors the mould structure, grip ergonomics, and power generation to its target demographic.
At the heart of this performance is the newly introduced Air Tube System core technology combined with a proprietary frame design. This engineering allows for a specific vibration-damping mechanism that distributes force efficiently, helping players maintain a precise feel for the ball even during high-velocity exchanges. According to the manufacturer, the paddle produces a "sharp, resonant, and distinctly powerful" contact sound that meets the rigorous demands of professional play.
Pro Player Adoption
The paddle has already attracted high-level talent within the PPA Tour Asia, a circuit designed to bring international standards to the region. Yufei Long, a top PPA Asia player, confirmed she will use the NEXX paddle in upcoming international tournaments, citing the equipment's performance in high-pressure situations.
"In a competitive environment where every shot demands near-perfect precision, NEXX gives me confidence with its stability and the clear sense of control it provides," Long stated regarding her switch to the new paddle.
Long is not the only professional linked to the rising brand. Facolos has built a reputation among international organisations and athletes, including Australia’s No. 1 player Mitch Hargreaves, world-class coach Marchel Chan, and Facolos Global Team members Nguyễn Anh Thắng and Huỳnh Chí Khương.
A New Chapter for Asian Pickleball
The PPA Tour Asia aims to elevate pickleball into a professionally developed sport across the continent, providing a premier platform for athletes. By securing UPA-A approval, Facolos is positioning itself not just as a local participant but as a prominent representative of Asia on the global map.
The NEXX paddle’s entry into the PPA Hangzhou event represents a fusion of technological innovation and regional pride, proving that Vietnamese engineering can meet the high-performance benchmarks required for fair and spirited professional competition.
You can think of Facolos’ approach to the NEXX paddle like a tailor creating a bespoke suit rather than selling one "off the rack." Instead of simply resizing a standard Western design, they went back to the drawing board to stitch the "fabric"—in this case, the core technology and ergonomics—to specifically fit the unique movement and physique of the Asian athlete, ensuring a fit that allows for maximum freedom and performance.