Paddle Power Under Pressure: UPA-A Introduces "Destructive Testing" to Level the Playing Field
What's the Score?
The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A), the governing body for the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, is implementing a new "destructive testing" process, known as the "Accelerated Break In Standard" (ABI), for pickleball paddle approval. This test aims to measure how a paddle's performance changes, specifically its power, over time after a "break-in" period. Effective September 1st, all UPA-A approved paddles must have a Paddle Efficiency Factor (PEF) of no more than 0.385 when new and must not exceed 0.405 (a 5.2% increase) after undergoing the ABI process. This initiative is intended to benefit manufacturers, ensure fair play for players, and improve the competitive integrity of the sport.
Hit it deeper!
The UPA-A's decision to introduce "destructive testing" comes after an investigation by its official testing laboratory, Pickle Pro Labs, into the phenomenon of paddles increasing in power after a break-in period. The UPA-A and consumers have expressed concerns that this power increase in some paddle models could be unsafe and contrary to the spirit of the game. The ABI test is designed to "physically break down the structure of a paddle in a controlled and systematic manner" without causing visible damage.
The ABI process involves two main steps:
- Compression Cycles: Paddles are placed in a vise with leather pieces to protect the face. The vise is tightened at multiple locations on the center and edges of the paddle for a minimum of 15 compression cycles, with specific increments of pressure.
- Bending: The paddle is then inserted at one edge, and the opposite edge is bent 10 to 15 degrees from its original centerline. This bending process is repeated 20 times for each edge location.
Following this "break-in" procedure, the paddle's performance gain is measured by the Paddle Efficiency Factor (PEF), which indicates how efficiently the paddle transfers energy to the ball. To be UPA-A compliant, paddles must meet the new PEF standards both when new (0.385 maximum) and after the ABI process (0.405 maximum, a 5.2% increase). Paddles that exceed the 0.405 PEF threshold after the capped ABI protocol will not be considered compliant.
The UPA-A acknowledges that the current ABI process, which involves a human operator, inherently has some variability, but they expect operators to become more skilled with practice. To improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and repeatability of the ABI process, the UPA-A is also developing an automated ABI system, which is expected to be introduced in the coming months.
The UPA-A believes this "destructive testing" will have several benefits:
- For manufacturers: It creates a "conservative and standardized benchmark for paddle break in."
- For players: It "ensures no paddle gains unfair power over time without being identified by onsite testing."
- For the sport: It "puts us on a path of improved competitive integrity by confirming that certified paddles do not break in at an uncontrolled rate."
The World Pickleball Verdict
The UPA-A's introduction of the "destructive testing" process is a significant step towards addressing concerns about paddle performance consistency and ensuring fair play in professional pickleball. By establishing a standardized method for evaluating how paddles change over time, the UPA-A aims to prevent manufacturers from producing equipment that gains an unfair power advantage after a break-in period. This initiative should provide greater transparency and confidence for both players and consumers regarding the performance characteristics of approved paddles. While the initial human-operated process has inherent variability, the development of an automated system promises to further enhance the accuracy and consistency of paddle testing. Overall, this move demonstrates the UPA-A's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and levelling the playing field for all competitors.