Pickleball Paddle Testing Machine Theft: A $60,000 pickleball paddle testing machine called the Pickle Press went missing near Austin, Texas, between May 27 and 28, 2025. The machine was stolen from a moving truck while being moved from the 2025 MLP Austin event to the next tournament in Mesa, Arizona. Police are investigating but have not yet found the equipment.
What is the Pickle Press, and How Was it Taken?
The Pickle Press is made by Pickle Pro Labs and is used to test paddle deflection during pro pickleball events like the PPA Tour and Minor League Pickleball (MLP). It ensures paddles meet the United Pickleball Association-Amateur (UPA-A) standards.
After the 2025 MLP Austin event, the machine was packed in a large black protective case weighing 167 pounds and placed on a truck heading to the 2025 MLP Phoenix event in Mesa. Sometime between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, the case disappeared.
Investigation and Impact on Pickleball Events
Austin police have been informed and are actively looking for the missing machine. Pickle Pro Labs has two other similar machines—one stays in the lab, and the other is now used for upcoming events like 2025 MLP Daytona Beach.
The UPA-A uses these machines to certify paddles and allow players to challenge any paddle suspected of breaking rules. Even without the Pickle Press at the recent Mesa event, no paddle problems were reported, suggesting the certification process and player challenges still help maintain fair play.
News in Brief: Pickleball Paddle Testing Machine Theft
A $60,000 pickleball paddle testing machine was stolen near Austin, Texas, while being moved between events. The police are investigating. Pickle Pro Labs continues testing with other machines at future tournaments to keep paddle standards high.
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