Paddle Performance Test by USAP: The United States of America Pickleball (USAP) has officially announced the launch of its Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) test in the fourth quarter of 2024. The test has been in development for the past eight months, and its delayed implementation played a key role in the rise of competing tests from the UPA-A. This marks a major step in paddle testing and regulation within the sport.
Background on the PBCoR Test
USAP has been working on the PBCoR test since early 2024, aiming to create a standardized way of measuring how paddles and balls interact during play. This test will evaluate the energy return of paddles when they strike the ball, ensuring consistency and fairness in equipment used in official competitions.
The delay in launching the test allowed for the emergence of the UPA-A, which has created its own paddle testing system, adding more complexity to the sport’s equipment regulation.
Paddle Withdrawals and Industry Impact
In the months leading up to the PBCoR test’s official launch, USAP has been communicating the test’s details to paddle manufacturers.
As a result, several pickleball paddles have already been withdrawn from circulation in anticipation of the test’s introduction. This proactive measure highlights the importance of the new standard and its potential to impact paddle design and availability.
Impact on the Sport
The introduction of the PBCoR test is expected to bring more consistency and fairness to pickleball equipment. While it may help regulate paddle performance, the existence of competing tests may complicate matters for players and manufacturers.
The PBCoR test could also lead to changes in paddle design, ensuring that all paddles used in competition meet the same standards. As the test becomes official in late 2024, its impact on the industry will become clearer.
News in Brief: New Paddle Performance Test by USAP
USAP will launch its Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) test in late 2024 to standardize paddle performance measurements. The delay in its introduction allowed for competing tests from UPA-A. The PBCoR test aims to bring fairness and consistency to paddle design but may complicate equipment regulation in the sport.
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