USA Pickleball Paddle Ban 2025: Several popular pickleball paddles will no longer be allowed in official tournaments starting July 1, 2025. USA Pickleball has announced that these paddles failed a new test called the paddle/ball coefficient of restitution, which measures how much extra power the paddles give to the ball. The goal of this rule is to stop the “trampoline effect” that makes the ball fly off the paddle faster, reducing the need for control and skill.
List of Banned Paddles
The paddles that will lose certification for sanctioned play include:
JOOLA Perseus 14mm Mod TA-15
JOOLA Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15
Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
ProKennex Black Ace Ovation
ProKennex Black Ace Pro
ProKennex Black Ace XF
One paddle that was first set to be banned, the ProKennex Black Ace LG, passed later testing and will remain legal to use.
Why These Paddles Failed
Six months ago, USA Pickleball shared that these models did not meet the updated standards. Officials said that the extra ball speed from these paddles could hurt the sport by making it less about touch and more about raw power.
Most professional and amateur players have already stopped using these paddles since the announcement. Even though the paddles were technically legal until now, the notice created a strong stigma around them.
Company Responses
JOOLA shared its reasons for pulling the JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15 from competition.
“The decision to retire the MOD TA-15 is part of JOOLA’s commitment to uphold and meet current industry standards, as we feel it is in the best interest of pickleball. We know the MOD-TA-15 has become a preferred paddle for many across all levels in our pickleball community.”(JOOLA statement.)
What it Means for Players
Starting July 1, 2025, anyone using the banned paddles in USA Pickleball tournaments could face disqualification. This change pushes players to switch to paddles that meet the new rules, which focus on fairness and skill over power.
This move also shows how the sport is working to balance technology with tradition. As paddle companies create new models, more testing rules like this are likely in the future.
News in Brief: USA Pickleball Paddle Ban 2025
USA Pickleball will ban six power paddles starting July 1, 2025, for failing a test that measures excessive ball speed. Brands affected include JOOLA, Gearbox, and ProKennex. The move aims to keep pickleball focused on skill and control, not just power.
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