Pickleball is growing at an incredible pace, with new players, tournaments, and equipment constantly shaping the game. As the sport evolves, so do the rules—especially when it comes to pickleball paddles.
Recently, some paddles have been banned from sanctioned play by USA Pickleball (USAP), sparking discussions among players, manufacturers, and tournament organizers.
But why are certain paddles banned? Which paddles are no longer allowed in official competitions? How does this affect everyday pickleball players?
This article will cover:
✅ Why some pickleball paddles get banned
✅ The latest list of banned paddles (as of 2025)
✅ The science behind the trampoline effect and paddle testing
✅ How to check if your paddle is legal for play
✅ What to do if your paddle is banned
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of paddle regulations, how they impact the game, and what you need to do to stay compliant in tournaments.
1. Why Are Some Pickleball Paddles Banned?
Pickleball paddles are regulated to maintain fairness and balance in gameplay. Some paddles get banned when they provide an unfair advantage due to their materials, technology, or design.
The Main Reasons Paddles Get Banned
🚀 Excessive Power (Trampoline Effect) – If a paddle propels the ball too fast upon impact, it disrupts the game’s balance.
📏 Exceeding Surface Texture Limits – Some paddles have too much texture or grit, giving players an unfair spin advantage.
⚖️ Weight & Dimension Violations – If a paddle is too heavy or oversized, it can create unfair leverage for players.
⚙️ Unapproved Materials – Some paddles use experimental materials that don’t meet USA Pickleball standards.
USA Pickleball conducts rigorous testing on paddles to ensure they comply with these rules. If a paddle fails these tests, it gets banned from sanctioned tournaments.
2. The Latest List of Banned Pickleball Paddles (As of 2025)
USA Pickleball recently announced that certain paddles will be decertified for tournament play starting July 1, 2025. This decision is based on testing that found these paddles exceeded performance limits, particularly in the trampoline effect category.
Banned Pickleball Paddles: Effective July 1, 2025
🚫 JOOLA Paddles Banned
- JOOLA Perseus 14mm Mod TA-15
- JOOLA Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15
🚫 Gearbox Paddle Banned
- Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
🚫 ProKennex Paddles Banned
- ProKennex Black Ace Ovation
- ProKennex Black Ace Pro
- ProKennex Black Ace LG
- ProKennex Black Ace XF
🔥 These paddles will still be legal until June 30, 2025, so if you use one, you still have time before you need to switch.
👉 Check the official USA Pickleball website for the most up-to-date list of banned paddles: usapickleball.org
3. Understanding the Trampoline Effect & Paddle Testing
One of the main reasons paddles get banned is the trampoline effect—but what does that mean?
What Is the Trampoline Effect?
The trampoline effect occurs when a paddle’s surface compresses and then rapidly returns to its shape, causing the ball to spring off faster than usual.
This effect increases ball speed and power, giving players an unfair advantage. USA Pickleball limits this effect through the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) test.
How Paddle Testing Works
USA Pickleball uses advanced lab testing to evaluate paddles based on:
✅ Surface Compression – Measures how much the paddle deforms on impact.
✅ Ball Speed After Impact – Ensures the paddle doesn’t give excessive power.
✅ Spin & Texture Testing – Checks that the paddle’s surface isn’t too rough.
✅ Durability Tests – Evaluates long-term wear and tear performance.
If a paddle fails any of these tests, it gets banned from sanctioned tournament play.
4. How to Check If Your Paddle Is Legal for Play
If you play in USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments, you need to make sure your paddle is approved.
Steps to Check Your Paddle’s Legality
1️⃣ Visit the Official USA Pickleball Approved Paddles List
- Go to the USA Pickleball Equipment Database (usapickleball.org)
- Enter your paddle’s brand and model to see if it’s approved.
2️⃣ Check with Your Tournament Organizers
- Some tournaments have specific paddle rules, so always check before playing.
3️⃣ Look for the USA Pickleball Approval Seal
- Many approved paddles have a USA Pickleball-approved stamp printed on them.
👉 If your paddle isn’t on the approved list, it might be time for an upgrade!
5. What to Do If Your Paddle Gets Banned
If your favorite paddle is on the banned list, here’s what you can do:
🛍 Find a Legal Alternative – Many brands offer similar paddles that meet regulations.
📞 Check with the Manufacturer – Some brands offer trade-in programs or discounts on new models.
🎾 Use It for Recreational Play – Just because it’s banned from tournaments doesn’t mean you can’t use it in casual games!
🚀 Stay Updated – Follow USA Pickleball and major paddle brands to get updates on new, approved models.
6. How Paddle Bans Impact the Pickleball Community
Banning paddles isn’t just about rules—it affects players, manufacturers, and the sport’s future.
a. Impact on Competitive Players
✅ Players must adjust to new paddles, affecting their performance.
✅ Some players feel frustrated if their expensive paddle gets banned.
b. Impact on Manufacturers
✅ Paddle brands must redesign and retest products to meet regulations.
✅ Some brands, like ProKennex, have challenged bans, saying their paddles are unfairly targeted.
c. Impact on Recreational Play
✅ Casual players aren’t affected much—banned paddles can still be used in non-tournament games.
✅ However, some clubs follow USA Pickleball rules and may restrict banned paddles.
👉 Bottom Line: Paddle bans aim to keep the game fair, but they also spark debate about technology, innovation, and player preferences.
7. Final Thoughts: Staying Informed About Paddle Rules
Pickleball is evolving, and paddle regulations are part of ensuring a fair and balanced game.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Some paddles are being banned starting July 1, 2025, including models from JOOLA, Gearbox, and ProKennex.
✅ The trampoline effect is the main reason paddles get banned.
✅ Always check the official USA Pickleball list to see if your paddle is legal.
✅ If your paddle is banned, look for alternatives or manufacturer trade-in programs.
✅ Stay updated on new rules to ensure you’re always using an approved paddle.
🚀 Want to stay ahead of the game? Follow the latest equipment updates at usapickleball.org and be ready for whatever changes come next!
🎾 Now, grab a legal paddle and get back to dinking! 🏓🔥
