Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular sports in the world, attracting both casual players and professional athletes. With the game’s increasing competitiveness, pickleball paddles have evolved, incorporating new technologies and materials to improve performance. However, not all paddles are allowed in official tournaments, and some even get banned by governing bodies like USA Pickleball (USAP).
But why do some pickleball paddles get banned? What makes a paddle illegal, and how does this impact players and manufacturers?
In this article, we’ll explore:
✅ The main reasons why pickleball paddles get banned
✅ How governing bodies test and regulate paddles
✅ The latest list of banned paddles (2025 update)
✅ How to check if your paddle is legal
✅ What to do if your paddle is banned
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of why paddles get banned, how it affects the sport, and what you need to do to ensure your paddle is tournament legal.
1. Why Do Pickleball Paddles Get Banned?
A pickleball paddle can be banned if it gives players an unfair advantage or if it does not meet standard equipment regulations. Governing bodies test paddles for power, spin, and size limits to maintain fair play.
Here are the main reasons why paddles get banned:
1.1 Excessive Power (Trampoline Effect)
One of the biggest reasons paddles get banned is the trampoline effect—when a paddle propels the ball with too much speed and force.
🚀 What is the Trampoline Effect?
- When the ball bounces off the paddle faster than expected due to paddle compression.
- Some paddles are made with materials that absorb and then release energy too efficiently, acting like a trampoline.
- This gives players unfair power, disrupting the game’s balance.
👉 Example: The JOOLA Perseus series was recently banned due to concerns about excessive ball speed.
🔬 Testing Method:
USA Pickleball uses Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) tests to measure how much energy the paddle returns to the ball. If a paddle exceeds the legal limit, it gets banned.
1.2 Excessive Surface Texture (Spin Advantage)
Spin is an important part of pickleball strategy, but too much spin can create an unfair advantage.
🌀 How Spin Becomes a Problem:
- Some paddles have rough or textured surfaces that grip the ball too much.
- This creates an unrealistic amount of spin, making it harder for opponents to return shots.
👉 Example: The Electrum Pro II paddle was under scrutiny because of its high-spin capability due to surface roughness.
🔬 Testing Method:
USA Pickleball measures surface roughness using a laser device. If a paddle’s texture is too extreme, it is banned.
1.3 Illegal Paddle Dimensions & Weight
Pickleball paddles have strict rules regarding size and weight. If a paddle exceeds these limits, it is not allowed in sanctioned tournaments.
📏 Current Paddle Size Limits (USA Pickleball Rules):
✔️ Maximum combined length & width: 24 inches
✔️ Maximum paddle length: 17 inches
✔️ No weight limit, but must not provide unfair leverage
👉 Example: Some extra-long paddles have been flagged for review due to concerns about reach advantage.
🔬 Testing Method:
Paddles are measured using precise tools to check length, width, and total dimensions.
1.4 Use of Unapproved Materials
Pickleball paddles must be made from approved materials that meet durability and performance standards.
⚙️ Common Materials in Legal Paddles:
✔️ Polypropylene Core (Most common)
✔️ Carbon Fiber
✔️ Graphite
🚫 Banned or Controversial Materials:
❌ Spring-loaded cores
❌ Experimental composites that amplify ball speed
👉 Example: Some experimental prototypes from smaller brands have been flagged for violating material guidelines.
🔬 Testing Method:
Paddles undergo X-ray testing and material analysis to ensure compliance.
1.5 Noise Reduction Concerns
🏡 Pickleball is one of the loudest paddle sports, and some paddles amplify noise more than others.
Some neighborhoods and pickleball clubs enforce noise restrictions, leading to certain paddles being banned from recreational play (even if they are legal for tournaments).
🔊 Common "Quiet" Paddle Features:
✔️ Polypropylene cores (absorb sound)
✔️ Sound-dampening materials
🚫 Noisy Paddles That May Get Banned from Clubs:
- Aluminum core paddles
- Some carbon fiber paddles with extra hardness
🔥 Important: Noise restrictions are NOT enforced by USA Pickleball, but local communities may ban certain paddles from recreational courts.
2. The Latest List of Banned Pickleball Paddles (2025 Update)
🚨 USA Pickleball has announced that the following paddles will be banned from sanctioned tournament play starting 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 are currently legal until June 30, 2025.
3. How to Check If Your Paddle Is Legal for Play
Want to make sure your paddle is approved? Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Check the Official USA Pickleball Approved List
- Visit usapickleball.org
- Search for your paddle’s brand and model
2️⃣ Look for the USA Pickleball Approval Stamp
- Some paddles have a printed certification mark on them.
3️⃣ Ask Your Tournament Organizer
- Some tournaments have additional paddle restrictions beyond USA Pickleball rules.
4. What to Do If Your Paddle Gets Banned
If your favorite paddle gets banned, here’s what you can do:
✔️ Find a Legal Alternative – Many brands offer similar paddles that comply with new rules.
✔️ Contact the Manufacturer – Some companies offer trade-in programs or discounts for switching to a legal model.
✔️ Use It for Recreational Play – A banned paddle can still be used in casual games (unless your club has restrictions).
✔️ Stay Updated on Paddle Regulations – Rules evolve, and new paddles get released constantly!
Final Thoughts: Why Paddle Bans Are Necessary
While some players may find paddle bans frustrating, they are important for maintaining fairness in pickleball.
✅ They prevent an unfair power advantage
✅ They regulate spin and texture to keep gameplay balanced
✅ They encourage innovation while maintaining fair play
🚀 Want to stay ahead of paddle regulations? Always check usapickleball.org for updates and approved paddle lists!
Now, grab a legal paddle and get back to dinking! 🏓🔥
