Overview
- All paddles used in competition will be tested on site in under five minutes per paddle, with optional pre-testing offered to reduce delays.
- Initial field checks will measure deflection, coefficient of friction, overall weight and balance, and surface roughness, with additional metrics like PBCoR and enhanced spin planned for later phases.
- Paddles that pass will receive RFID stickers storing results, and a Pickleball Instruments mobile app is planned by March to let players track performance over time.
- USA Pickleball developed the protocol with Pickleball Instruments and plans to expand access to clubs and additional events, including future testing kiosks.
- The program is designed to verify point of origin and performance to flag potential counterfeits, with tolerances accounting for normal paddle wear and a longer-term manufacturer-led verification chain.