Two separate organizations govern paddle equipment standards in competitive pickleball. They have different jurisdictions, different testing metrics, and in some areas different limits. This page covers each independently.
National Governing Body. Applies to all USAP-sanctioned tournaments, amateur and recreational competitive play. Testing conducted by Element U.S. Space & Defense. Source: Equipment Standards Manual, Revision 3.0, January 2025.
Size
| Combined length + width |
≤ 24 inches (60.96 cm), including edge guard and butt cap |
| Maximum length |
≤ 17 inches (43.18 cm) |
| Thickness |
No restriction |
| Weight |
No restriction |
Surface
| General requirement |
No holes, indentations, rough texturing, or features that allow a player to impart excessive spin on the ball |
| Roughness — Rz (avg) |
≤ 30 µm. No single data point above 33 µm |
| Roughness — Rt (avg) |
≤ 40 µm. No single data point above 44 µm |
| Coefficient of friction |
Kinetic coefficient of friction ≤ 0.1875 (per ASTM D1894-14) |
| Gloss / reflectivity |
≤ 80 GU on paddle face and edge guards, measured at 60°. Nothing adversely reflective to opposing players. |
Power — PBCoR (Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution)
| Current limit |
≤ 0.43 (effective November 1, 2025) |
| Previous limit |
≤ 0.44 (effective November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025) |
| Ongoing compliance |
Paddles must remain within the PBCoR limit over their entire useful life, including any break-in period. Degradation to benefit is not permitted. |
All RPM paddles carry USAP PBCoR .43 approval.
Permitted Alterations
| Edge guards |
Tape or replacement edge guards |
| Weighted tape |
Flat adhesive weighted tape |
| OEM weights |
Weights for an OEM integrated weight system |
| Grip modifications |
Size inserts, grip wraps, OEM interchangeable grips, OEM replacement paddle faces |
| Markings |
Name decals and identification markings on the paddle face; handwritten markings (must not affect surface roughness, must be in good taste) |
| Placement limits |
Decals and tape may not extend more than 1.0 inch above the top of the grip, or more than 0.5 inch inside the outer edge of the paddle |
Prohibited
| Textured surfaces |
Anti-skid paint or paint textured with sand, rubber, or vinyl compounds; rubber or synthetic rubber surfaces; sandpaper-like characteristics |
| Moving parts |
Any moving part that increases head momentum with a proven increase in force. Vibration dampers are permitted. |
| Removable parts |
Any removable parts beyond the permitted alterations listed above |
| Compressible material |
Springs, spring-like material, flexible membranes, or compressible material that creates a trampoline effect |
| Electronic / mechanical |
Electrical, electronic, or mechanical assistance of any kind |
Approval and Violations
| Player responsibility |
Players are responsible for confirming their paddle is listed as “Pass” on the USAP Approved Paddle List before competing |
| Violation before match |
Player may switch to a compliant paddle. No penalty. |
| Violation during match |
Player or team forfeits that match only |
| Violation after match |
Match results stand |
| Manufacturer compliance |
Manufacturers are subject to ongoing compliance testing. Approval may be revoked with 18 months’ notice if a paddle is materially changed or degrades under ordinary use. |
Governs professional events only: PPA Tour main draws and qualifiers, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and PPA Challenger events. Testing conducted by Pro Pickle Labs (PPL). Source: 2025 UPA-A Paddle Rules, effective September 1, 2025.
Size and Physical Limits
| Combined length + width |
≤ 24 inches (same as USAP) |
| Maximum length |
≤ 17 inches (same as USAP) |
| Maximum thickness UPA-A only
|
≤ 24 mm (0.945 in), measured at the thickest point of the face. USAP has no thickness limit. |
| Maximum weight UPA-A only
|
≤ 10.0 oz (283.5 g) including any modifications. USAP has no weight limit. |
| Weight additions |
Flat weighted adhesive along the edge of the paddle, or on the handle or butt cap only. No other weight modification methods permitted. |
Performance Limits UPA-A only
| PEF (Paddle Efficiency Factor) |
≤ 0.385 for new paddles. A temporary break-in allowance permits up to 0.405 PEF through the lab break-in process until March 1, 2026. After March 1, 2026, a paddle must not exceed 0.385 at any point in its useful life. |
| Maximum spin rate |
≤ 2100 RPM |
PEF and spin rate are UPA-A-specific metrics. USAP uses PBCoR and surface roughness measurements instead.
Surface
| Flatness |
The hitting surface must be entirely flat. Applies to the full area above the top of the grip. Edge guards are excluded from this measurement. |
| Roughness |
No holes, indentations, rough texturing, or features that allow excessive spin. No spray-on grit or applied substances that increase friction, dwell time, or spin. |
| Reflectivity |
No reflective or sparkling materials on the face, edge guard, or handle |
| Color restrictions |
Regulated colors (yellow, white, green, gold, or colors that could be confused with the ball) may not constitute more than 20% of the paddle face in any circular area, and must not be concentrated in the sweet spot area |
Certification
| Tied to models |
Certifications apply to a model, not individual cosmetic variants. If one colorway of a model is decertified, all colorways are decertified. |
| Structural vs. cosmetic |
Thickness, shape, edge design, handle length, and weight are all structural variations — each requires separate certification. Pure cosmetic changes (colors, graphics) require a Paddle Design Registration Form, no additional fee. |
| Expiration |
Certifications expire after 24 months. Biennial performance audits required. |
| Manufacturer attestation |
Manufacturers must submit a Paddle Design Registration Form confirming cosmetic variants contain no structural differences from the certified model. |
Paddle Tracking — Effective 2026
| Serial number |
Each paddle must carry a unique serial number or NFC chip traceable by the manufacturer |
| Placement |
Permanently affixed on the face of the paddle in a visible and legible location |
Paddle Challenges (Professional Events)
| When |
A player may challenge an opponent’s paddle at any time during a match. Challenges are not permitted after the match ends. |
| Informal resolution |
If a player suspects a paddle is non-compliant, they may request the opponent switch paddles. If the opponent agrees, no penalties are issued. |
| Formal challenge |
If the opponent refuses, a formal official challenge may be filed. The paddle is sent to the PPL lab; results are published publicly within one week. Match results stand regardless of outcome. |
| Failed challenge penalty |
$1,000 fine on the challenging player if the paddle tests compliant. Fine doubles with each subsequent failed challenge. |
| Upheld challenge penalties |
Offending player fined minimum $2,500, retroactively disqualified, loses all match points and any medals earned in that bracket. |
Manufacturing Violations
| Construction non-compliance |
Fines starting at $5,000 |
| Intentional circumvention |
Fines starting at $25,000 |
| Severe infractions |
Suspension from PPA events, loss of ranking points, or in extreme cases expulsion from all UPA-sanctioned events |
| Certification revocation |
Prohibited from sanctioned play after a 12-month notice period |
