1. USAP Status – Changes to Paddle Approval Process

• Overview of USAP Changes: "First up, let’s talk about USAP. There have been some important updates to the approval process for paddles. USAP certification is now more expensive, and some brands may not be officially approved despite using the USAP logo. Be aware of this when shopping around."

• What to Look For: "If you're buying a paddle, especially online, check to see if it's listed on the USAP’s official approved list. Some paddles, particularly on platforms like Amazon, might show the USAP logo but are not actually certified."

• Pre-order and Waitlist Situation: "A lot of companies, including ours, are offering pre-orders while waiting for approval. And that's okay! Some brands are transparent about their paddle status, but remember – if you’re just starting out or playing at a lower skill level, not having USAP approval may not matter much."

• When USAP Approval Matters: "If you’re a serious player or competing at higher levels, you definitely want to make sure your paddle is USAP approved. You don’t want to risk playing with an illegal paddle in a tournament."

2. PBCOR Tests and the Impact on Gen 3 Paddles

• PBCOR Tests Officially Rolling Out: "Now let’s talk about the new PBCOR testing system that’s rolling out for USAP-approved paddles. This is big news for paddles using Gen 3 technology, which may be on the chopping block."

• Affected Paddles: "We've already seen some paddles, like the Gearbox Pro Elongated, Black Ace, and Joola Mod, get delisted due to failing the PBCOR tests. So, if you're looking for a power-focused paddle with Gen 3 tech, you need to be careful."

• What This Means for Gen 3 Paddles: "These paddles are now on a tipping point. If you’re considering a Gen 3 power paddle, you could see more and more of them fail these tests in the future."

• KiwiLabs' Position: "At KiwiLabs, we focus on quality and control, not just power. Our paddles aren't geared towards raw power, so we don’t expect any issues with the PBCOR tests. But if you’re thinking about going with a power paddle, now’s the time to be cautious."

• The Future of Gen 3 Paddles: "For those of you eyeing the new CRBN paddle or the Rombus Ripple – it’s looking like the CRBN might never come out, and the Ripple’s future is uncertain. So, be cautious when looking at power paddles."

3. The UPA-A Standard and What it Means for the Future

• Introduction to UPA-A: "The last major update we need to cover is the UPA-A standard. This is a new certification being pushed by the UPA, and it’s causing some drama in the pickleball world."

• Joola’s Involvement with UPA-A: "We’ve already seen the Joola Gen 3 paddles hit the UPA-A list, but they aren’t approved by USAP. The only major brand currently paying for approval with UPA-A is Joola."

• Concerns Over Dual Certification: "Here’s the issue – brands like Selkirk, Engage, and others are refusing to pay the hefty fees to get UPA-A approval. The fees can range from $50k to $100k, and it’s just not practical for most brands. I stand with these companies, and I think the UPA-A certification could be a potential flop."

• Where the UPA-A is Headed: "Even if UPA-A becomes an official stamp, I think it’ll be problematic for the sport. Having to deal with two separate certifications is just insane. USAP already has a lot on their plate with the rapid growth of the sport and the increasing number of new paddles and technologies."

• The Best Approach Moving Forward: "Hopefully, USAP and UPA-A can meet in the middle and figure this out. Until then, I wouldn’t worry too much about UPA-A certification. Stick with USAP-approved paddles that focus on quality and performance, and avoid the confusion around these dual standards."