PBCoR Testing: What is It and Why is It Important?

PBCoR Testing: What is It and Why is It Important?

With the continuous and rapid growth of pickleball, it only makes sense that paddle manufacturers are continuously innovating and improving their products. Can you believe it? What started as a backyard game is now one of the fastest-growing sports in America. It wouldn’t be a shock if pickleball joins the Olympics soon. 

When pickleball was invented in 1965, the first paddle used was a ping-pong paddle. The evolution of pickleball paddles went from wooden to the current foam-infused. Pickleball paddle manufacturers continue to innovate their products and push the boundaries of paddle technology. As they say, “with great power comes great responsibility”. This is why USA Pickleball (USAP) developed a new way to test paddles: the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR).

What is the PBCoR?

During the last quarter of 2024, USAP started using PBCoR, or the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution. PBCoR is USAP’s new process to test the new paddles that can produce more power. PBCoR works by measuring how much energy the paddle retains and transfers to the ball. PBCoR aims to limit the trampoline effect: the paddle’s ability to flex upon the ball’s impact and spring back, launching the ball. In simpler terms, PBCoR measures how “bouncy” a paddle is once hit by the ball. The more bouncy the paddle is, the faster the ball will bounce off and potentially have more power. 

Did You Know?

Some pickleball paddles use the term “propulsion core”, like the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles and 101 Pickleball Phantom. Propulsion is the transfer of energy from the paddle to the ball, similar to the trampoline effect. JOOLA also refers to their paddles’ ability to spring back as a “catapult”.

Want to try what it feels like to use a propulsion core? Come and check out 101 Pickleball's Phantom now!

PBCoR .43

You've probably encountered these terms while browsing the newer paddles, right? Some paddles have a “USAP-approved + PBCoR .43” label on them, and you probably wondered what it meant. PBCoR .43 is the limit USAP set for the return of speed once the ball hits the paddle or the “bounciness”. The paddle has to be able to return only 43% of the incoming speed of the ball. 

For example:

Let’s say a pickleball is traveling toward you at 60 mph. Once you hit the ball with your paddle, the outgoing speed should only be 25.8. How did we get 25.8 as the outgoing speed? Here’s the simple equation:

Outgoing speed = incoming speed x PBCoR limit 

      = 60 x 0.43 

      = 25.8

How does PBCoR Testing Work?

Controlled Environment and Precise Measurements

  • An air cannon is set up to simulate a pickleball shot. A box-like structure called an instrumentation suite is built around the air cannon.
  • Laser lights are installed around the instrumentation suite to measure the inbound and outbound speed.
  • The air cannon is loaded with a special ball that imitates a USAP tournament-approved pickleball.
  • The paddle being tested is securely placed on the other end of the air cannon, with the sweet spot in the center so the ball can directly hit it.
  • The air cannon launches the ball at 60 to 100 mph toward the paddle.

Compliance

  • Pickleball paddle manufacturers must comply with the .43 limit; otherwise, paddles that exceed the limit will be banned from USAP-sanctioned tournaments.
  • The following paddles are not allowed to be used in USAP-sanctioned events starting July 1, 2025:
    • Joola: Perseus 14mm Mod TA-15
    • Joola: Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15
    • Gearbox: Pro Power Elongated
    • ProKennex: Black Ace Ovation
    • ProKennex: Black Ace Pro
    • ProKennex: Black Ace LG
    • ProKennex: Black Ace XF

Why is PBCoR Important?

There are a few reasons why PBCoR was developed and implemented. 

  • Ensure Fair Play: By setting a PBCoR limit (.43), manufacturers are prevented from making paddles that could give players an unfair advantage. 
  • Maintain the Sport's Character: Pickleball is known for using strategies like dinking. Using an excessively powerful paddle can alter the game's nature, making the player dependent on the paddle’s ability rather than their own. 
  • Player Safety: More powerful paddles can spring the ball faster and harder, possibly increasing the risk of injuries for the receiving player if hit. 

The Role of Technology in Pickleball Paddle Testing

Technology plays a huge role in pickleball paddle testing. Before PBCoR, paddles were tested through the coefficient of friction (COF), which tests a paddle's friction, a major contributor to spin. Grittier surfaces tend to “grip” the ball more and generate more spin. When raw carbon paddles came out, USAP implemented a way to test the surface of the paddles through 3D optical scanning. USAP also implemented an ultrasonic test to detect delamination. USAP uses high-tech laser lights and cameras during its testing process, including the PBCoR test.

Delamination is when the paddle’s layers start to separate because the adhesive that keeps these layers together starts to break apart, too.

The Impact of PBCoR on Manufacturers and Players

When the JOOLA Gen 3 ban controversy happened last year, it caused quite an uproar in the pickleball world. There was a back-and-forth releasing of statements wherein JOOLA tried to dispute the banning while USAP maintained their decision. To add to that, a second paddle from JOOLA, the MOD TA-15, was also banned by USAP for exceeding the PBCoR limit. Due to this, players who purchased the JOOLA had to change paddles if they wanted to compete in USAP-sanctioned tournaments; however, refunds were issued for the Gen 3 while discounts were offered for the MOD TA-15.

Manufacturers can innovate and push the boundaries of technologies, but they have to adhere to the limit set by USAP: PBCoR .43. For players, this means they can trust that their equipment meets the standards.

In a Nutshell

Because of the continuous growth of pickleball and manufacturers continuing to innovate pickleball paddles, a better testing process was needed. This is to make sure that there is fair play in every game since some paddles are made to have more power. PBCoR was created for this, and USAP set the limit for the outgoing speed the paddle can produce. The use of  PBCoR makes sure that pickleball stays fair and that players depend on their skills during matches. So, go ahead and grab your USAP PBCoR .43-approved paddle, and enjoy a fair game on the court!

Frequently Asked Questions about USAP PBCoR

What is the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR)?

  • PBCoR is a testing process implemented by USA Pickleball (USAP) to measure how much energy a pickleball paddle retains and transfers to the ball.
  • It aims to limit the "trampoline effect," which is the paddle's ability to flex and spring back upon impact, launching the ball with excessive power.

Why did USAP implement the PBCoR testing process?

  • To ensure fair play by preventing manufacturers from creating paddles that provide an unfair power advantage.
  • To maintain the character of pickleball, which relies on strategy and skill, not just powerful equipment.
  • To enhance player safety by limiting the speed and force of the ball off the paddle.

What does "PBCoR .43" mean?

  • It represents the maximum allowed return of speed from the paddle upon impact with the ball.
  • Specifically, a paddle can only return 43% of the incoming ball's speed.

How does the PBCoR testing process work?

  • An air cannon launches a simulated pickleball at the paddle.
  • Laser lights and cameras measure the inbound and outbound speed of the ball.
  • The paddle is securely positioned so the ball hits its sweet spot.
  • The measurements determine if the paddle complies with the .43 limit.

What happens if a pickleball paddle exceeds the PBCoR .43 limit?

  • The paddle will be banned from USAP-sanctioned tournaments.

What are some of the paddles that will be banned starting July 1, 2025?

  • Joola: Perseus 14mm Mod TA-15
  • Joola: Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15
  • Gearbox: Pro Power Elongated
  • ProKennex: Black Ace Ovation
  • ProKennex: Black Ace Pro
  • ProKennex: Black Ace LG
  • ProKennex: Black Ace XF

How has technology impacted pickleball paddle testing?

  • USAP uses advanced technologies like laser lights, high-speed cameras, 3D optical scanning, and ultrasonic testing.
  • These technologies provide precise measurements and evaluations of paddle performance.

10. What is the overall impact of PBCoR on the sport of pickleball?

  • Manufacturers have to ensure that their paddles don’t exceed the limit.
  • Players can trust that their USAP-approved paddles meet the standards.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaway Description
PBCoR Definition Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution; measures energy transfer from paddle to ball.
PBCoR Purpose Limit "trampoline effect" (paddle's bounce), ensure fair play, maintain sport's character, and enhance player safety.
PBCoR Limit .43; paddle can only return 43% of the incoming ball's speed.
Testing Process Air cannon simulates shots, laser lights measure speed, special ball imitates tournament pickleball.
Compliance Paddles exceeding .43 limit are banned from USAP-sanctioned tournaments.
Banned Paddles Specific models from JOOLA, Gearbox, and ProKennex listed.
Importance of PBCoR Ensures fair play, maintains game's integrity, and enhances player safety.
Technology's Role Laser lights, 3D optical scanning, and ultrasonic testing used in paddle evaluation.
Impact on Manufacturers Must adhere to .43 limit; non-compliance leads to bans.
Impact on Players Ensures standardized equipment; refunds or discounts offered for banned paddles.
For More Information Contact us at 101grouppb@gmail.com
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