The Joola Ban: A Deep Dive into the Controversy

JOOLA Gen 3 paddles, banned??

JOOLA is a well-known and huge sports store that manufactures pickleball and table tennis equipment. Not only that, they have big names endorsing them like Ben and Collin Johns, Tyson McGuffin, Anna Bright, and Simone Jardim. The pickleball world was sent into a frenzy when USA Pickleball (USAP/USAPA) announced that the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles were banned. This decision sparked controversy on the fairness and transparency of the ban. If you’re wondering why the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles got banned, we’ll discuss it here. Come join us in diving deeper into this controversy and you be the judge whether it was a fair decision or not.

• JOOLA Pickleball Paddle Banned: Gen 3
• JOOLA Gen 3 Paddles: the Banned Features
• Alternatives to the Banned JOOLA Pickleball Paddle
• USA Pickleball Equipment Standards
• To Sum It Up
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Key Takeaways

JOOLA Pickleball Paddle Banned: Gen 3

Timeline of Events

• November 2023

JOOLA submitted the Gen 3 Paddles USA Pickleball for certification. USA Pickleball uses a third-party testing facility that rigorously tests the equipment to high standards.

• May 14 and 15, 2024

According to USA Pickleball, JOOLA advised them that the latter submitted the wrong paddles. This prompted USA Pickleball to de-list the Gen 3 paddles from the approved list.

• May 15, 2024

USA Pickleball informed JOOLA that their Gen 3 paddles were banned.

• May 16, 2024

USA Pickleball and JOOLA posted separate statements about the matter. USA Pickleball announced that the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles are banned and that JOOLA intended to submit additional paddles for certification. JOOLA also announced the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles are being banned due to an administrative error on their part as part of USA Pickleball's similarity testing protocols. They mentioned they had consistently and successfully met USA Pickleball’s standards since they entered the pickleball community.

• June 4, 2024

USA Pickleball announced that they had tested the additional paddles JOOLA sent, however, they still did not meet the approved equipment standards. JOOLA Gen 3 paddles are banned officially. The Gen 2 paddles cannot be used in any USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments.

• June 5, 2024

JOOLA expressed their disappointment with USA Pickleball’s decision and said that they will try to dispute it. They also offered refunds for customers who bought the Gen 3 paddles between April 16 and June 15, 2024. They also coordinated with the retail and e-commerce stores that sell the products to organize the refund process.

• June 13, 2024

JOOLA announced that they filed a lawsuit against USA Pickleball because they believe that the Gen 3 paddles met the equipment standards since it was previously approved before being de-listed.

The JOOLA Gen 3 paddles were very promising. Ben Johns even tested and reviewed the Perseus Gen 3. He was pleased with the paddle's improved features and couldn’t provide any cons. He mentioned that the paddle has “way more power” than expected. 

The reason why the Gen 3 JOOLA pickleball paddle got banned was still unclear. USA Pickleball and JOOLA both stated that JOOLA sent the wrong paddles. This could be why the paddles got banned since USA Pickleball stated that the paddles didn’t pass the equipment standard test. There were some speculations that the Gen 3 paddles' unique design and composition may have given players an unfair advantage. 

The ban had made a significant impact on the pickleball community. Players who purchased the banned JOOLA pickleball paddle will have to purchase new paddles since they won't be able to use the Gen 3 paddles in USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments. JOOLA-sponsored professional players were also especially affected since they use the paddles provided by JOOLA and if they trained using the Gen 3 paddles, they will have to adjust to the new ones. The ban also affected retailers since they had to issue refunds, and this was a big deal, especially for smaller and newer stores. The ban also raised questions about whether the approval process was fair. 

JOOLA Gen 3 Paddles: the Banned Features

The JOOLA Gen 3 paddles that were banned were supposed upgrades of JOOLA's famous paddle lineups: Ben Johns and Simone Jardim’s Hyperion, Collin Johns and Anna Bright’s Scorpeus, Ben Johns’ Perseus, and the new Tyson McGuffin’s Magnus. Except for the new and colorful edge guards, the Gen 3 paddles also featured a “propulsion core”. This new feature makes a catapult effect that gives extreme power on drives, counters, and speed-ups while still providing feel and control on dinks, drops, and resets. 

If you’re a fan of the propulsion core feature, worry not because other paddles offer that feature and are USA Pickleball-approved. Check out these Gen 3 alternatives that you can use when you join a USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournament.

Alternatives to the Banned JOOLA Pickleball Paddle

JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15

The JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15 is a great alternative to the banned JOOLA Gen 3 paddles. Like the banned JOOLA Gen 3 paddles, the Perseus Mod TA-15 also features a propulsion core. This paddle provides next-level control that matches its responsiveness and feel, making it perfect for competitive play. However, unlike the banned JOOLA pickleball paddle, the Mod TA-15 is USA Pickleball-approved. 

101 Pickleball Phantom

There’s a new kid in town: the 101 Pickleball Phantom paddle. This USA Pickleball-approved paddle also features a propulsion core. This paddle will give you enough power, more control, and better spins to dominate the court. No matter what your skill level is, you will get pro-level experience with the Phantom.

If you want a pickleball paddle that will not let you down on the court, explore 101 Pickleball’s premium paddles and find the one that suits you best!

Now, we come to the question that you might have. How does a paddle become USA Pickleball-certified? JOOLA has already built a great reputation, yet their innovative paddles still got rejected. What makes a paddle qualified? It all comes down to the USA Pickleball equipment standards. If the paddle passes the standard test, then it will be certified.

USA Pickleball Equipment Standards

If you have paddles that you want to be approved for USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments, you can submit them to USA Pickleball to be tested. You have to make sure that your paddles meet the equipment standards so that they won’t get rejected or de-listed. USA Pickleball sets standards for equipment that will be used in their sanctioned tournaments so that there are no unfair advantages. You’ll just have to depend on your skills to win and not your paddle.

Paddle Specifications

The paddle shouldn’t exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm) and should be made of safe, rigid, and non-compressible materials. The surface shouldn't have any features that will allow the player to apply too much spin on the ball. It shouldn't also have a reflective surface that can distract or affect the opponent’s vision. The brand and model name should be clearly visible on the surface, as well as the “USA Pickleball Approved”.

To Sum It Up

The banning of the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles created a huge controversy when it happened. Despite JOOLA having a great reputation for creating high-quality paddles and claiming that the paddles met the equipment standards, USA Pickleball stood by its decision to de-list and eventually ban the paddles. This raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the approval process. While the reason for the ban is still unclear, the banning may be because of JOOLA’s initial mistake of sending the wrong paddles or that the paddles give an unfair advantage to players. Either way, USA Pickleball stood by their decision which led to JOOLA filing a lawsuit. 

Moving forward, pickleball players and enthusiasts can only hope that this controversy over the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles getting banned will lead to a more transparent approval process for pickleball equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why was the JOOLA Gen 3 paddle banned by USA Pickleball?

The official reason cited by USA Pickleball was that the Gen 3 paddles submitted for certification did not meet the approved equipment standards. However, the specific reasons for the ban remain unclear, leading to speculation and controversy.

• What were the features of the JOOLA Gen 3 paddle?
• Propulsion core: A unique feature designed to enhance power and control.
• Improved design: The Gen 3 paddles featured a redesigned shape and edge guards.
• What were the consequences of the ban for JOOLA and its customers?
• Financial impact: JOOLA had to issue refunds to customers who purchased the banned paddles.
• Reputation damage: The ban raised questions about the quality and fairness of JOOLA products.
• Lawsuit: JOOLA filed a lawsuit against USA Pickleball, disputing the ban and seeking clarification.
• How did the ban affect the pickleball community?
• Player frustration: Many players were disappointed and frustrated by the ban, as it affected their ability to use their preferred paddles in sanctioned tournaments.
• Uncertainty: The ban created uncertainty about the future of equipment approval and raised questions about the fairness of the process.
• Economic impact: The ban may have had negative economic consequences for retailers and manufacturers who sold or produced the Gen 3 paddles.
• What were the potential reasons for the ban?
• Equipment standards: The paddles may have exceeded the limits set by USA Pickleball for paddle size, shape, or materials.
• Unfair advantage: Some speculated that the Gen 3 paddles' unique features could have given players an unfair advantage.
• What alternatives are available for players who owned the banned JOOLA Gen 3 paddles?
• JOOLA Gen 2 paddles: JOOLA offered refunds and encouraged customers to consider their Gen 2 paddles, which were approved by USA Pickleball.
• Other approved paddles: Players could explore alternative paddle options from other brands that meet USA Pickleball's equipment standards.
• What can we expect in terms of future equipment approvals and regulations in pickleball?
• Increased transparency: The controversy surrounding the JOOLA Gen 3 ban may lead to greater transparency and clarity in the equipment approval process.
• Stricter standards: USA Pickleball may implement stricter standards to ensure fair play and prevent future disputes.
• Continued innovation: Paddle manufacturers may focus on developing new technologies and designs that comply with equipment regulations while offering innovative features.

Key Takeaways