The JOOLA Saga: MOD TA-15 Banned

The pickleball world is once again buzzing with controversy. It seems that before 2024 ended, the JOOLA controversy became a saga as USA Pickleball (USAP/USAPA) banned another one of their pickleball paddles. The MOD TA-15 is officially banned from being used in tournaments effective July 1, 2025. This paddle, along with other banned pickleball paddles, has once again ignited reactions and debate from pickler players.

This post will dive deeper into the controversy surrounding the JOOLA MOD TA-15 ban, its impact on players and manufacturers, and the future of pickleball equipment.

• A History of the JOOLA Ban Controversy
• JOOLA MOD TA-15 BAN
• JOOLA’s Response to the MOD TA-15 Ban
• The Bigger Picture and Future of Pickleball
• To Sum It Up
• Frequently Asked Questions About the JOOLA MOD TA-15 Ban
• Key Takeaways

A History of the JOOLA Ban Controversy

In our previous blog post about the JOOLA Gen 3 banned pickleball paddles, we discussed part one of this paddle-banning saga that shook the pickleball community. These bans were based on USAP’s new and advanced paddle testing, paddle/ball coefficient of restitution (PBCoR). 

The Gen 3 paddles were officially banned last May 2024. JOOLA and USAP had back-and-forth announcements due to JOOLA trying to dispute the ban. JOOLA even went as far as filing a lawsuit against USAP because they believed that the banned pickleball paddles met the equipment standards.

Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR)

The Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) test used by USAP is more accurate in measuring a paddle’s power compared to the static tests before. As pickleball paddles continue to be more innovative, USAP has to cope with these advancements and come up with a proper testing process. Thus, the PBCoR was developed in partnership with the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), Element Space & Defense, and equipment manufacturers.

The PBCoR test works by testing the paddle’s construction and checking its power capacity (how strong and fast the ball will go after its impact on the paddle surface). The test was implemented so that no paddle that exceeds the limits will be included in the tournaments and prevent unfair advantages for players.

JOOLA MOD TA-15 BAN

JOOLA MOD TA-15 was made based on the Gen 3 paddles and was submitted as a replacement for the previously banned pickleball paddles. Just like the Gen 3 paddles, the MOD TA-15 paddles by JOOLA also have a propulsion core. This feature provides extreme power while still providing control and feel, making it perfect for competitive plays.

The JOOLA MOD TA-15 paddles were approved by USAP last September 2023. However, in December 2024, JOOLA announced that the paddles were banned. USAP also made an announcement with the list of banned pickleball paddles for the upcoming tournaments starting July 1, 2025. These paddles exceeded the allowed limits for the equipment standards.

Banned Pickleball Paddles 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

JOOLA’s Response to the MOD TA-15 Ban

Together with their announcement in December 2024, JOOLA also introduced Pro IV Series which they will release on March 2025. The Pro IV series will be designed to meet USAP’s new equipment standards. The first paddle to be released in this series will be the Perseus Pro IV paddle.

JOOLA Paddle Refresh Program

In response to the banning of the MOD TA-15, JOOLA made the Paddle Refresh Program. All customers who purchased a MOD TA-15 paddle in brand-new condition before March 1, 2025 are entitled to 50% off the Perseus Pro IV paddle. Customers don’t need to return their MOD TA-15 paddles when they purchase the new Perseus Pro IV paddle. This program will run from March 15, 2025 to April 30, 2025. The JOOLA Paddle Refresh Program code must be used before June 1, 2025.

Pickleball Players' Reaction to JOOLA’s Program

Pickleball players are divided about the JOOLA Paddle Refresh Program. Some are questioning why a full refund won’t be given to the point where some are becoming annoyed with the company. These annoyed JOOLA customers are expressing their frustrations because they are going to be shelling out more money to be able to get a new paddle that is allowed on sanctioned tournaments, while some are trying to look from JOOLA’s perspective causing arguments. 

The Bigger Picture and Future of Pickleball

Because of these banned pickleball paddles and JOOLA having a paddle banned twice now, picklers are discussing (and some debating) on forums and social media comment sections. Some are wondering why USAP keeps on banning these innovative paddles and if there is tea 🍵 behind it. Some are saying that JOOLA is too good of a competitor that’s why they keep on getting banned after being already approved, however, these are all merely rumors. Others have pointed out that this isn’t happening exclusively to JOOLA and other brands are experiencing this too. Many helpful picklers are explaining the reason behind these bans and how the PBCoR test affects these bans.

Because of the banned pickleball paddles, manufacturers and buyers are both affected. With the companies that issued a refund or discount, this would mean a loss of profit for them. While stricter regulations are necessary to make sure there are no unfair advantages for players and to maintain the integrity of the game, this can also limit innovation and player choice. Smaller companies will be impacted more heavily because they will not only lose profit but they also most likely can’t afford to invest in research and development yet to cope with the continuous changes in equipment standards.

The future of pickleball equipment remains uncertain. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, equipment manufacturers continue to think of ways to innovate their products. Because of this,  the pressure to regulate equipment will likely increase. 

In the meantime, players who own the JOOLA MOD TA-15 and other banned pickleball paddles will need to find alternative equipment for sanctioned tournaments. This could be a challenging transition for some players, especially those who are already used to using these paddles.

To Sum It Up

The banning of JOOLA MOD TA-15 by USAP is another chapter on the ongoing evolution of pickleball. Pickleball keeps on growing so equipment manufacturers also invest in innovating their products. This causes governing bodies like USAP to continuously develop how to test the paddles being submitted for sanctioned tournaments to make sure that all equipment is up to standards and doesn't exceed the set limits to ensure fairness. This has shown to be a challenge to USAP, manufacturers, and pickleball players. Pickleball is continuously growing and has no signs of stopping (which is good!) so everyone will have to cope with the innovations and latest technologies. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the JOOLA MOD TA-15 Ban

• What is the main reason for the JOOLA MOD TA-15 ban?
• The primary reason for the ban is that the paddle exceeded the power limits set by the USAP's new PBCoR testing standards.
• How does the PBCoR test determine if a paddle is legal?
• The PBCoR test measures the coefficient of restitution between the paddle and the ball, which essentially determines how much energy is transferred from the paddle to the ball. Paddles that exceed the allowable power limit are deemed illegal.
• What are the potential consequences of using a banned paddle in a tournament?
• Players using banned paddles may face penalties, such as disqualification from the tournament or a loss of ranking points.
• How is the pickleball community reacting to the JOOLA MOD TA-15 ban?
• The reaction has been mixed, with some players expressing frustration and others understanding the need for regulations.
• Concerns have been raised about the impact of these bans on smaller manufacturers and the potential for stifling innovation.
• What is the future of pickleball equipment regulation?
• It's likely that equipment regulations will continue to evolve as technology advances and new materials are introduced.
• USAP will likely continue to refine its testing methods and adjust the allowable power limits for pickleball paddles.
• What advice would you give to players affected by the JOOLA MOD TA-15 ban?
• Take advantage of the JOOLA Paddle Refresh Program to upgrade to a legal paddle.
• Research and test other legal paddles to find a suitable replacement.
• Stay informed about the latest rule changes and equipment regulations.

Key Takeaways