See the full list of paddle brands approved for PPA Tour, MLP events
Last Edited
Apr 09 2025
Category
News
The United Pickleball Association of America has updated its list of paddles and paddle brands that have been granted provisional approval and interim certification for use on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball in 2025.
The UPA-A -- the governing body of the PPA Tour and MLP -- plans to announce new standards and testing procedures for full certification by the end of 2025, with the goal of requiring full certification sometime between July 1 and Oct. 1.
Until then, paddles are required need to meet the following UPA-A Provisional Approval guidelines:
- For paddles that already have USA Pickleball certification, brands will be required to send in paddles to UPA-A for provisional approval. This ensures that the paddles are tested and meet the legal standards for play.
- All manufacturers must ensure that the paddles submitted for approval are constructed from the same materials and specifications as the ones used in professional play during UPA competitions.
The following 26 companies have received provisional approval for paddles:
20X44
Adidas
Aireo
CRBN
Engage
Franklin
Head
Holbrook
Joola
Lotto
Nox
Onix
PaddleTek
PIKKL
ProKennex
Proton
ProXR
Revolin
Selkirk
Six Zero
Thrive
Vatic Pro
Versix
Volair
Vulcan
You can find each company's specific paddles that have been granted provisional approval here.
There also are five brands that have applied for and received interim certification for paddles:
Adidas
Franklin
Joola
Proton
Versix
You can see those specific paddles here.
Some brands are still undecided, evaluating options or have not yet communicated with the UPA-A on whether they will seek certification.
Onsite testing of paddles will be conducted at all events. Only paddles with UPA-A provisional approval or interim certification will be tested and allowed for play.
JOOLA, which sponsors several top pros, has been granted interim certification for its Perseus Pro IV paddle that is expected to be released to the public in March.
Notably absent from the UPA's list are three major paddle brands that as of Feb. 28 had not taken the necessary steps to gain approval from the pro tour's governing body.
Those brands are:
Gearbox
Gamma
Babolat
If those companies continue to be holdouts, pro players will be unable to use paddles from those brands in 2025 PPA Tour and MLP events.
The companies could at any point reconsider their decision and submit paddles for UPA-A approval in 2025.
Gearbox, Gamma and Babolat paddles are still approved for use by USA Pickleball and therefore can be used at the amateur level.
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