Ultrasonic bond testing provides a proven technology to identify delamination courtside during professional events .
The EEC is a data-driven group that works closely with the rules committee and the manufacturing community with an objective of ensuring a level playing field for both manufacturers and athletes . Primary areas of concern on paddle performance are spin-inducing friction and power-enhancing attributes with a focus on preventing unfair competitive advantages in a sport that has an extremely wide range of playing types and skill levels . For balls , dimensional consistency and rebound characteristics drive most of the tests .
Over time , our rules , specifications , standards and means of testing have evolved in response to , or in anticipation of , innovations in technology , manufacturing / testing processes , and / or policy interpretation . We ’ ve learned so much in observing the evolution of other racket and paddle sports , and how changes in materials and equipment have affected those sports , thus aiding in our decision-making .
In late 2018 , a paddle was introduced with a molded , specification-pushing “ raw carbon ” surface ; until 2021 , it was the sole paddle of its kind . The manufacturing process for this surface is complex , requiring stringent quality control to stay within specs , and the nature of the surface presents another challenge for consistent results when testing for roughness using existing technologies . This year , we expect close to one-third of all paddles submitted to use this surface . To address this , we ’ ve been evaluating non-contact optical scanning platforms to improve accuracy , consistency , and repeatability in certification and compliance testing , as well as the onsite paddle control testing launched at critical events since the 2022 USA Pickleball National Championships . We ’ ll embark on a similar corollary testing process
as we did with the transition to ball compression and introduction of coefficient of friction testing , using known legal equipment to establish thresholds within the new specifications . The goal is to make this transition through Q2 ’ 23 .
In the first quarter of 2023 , a new paddle configuration was introduced by several manufacturers , broadly referred to as “ thermoformed .” Initial production runs of this paddle presented an occasional issue of delamination in the field after use , given the new configuration of an internal “ frame .” Although Rule 2 . E . 2 . states that a player shall retire a paddle that is delaminated , USA Pickleball has responded to requests by the professional leagues to research a reliable testing process that could be implemented in real time during events without the lag time of a traditional lab-based deflection test . USA Pickleball responded quickly by identifying a mature , aerospace industry proven , ultrasonic bond-testing technology that identifies a breakdown in the bond between surface ply and core .
An outdoor ball undergoing the compression test .
SEE NEXT PAGE �
SPRING 2023 | MAGAZINE 55