Paddle Certification: Cutting Through the Noise

Pickleball is booming. With so many brands and paddles on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are truly certified — and which ones just look the part. Some paddles show an old stamp, others carry names that don’t even appear on the official list. For players, it’s confusing. For us, it’s an important conversation to have.

So let’s break it down.

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Why Certification Exists

At its core, certification is about fairness. In a sport growing this quickly, there has to be a level playing field. Certification makes sure paddles meet strict standards for size, spin, and rebound so matches are decided by skill, not hidden technology.

That’s why tournaments worldwide rely on USA Pickleball (USAP) approval. If a paddle isn’t listed on the official USAP Approved Paddle List, it isn’t legal for sanctioned competition. Simple as that.

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The New PBCoR .43 Standard

Until recently, paddle testing focused mainly on surface roughness and friction. But with technology advancing, USAP introduced the PBCoR .43 standard in late 2024. It’s the toughest test yet:

• Limits rebound (“pop”)

• Controls spin potential

• Ensures a consistent feel across competition

Our Pro Series paddles are tested and certified under this latest rule — so you can step onto court knowing your gear is fully compliant.

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The Cost of Certification

Here’s something most players never see: approval is a serious investment.

• Time: Lab testing takes weeks, and if there are changes, it can take even longer.

• Money: Modern approvals cost thousands of dollars per model. Early brands paid only a few hundred dollars; that’s no longer the case.

• Ongoing: Any change to the paddle’s core or surface requires a new submission.

That’s why many low-cost, white-label paddles skip certification entirely — or print stamps that don’t really apply.

At Angry Penguins, we’ve invested in certification for our Pro paddles, while keeping our Club paddles accessible for players who don’t need the extra stamp.

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Why We Offer Both Club and Pro Paddles

At Angry Penguins, we believe players deserve choice without compromise. That’s why every paddle we make starts with the same foundation: premium materials, careful construction, and attention to detail in design and performance.

The difference between our Club Series and our Pro Series isn’t about quality. It’s about certification.

Take our Abyss Black and our Abyss Pro T700 as an example:

• Both paddles are engineered with the same core design, high-performance carbon face, and durability.

• The difference is that the Abyss Pro T700 has been submitted for testing under the new USAP PBCoR .43 standard and carries the official approval stamp for tournament play.

• The Abyss Black is the same build but hasn’t been submitted — making it perfect for players who don’t need certification but still want the same feel and performance.

Why We Do This

Certification is both expensive and time-consuming. It’s necessary for some players, but not for everyone. And we don’t believe social players should have to pay for approval they’ll never use.

But here’s the important part: we also don’t believe in making “lesser” paddles for those who choose not to pay for certification. Every Angry Penguins paddle, whether Club or Pro, is built with the same design philosophy: premium construction, reliable performance, and a paddle you can trust.

By offering both ranges, we’re giving players clarity and choice:

• Pro Series — For players who compete and need the official stamp of approval.

• Club Series — For players who want the same high-quality paddle without the extra certification costs.

It’s a simple principle: Certified where it matters. Options where it doesn’t.

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What About PPA or MLP?

At the professional tour level, leagues like the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have introduced an additional layer of paddle approval called UPA-A certification.

• This requirement applies only to players competing in those professional leagues.

• For everyone else — from local clubs to sanctioned tournaments worldwide — USA Pickleball (USAP) certification is the recognised standard.

Our Pro Series paddles are USAP certified under the latest PBCoR .43 standard. That means they are fully approved and ready for tournament play at all levels outside the pro tour.

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Proof You Can Trust

Want to check for yourself? Our Pro paddles are listed on the official USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List.

• Look for Abyss Pro T700 under Angry Penguins.

Transparency matters to us. If it’s not on the list, it’s not certified — and we’re proud to show you ours are.

We currently have a Pro Series Flipper in development and undergoing USA Pickleball certification, which will soon join our paddle lineup.

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The Bottom Line

Certification is costly. It takes time, money, and ongoing commitment. But it matters for players who compete, and it builds trust for everyone who picks up one of our paddles.

That’s why Angry Penguins offers two ranges:

• Certified where it matters.

• Options where it doesn’t.

• Always transparent. Always premium.