As paddle technology continues to evolve, so too must the certification process.
Historically, paddle surface roughness (Rz/Rt) has decreased over the playable life of a paddle as textures naturally wear with use. For that reason, UPA-A established a standard that ensures the paddle roughness measured at certification is similar to what is measured onsite. To be eligible for play, a paddle’s surface roughness must be no more than 10% above the values recorded during certification testing.
However, recent advancements in surface materials and durable grit technologies have revealed a new trend. Some paddle surfaces are now demonstrating higher Rt/Rz values through normal play. While the majority of paddles that exhibit this behavior have shown no corresponding increase in spin (RPM), the change in surface roughness values is problematic for the on site 10% similarity requirement and in order for UPA-A to waive or modify the similarity requirement, additional evaluation of paddles is necessary to ensure that spin will not increase through the useful life of the paddle.
To address this, UPA-A has introduced a new Surface Roughness ABI Testing service.
Manufacturers submitting paddles for 2027 certification that utilize surface technologies with the expectation or potential to increase in roughness over time are strongly encouraged to select this service during the certification process. It is available on the UPA-A Certification page under:
Additional Services \ Surface Roughness Increases
This optional testing subjects the paddle to Accelerated Break-In (ABI) protocols and evaluates how both surface roughness and spin performance change throughout the paddle’s expected playable life. Successfully completing this testing allows UPA-A to establish an approved post-ABI surface roughness value for that model.
Manufacturers who choose not to utilize this service should understand the consequences. If a paddle is found in the marketplace with a surface roughness exceeding the permitted tolerance measured when new at certification, it will be considered out of specification, removed from competitive play, subjected to additional laboratory testing, and include fines where applicable.
This new service ensures innovative surface technologies can continue to enter the market while maintaining UPA-A’s commitment to fair competition, transparent standards, and performance-based regulation.