There has been a controversy in North American pickleball for the past 4 years, and it centers around 2 non conforming paddles called Apike & Hush. They were designed by a man from South Surrey, BC, but made overseas. Why have the paddles been shrouded in controversy, and what is so bad about them? It's all about the core of the paddle. These paddles are made with a foam core , and produce a disadvantage with a trampoline effect. The IFP rules states, 2.E.1.Material. The paddle may be made of any material judged safe and not prohibited in these rules. The paddle shall be made of relatively rigid, non-compressible material meeting the specifications of the “Paddle Material Specifications” document on the IFP website. it also states, 2.E.6.f. Flexible membranes or any compressible material that creates a trampoline effect. I like that there are now more stringent requirements for paddles. I have played with and against the Apike. It does hit the ball much harder and with more spin. I like that PB is a game of skill, soft shots, dinks, misdirects, etc. I do not want it to just become a bangers game. This is one of the reasons that we have an underhand serve and a non volley zone. Skill takes precedent over how hard you can hit the ball.
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