UPA-A Approved Pickleball Paddles: 2025-2026 List

UPA-A Approved Paddle List + Certification Guide

UPA-A Approved List Updated: January 23, 2026 • Coverage: 31 brands, 145 models

Quick Summary: The UPA-A paddle list is the new standard for professional pickleball. If you compete on the PPA Tour or in MLP, you must use a UPA-A certified paddle. Recreational and amateur players can still use USAP-approved paddles, but choosing a dual-certified model can help future-proof your gear for all types of events.

Quick Navigation

• What Is the UPA-A?
• Testing & Certification Process
• October-Approved Paddles
• Full Paddle List
• Dual Certification: What It Means for You

What Is the UPA-A?

The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) is the governing body for PPA Tour and MLP events. Its mission is to champion, regulate, and grow pickleball by setting clear equipment standards and ensuring fair play at the highest levels of competition.

UPA-A created its certification program in partnership with Pickle Pro Labs and the University of Massachusetts Lowell to address break-in manipulation, performance inconsistencies, and fairness in pro play.

How the UPA-A Paddle Testing Process Works

Unlike the provisional approval system that once relied on USA Pickleball’s list, UPA-A certification is fully independent and far more rigorous. Here’s what happens during their lab-based testing:

• Initial Measurements: Paddle length, width, thickness, and weight are verified to meet official standards.
• Performance Testing: A ball cannon measures PEF (speed limit on power) and RPM spin output for fairness.
• Destructive Testing: Paddles are stressed through accelerated break-in simulations to ensure no increase in power or spin post-certification.
• Model-Specific Approval: Every distinct variation (thickness, handle, surface) requires individual certification. Cosmetic changes only require documentation.

January 2026 Approved (Live Updates)

Here are the latest additions added to the UPA-A certified list in January 2026:

• 11SIX24 Vapor Power 2 – 11SIX24’s latest hybrid: a thermoformed, foam-core paddle blending HexGrit spin with controlled power.
• Aireo Cyclone 10 – A new 16mm power-focused addition to the Aireo competition lineup.
• Arronax KVL 0044 – A professional-grade 16mm model built for maximum stability.
• Core Pro 4G – A performance-tuned 16mm paddle added to the UPA-A registry in early January.
• Diadem Edge BluCore Series – A major expansion featuring Hybrid and Pro variants in both 14mm and 16mm.
• ElevenZero EZ Pro Origin H13 – A 13mm thin-core model designed for high-speed transitions.
• Engage ProFoam X2 – The second iteration by Engage of it’s first 16mm foam core paddle.
• Li-Ning Hyperpower – New high-performance additions including the HP90S (14mm) and HP90X (16mm).
• Luzz PRO BLADE 2 – A 14mm paddle optimized for aerodynamic speed and control.
• Mehau E4 & E5 – Two new 16mm competition models featuring updated surface textures.
• RPM Jade Elongated – A 16mm elongated model built for increased reach and spin output.
• Selkirk Project Boomstik – New 16mm Elongated and Widebody variants utilizing raw carbon technology.

December 2025 Approved Paddles

Closing out 2025, several brands expanded their core lineups to meet UPA-A standards:

• Holbrook Fuze Elongated – Both the 14mm and 16mm variants were added to the list mid-month, providing new options for Holbrook fans.
• Vulcan V-Series – Three new 16mm models (Models 1, 2, and 3) were certified for professional play on December 1st.
• Volair Shift Hyb – A new 14mm hybrid model added to the registry, tuned for high-speed transitions and control.
• Zocker Aspire – A new 16mm model certified for players seeking a balance of stability and power.

November 2025 Approved Paddles

Here are some of the latest additions added in November 2025:

• Joola Perseus Pro 1 Max – A new pro-grade 16mm option with updated core tuning and power stability.
• Proton Project Peacock Series – Four new paddles (13mm & 15mm in elongated and square shapes) added to the Series Three lineup.
• Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid 16mm – Gearbox’s first UPA-A approved thermoformed paddle built for explosive drives and elite-level control.

October-Approved Paddles

Here are some of the latest additions added in October 2025:

• Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid 16mm – Gearbox’s first UPA-A approved thermoformed paddle built for explosive drives and elite-level control.
• Hit Pickleball Hand Cannon – A power-first 12.9 mm paddle designed for singles players who thrive on driving pace.
• RamSports Ignis / Infinite / Typhoon – A trio of new paddles tuned for balanced control, stability, and offensive precision.

Full UPA-A Approved Paddle List

Note: Data verified from the UPA-A Official List (Updated November 20, 2025). The official site now tracks “Date Added”; we’ve omitted that column here for readability.

How to Read the UPA-A Table

• Thickness – relevant because each thickness must be separately approved
• Brand – official manufacturer
• Model – the approved construction (cosmetics don’t matter)
• Model # – what UPA-A certifies, used in enforcement at events

Note: Some brands (e.g., Holbrook, Luzz, Warping Point) may be approved only in blackout (logo-free) form for certain pro events due to broadcast marketing rules. Some paddles share the same manufacturer model number even though they are distinct products. UPA-A lists each unique construction, not each cosmetic variant.

UPA-A Paddle Certification FAQ

Dual Certification: What It Means for You

Many paddles remain certified by both USA Pickleball (USAP) and UPA-A. Recreational and amateur tournaments typically accept USAP-approved paddles. However, players in PPA Tour or MLP pro divisions must use paddles listed on the official UPA-A site.

Bottom line: Competitive amateurs may want to pick dual-certified paddles to future-proof their setup, while recreational players can continue using their current USAP models until they’re ready to upgrade.

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Stay Updated: Bookmark this page and follow PickleTip for breaking updates on paddle approvals, rule changes, and gear reviews. We refresh this page whenever new models are added to the UPA-A Approved List. For more info see our banned paddle list.