Pickleball now has two separate paddle approval systems, and they don't mean the same thing. Which one you need comes down to where you play. Here's what each list is for, how to tell which one your event uses, and where our recent arrivals land.
The short answer
- USAP (USA Pickleball) is the list most sanctioned tournaments, club championships and organized leagues use.
- UPA-A is the list for professional play on the PPA Tour and in Major League Pickleball.
- A paddle can be on one, the other, or both. For open play and rec games, neither is required.
USAP + UPA-APaddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X 16MMElongated
USAPRPM Q2 16MM Hybrid Curve TopHybrid
UPA-AHPC J2CR Crystal Blue, Extended 6" HandleHybrid
Two lists, two different jobs
USA Pickleball
The long-standing governing body for the sport in the US
- Used for
- Sanctioned tournaments, club championships and most organized league play.
- How it tests
- Lab tests on the paddle itself, including dimensions, construction and surface roughness. From October 1, 2026, newly submitted paddles also face a spin-rate test.
UPA-A
United Pickleball Association of America, the certifying body for the pro tours
- Used for
- Professional divisions at PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball events.
- How it tests
- Performance-based testing, including how a paddle plays after break-in. Paddles can also be checked on site at pro events during the season.
Being on one list doesn't imply the other.
And a paddle that isn't on a list isn't “illegal”. It simply isn't approved for events that require that list.
New for October 2026: USA Pickleball's spin-rate test
From October 1, 2026, paddles submitted to USA Pickleball for approval must produce no more than 2,100 RPM of spin in its new lab test. Paddles already on the approved list keep their approval, so nothing you own changes overnight.
Where you play decides which list matters
-
UPA-APro divisions at PPA Tour or MLP eventsThe paddle has to be UPA-A certified.
-
USAPUSA Pickleball-sanctioned tournamentsThe paddle has to be on the USAP approved list.
-
USAPAmateur divisions at pro-tour eventsUSAP-approved paddles are generally accepted. Check the event's rules to be sure.
-
USAPClub or league playWhatever the director specifies, which is often USAP.
-
None requiredOpen play and rec gamesPlay whatever you like.
Requirements vary by event, so if one matters to you, check its rulebook or ask the tournament director before you buy.
Recent arrivals
One paddle from each group
All three are new this season. Each card shows the approvals we have on file from the manufacturer.
The rest of the recent lineup
| Approved for | Also in stock |
|---|---|
| USAP + UPA-A | Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ 16MM · Engage X2 Elongated 16MM · Engage X2 Widebody 16MM · Joola Radius Pro V 16MM |
| USAP | RPM Q2 16MM Hybrid Flat Top · RPM Friction Pro V2 Widebody 14MM |
| UPA-A | Paddletek Honeyfoam TKO-X 14MM · Paddletek Honeyfoam ESQ 14MM · HPC J3CR Crystal Blue · Six Zero Coral Pro 16MM Elongated · Six Zero Coral Pro 16MM Widebody |
How to check any paddle yourself
- 1USA Pickleball publishes its approved-paddle list at usapickleball.org.
- 2UPA-A publishes its certified list at upaa.unitedpickleball.com.
- 3Every paddle page on royalpickleball.com shows the approvals we have on file from the manufacturer.
Both lists change over time, and paddles can be added or removed. If a specific event matters, check the list close to the date rather than relying on what was true last season.
Keep reading
Paddle shape
Elongated vs. hybrid vs. widebody
What each shape does well, and how to pick yours.
Read it →Paddle core
Gen 3 vs. Gen 4
What the label actually means on court.
Read it →Power vs. control
What makes a paddle hit harder
The five design choices that matter most.
Read it →Frequently asked questions
Is a paddle that isn't USAP or UPA-A approved illegal?
No. It just isn't approved for events that require that list. For open play and recreational games, you can use any paddle you like.
Do I need a UPA-A paddle to play an amateur event at a PPA tournament?
Usually not. UPA-A certification is required for professional divisions, and USAP-approved paddles are generally accepted in amateur play. Rules can vary by event, so check before you go.
Can a paddle be on both lists?
Yes. Many paddles carry both approvals, like the Paddletek TKO-X 16MM, the Engage X2 and JOOLA's Pro V paddles. Being on one list doesn't imply the other, though.
What is USA Pickleball's new spin test?
From October 1, 2026, paddles submitted to USA Pickleball must produce no more than 2,100 RPM of spin in a lab test. Paddles approved before that date stay on the list.
Can a paddle lose its approval?
Yes. Both lists change over time, and paddles can be added or removed. If an event matters, check the current list close to the date.
Not sure which list you need? Ask a Royal Ambassador.
Your local Royal Ambassador plays these events and knows which list your league runs on. Find yours to talk it through, request a demo and get a good deal.
Find your ambassador