A proposal for managing power in PB

A Comparative Analysis of Exit Velocity Limits and COR Testing for Pickleball Velocity Control

Direct Measurement of Exit Velocity 
Offers a direct and intuitive measure of ball speed post-impact.
Aligns closely with players' perception of ball speed, enhancing understanding and acceptance of regulations.

Is far easier to measure in terms of equipment and technical knowledge. This also is it direct measurement of the outcome rather than the material. There is simply no reason to restrict materials in order to restrict an outcome when the outcome could simply be much easier to tackle.

COR Testing:
Requires indirect calculation of ball speed based on material properties and impact conditions.
Less intuitive for players, potentially leading to confusion and resistance.
Ambiguous in terms of creating limits that are representative of play.
Extremely cost intensive requires high speed cameras measurement of angle and possible computer data analysis.
Unnecessarily restricts materials in order to purportedly restrict another metric which could be tackled directly.

Enforcement and Practicality
Exit Velocity Limit:
Can be implemented using readily available speed-measuring technology, facilitating on-court enforcement. It's incredibly developed technology in other sports and extremely easy to understand and use. 

Provides a clear and objective standard for officials and players. Also allows manufacturers freedom in terms of material to innovate.

COR Testing:
Requires specialized equipment and expertise for accurate measurement. High speed cameras are extremely expensive and the service is involved will likely be incredibly expensive as well. 

Potential for inconsistencies due to variations in testing conditions and methodologies as well as in a complexity. 

Impact on Gameplay and Innovation
Exit Velocity Limit:
Directly addresses the issue of excessive ball speed, preserving the game's character. Can be easily modified without massive disruption of manufacturers designs.

Encourages innovation in paddle design focused on ball control and placement rather than solely power.

COR Testing:
May indirectly influence ball speed but with less predictable outcomes. Based on testing procedure.

Could potentially stifle innovation as paddle manufacturers focus on manipulating material propertie

Imposing an exit velocity limit presents a more effective and practical approach to controlling pickleball velocity. It offers direct measurement, clear player understanding, and efficient enforcement. While COR testing provides valuable insights into paddle performance, its implementation challenges and potential impact on gameplay make it a less desirable option for regulating ball speed in pickleball.

The Con

What is patently insane is the USAP asking paddle companies to provide loaded metrics such as their opinions on ball speed and which paddles are too powerful. We are introducing PBCoR why not ask what our thoughts on on this metric instead of distracting us with things that are secondary and dependent on PBCoR. To be clear, this is an attempt to control materials and innovation. We're a 6 month old company run mostly as a side hustle. We hope we make it on that list.

When asking what our opinions on ball velocity are is moot when PBCoR is measured as PBCoR is essentially an integer that is simply multiplied by initial velocity to give final. 

We will be doing some live streams on how easy it is to measure exit velocity rather than derive it from high speed cameras that test outbound angle too! You can do it with equipment most reviewers have on hand.

SO if the USAP finds agreement for a ball speed say 55 mph, it's not really meaningful, because whatever CoR is chosen will lower the post impact ball velocity. If everyone agrees 60 mph is OK and USAP introduces a PBCoR of 0.5, ball speed will be essentially capped at 30 mph. Details matter in any sport and they are inescapable within physics. The PPL and the USAP don't seem to think so. If some authority in this sport can mathematically justify this, they deserve a award in mathematics.

Note: A hybrid approach combining exit velocity limits with certain COR restrictions might be considered in the future to address specific concerns. However, the primary focus should remain on establishing and enforcing clear exit velocity guidelines