Coefficient of restitution (COR) is defined as the ratio of the relative velocity of separation to the relative velocity of approach between two objects during a collision. In pickleball, the collision between the ball and the paddle involves the conversion of kinetic energy into other forms of energy (such as heat and sound) due to factors like material properties and surface roughness. COR maybe thought of as a measurement of where this energy flows during a collision.
During gameplay, players often apply spin to the ball by hitting it with a certain paddle orientation and technique. This spin affects the ball's trajectory and behavior after impact, influencing factors like bounce height and direction. Similarly, the grip on the paddle can influence how effectively energy is transferred from the paddle to the ball during a shot. These factors can significantly alter the outcome of a collision and are not fully captured by post-impact velocity and angle alone. This is especially true when coefficient of friction is restricted to a level that no paddles will likely grip the ball under test conditions. In this case the outbound angular component is totally unpredictable and it's hard to see how measuring it could be meaningful.
Modern pickleball paddles come in various designs and are made from different materials, each with its own elastic and damping properties. The COR of a paddle depends not only on its surface characteristics but also on its internal structure and how it responds to impact. A simple post-impact measurement may not capture the intricacies of how these factors influence the collision dynamics and ultimately the game's outcome. To comprehensively understand the COR in pickleball paddles and its relation to current gameplay and equipment, a more detailed analysis incorporating factors like energy dissipation, spin generation, paddle design, and material properties is necessary.
Calling testing dynamic and then introducing extremely stringent metrics for things that should be variables at this point in time is misleading. These rules are pointing towards the future of where people think paddles are going. That future includes testing in which it's questionable whether some conventional designs will pass. Under the proposed element unconventional designs at this point are not worthy of investment. The consequences of this are poorly understood and it's being implemented under poor reasoning. Players really need to start talking about and understanding how this will affect paddle design in the future.
This paddle is amazing. It really is a totally new material to learn but once you get the hang of it the pop and spin are incredible. I've played with the alpha and it's not quite as stable but once I got more used to the Omega I've been playing with it as my main.
Honestly unreal how great of a paddle you get for this price. I love the long handle and powerful face. This paddles has it all and is one of my go-to-choice's. Coretek has done something special with this one and I hope the company gets the recognition it deserves for the hard work they put into this. Would recommend it to anyone!!!
