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.
I had been using the Engage Pro series for about the last year. When I tried the Alpha I knew I had to switch. I convinced my men's doubles and mixed doubles partner to test drive them and now we all on team Coretek. Good control and plenty of pop and power. We added a carbon fiber edge guard and it really looks sweet.
If your put-aways are getting returned, buy an ALPHA α. In addition to the punch this paddle packs, it felt stable in my hand when resetting drives. At the kitchen I could dink aggressively with spin. The sweet spot feels huge and responsive. Players looking for power on a budget need to look no further than the ALPHA α.
I have played with lots of paddles over the last year and the Omega is at the top of the list when it comes to power, pop, and playability. There are so many good things to say about this paddle and I’ll share a few. 1. The 6 inch handle is great in conjunction with the paddle weight, it is well balanced. 2. The speed that the balls comes off during hands battles is pretty epic. 3. I love the sound of the paddle when you hit the ball purely on the sweet spot.
The amount of ingenuity and tech in this paddle is beyond worth the price. Highly recommend!
The CoreTech Alpha looks amazing BUT the playability is awesome! I don’t understand all the tech in the paddle but I can feel the difference in with power. The price is unbelievable for the product.
I rotate the Alpha with my Ruby, DBD, Proline S, etc. and it plays as well as any of them. Power, control, pop and spin are excellent. I’ve added no lead tape and I’ve played it for a month with no elbow issues. I have been surprised at how much control I have while using it since it’s known for power. I thoroughly enjoy playing the Alpha and communication with Coretek has been top tier. I
