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.
Great paddle. The handle is difficult to get use to. Felt much better when normal grip was removed and replaced with a thin over grip. Just started to love the paddle when the paddle broke at the throat area.
Hi Thomas thanks for your excellent feedback. We're glad to hear that you were enjoying your paddle and since it's broke I will be happy to replace it even though it's past its warranty! We've also upgraded the grip to two different type variants which may help. Please just send me a messsge through the site contact form or contact me through the live chat. Thank you again for your review and feedback!
The Alpha paddle was great right out of the box but when I added a little lead tape, it took it to another level. The spring effect from the foam was much more evident and the paddle was even more powerful. Very happy with the Alpha.
Thanks for your review we're very happy to hear that you're enjoying your Alpha! Hope you have a good holiday and continue to enjoy your paddles :-)
