PBCoR: Biased Towards Status Quo

The power of a foam-filled honeycomb paddle is not solely determined by its elasticity or coefficient of restitution (COR). While the PBCoR test is related to COR, it doesn't account for how the interaction between the honeycomb structure and the foam filling affects the paddle's overall performance.

When a ball strikes a foam-filled honeycomb paddle, the impact energy is distributed across the honeycomb cells. The rigid cell walls help transfer this energy efficiently, while the foam filling compresses slightly to absorb excess vibrations. This combination can result in a powerful, crisp hit without the harsh feedback often associated with fully rigid paddles.

However, the PBCoR test may not fully capture this energy transfer process. The test measures the ball's rebound speed, which could be higher due to mass. This could lead to a unrepresentative PBCoR score, even though the paddle still provides ample power through its optimized structure.

Moreover, the PBCoR test doesn't consider how the foam filling affects the paddle's feel and control. The slight compression of the foam can create a more forgiving hitting surface, reducing the impact of off-center hits and providing a softer, more responsive feel. This can be especially beneficial for players who value touch and precision over raw power.

The test also doesn't account for the vibration dampening properties of foam-filled honeycomb paddles. The combination of the honeycomb structure and the foam filling can effectively dissipate vibrations, reducing player fatigue and discomfort over the course of a match. This can lead to more consistent performance and improved overall playing experience.

By focusing narrowly on rebound speed, the PBCoR test may create an inaccurate perception that foam-filled honeycomb paddles are inherently more elastic than their empty-celled counterparts. This could discourage players from exploring these designs and limit their options for finding a paddle that suits their playing style and preferences.

To address these limitations, the pickleball community may need to consider a more comprehensive approach to paddle testing and regulation. This could involve:

- Developing additional tests that measure factors like vibration dampening, control, and player comfort

- Establishing different PBCoR thresholds for different paddle categories or design types, including foam-filled honeycomb paddles

- Conducting player surveys and feedback sessions to understand how foam-filled honeycomb paddles perform in real-world conditions

- Collaborating with manufacturers to develop standards that promote fair competition without stifling innovation in paddle design

By taking a more holistic view of paddle performance, the community can create a regulatory framework that accurately represents the characteristics of foam-filled honeycomb designs and encourages a diverse range of options for players.

Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that players have access to a wide variety of paddles that offer different combinations of power, control, feel, and comfort. Foam-filled honeycomb designs, when implemented effectively, are a valuable part of this ecosystem, providing a unique blend of performance characteristics that suit a wide range of playing styles. The challenge is to develop testing and regulation methods that fairly assess their performance and allow them to compete on a level playing field with other paddle types.

If coefficient of restitution is implemented unfairly it will simply be used to quash any outlier paddles in terms of performance. In the process it will create a bias towards conventional designs regardless of their performance and without considering how they might be improved.