BIG PICKLE is scrambling to pay those Pros salaries.Rec players outnumber Tournament players. We won't care if your paddle says UPA,PPA APRROVED on it.
I was so disappointed to hear about this earlier today, and Kiwi Labs was definitely one of the companies I thought about first. I hope this all works out for you, Larry, because you’re exactly what Pickleball needs.
I agree with you that UPA, PPA and MLP has found a way to push out their smaller competitors that are cutting into their profits. The extra fees that the larger companies will be paying to be part of the PPA and MLP will just be passed onto the consumer. There are more rec players than tournament players. The only way for this to change is for all rec players to ban together and purchase only from small companies to still cut into the larger company’s profits. I do not play in PPA and MLP tournaments, so I will be only purchasing from smaller companies, if this comes to pass. Also, I have an annual local tournament that does not care about a UPA sticker. Thank you for the information. I think that you are looking out for your company and other smaller companies. Thank you, Larry.
Thanks for covering this. With the usap in such turmoil and this it's a huge threat to small brands like us. We really need to take our destiny into our own hands. Thanks for covering this.
I also went to add that little brands aren't going anywhere. We will keep producing our paddles as long as people can buy them and keep putting the stamp on them. We are also participating in the Pickleball Paddle Partnership and encourage others to look into it.
What if the small companies combined for a class action lawsuit. Is it legal for them to demand an exorbanant yearly fee for paddle approval? If the little guys ban together and publisize their scheme, it might actually turn the masses against them and force them to reconsider.
I am 100% with you on this. Who would have thought that having the big paddle brands on the UPA's board would lead to issues like this 🙄. In all seriousness i don't care what UPA says. While USAP has made some serious missteps I support them as an independent governing body and will continue to consider their approval to be the one matters. And if this new fee for manufacturers yo get paddles approved goes into effect my conscious will force me to stop watching all PPA and MLP events
As a player that played in a PPA tournament and paid Big bucks for nothing what a joke never again, there’s more amateur then pro players and having many paddles brands is good for us
I saw this news earlier today. Definitely feels like it's going to be difficult for new companies to elbow their way into the game. And this will definitely hurt consumers in the end. (Not to mention smaller paddle reviewers that seek to shine a light on upstarts and less-covered paddles. #Slice4Ever ) I really don't think everyone wants to pay Joola prices... But guess they really need to build a war chest for all the attorneys billing them so many hours. 🤷♂
I pay attention to UPA approval for paddles even though I never play tournaments. Won't be that way going forward. While I may not buy a paddle from some unknown paddle manufacturer with no UPA approval, I would definitely consider paddles from companies that formerly had approved paddles and stopped in 2025.
Larry, your best bet is to talk to the other like minded small and mid size companies to form a single generic brand that will carry all your paddles. Ten of you can't afford ten umbrellas but you can afford one.
I agree that Joola shouldn’t have to compete with companies that use their own tech. But they can create patents or create rules to prevent this stuff, instead of absolutely killing small business and the sport.
The majority of players don’t play ppa events. I never have and have no plans to. I’ve played app and a bunch of usap events as well as local. Their cert doesn’t mean crap to me
what’s gonna happen is a whole bunch of paddles will appear in the market that won’t bother with PPA approval and they will design them with a lot more power than you seeing now and they will be used in recreational play and they will mess up the game, but that’s what’s gonna happen.
Larry, I agree with you. Am a proud owner of a Slice ( great paddle ). Maybe it is a good idea to partner with the other name brand small pickleball companies, like yourself and Ronbus, Vatic, Spartus, Bread & Butter, Honolulu, Volair, Chorus, Neonic, Thrive, 11six24, etc. This way you could as a group gain more leverage and power to compete. Thank you.
Yeah that is something I have been thinking about a lot. A way for us small brands to show credibility and not get washed away with the ‘fly by night’ folks
I wouldn't be playing pickleball if only the rackets with performance were over $200. That also means I wouldn't be buying bags, balls, caps, shirts or watching the tournaments. They have a great grass roots sport that a TON of people are participating in. If they don't watch out, they will kill the enthusiasm and the pickleball courts will revert back to the desolate tennis ball courts.
We know quite a bit about their standards actually. We could build to them but can't afford it and aren't lunatics willing to enter the asylum they're trying to create
What we need is like a C class governing body. One that these smaller mom and pop tournaments can use for a minimum standard guideline on paddles. The vast majority of us don't care about becoming professional...however, love fair play. I can see how this is irritating and P2W in aspects. BUT! They are segregating a large chunk of the rec sport with money. So, bridge the gap.
Basically...don't stand by idly as they attempt to kill you. You small YT companies need to band together. Once mortal enemies for entry level sales...now together apes strong.
After hearing this I will not buy any UPA approved paddle. Pickleball is at its core a community game. Everyone hates monopolistic tactics like this, very shortsighted thinking.
BIG PICKLE is scrambling to pay those Pros salaries.Rec players outnumber Tournament players. We won't care if your paddle says UPA,PPA APRROVED on it.
Your passion for what you do is contagious. Keep inspiring others!
With you on this
Respect. Adding your logo to the thumbnail 🤣
I was so disappointed to hear about this earlier today, and Kiwi Labs was definitely one of the companies I thought about first. I hope this all works out for you, Larry, because you’re exactly what Pickleball needs.
This might be the nicest youtube comment I ever read :)
@@kiwilabspickleball we love you, Larry. We really do.
I agree with you that UPA, PPA and MLP has found a way to push out their smaller competitors that are cutting into their profits. The extra fees that the larger companies will be paying to be part of the PPA and MLP will just be passed onto the consumer. There are more rec players than tournament players. The only way for this to change is for all rec players to ban together and purchase only from small companies to still cut into the larger company’s profits. I do not play in PPA and MLP tournaments, so I will be only purchasing from smaller companies, if this comes to pass. Also, I have an annual local tournament that does not care about a UPA sticker. Thank you for the information. I think that you are looking out for your company and other smaller companies. Thank you, Larry.
Thanks for speaking out on this - agree with everything you’ve said
Thanks for covering this. With the usap in such turmoil and this it's a huge threat to small brands like us. We really need to take our destiny into our own hands. Thanks for covering this.
I also went to add that little brands aren't going anywhere. We will keep producing our paddles as long as people can buy them and keep putting the stamp on them.
We are also participating in the Pickleball Paddle Partnership and encourage others to look into it.
Sorry, man. Don't give up and keep making the pickleball world an inclusive place.
Thanks Larry! Been a fan and you were an inspiration for us to get up and running!
Thanks for the kind words!
What if the small companies combined for a class action lawsuit. Is it legal for them to demand an exorbanant yearly fee for paddle approval?
If the little guys ban together and publisize their scheme, it might actually turn the masses against them and force them to reconsider.
How about have different levels of certification. Most people don’t play tournaments and they can use a rec certified paddle.
Your two thumbnail pics are spot on, 💯
I am 100% with you on this. Who would have thought that having the big paddle brands on the UPA's board would lead to issues like this 🙄.
In all seriousness i don't care what UPA says. While USAP has made some serious missteps I support them as an independent governing body and will continue to consider their approval to be the one matters.
And if this new fee for manufacturers yo get paddles approved goes into effect my conscious will force me to stop watching all PPA and MLP events
As a player that played in a PPA tournament and paid Big bucks for nothing what a joke never again, there’s more amateur then pro players and having many paddles brands is good for us
Is UPA and PPA related to USA Pickleball? Paddle submissions are submitted to USA Pickleball.
I saw this news earlier today. Definitely feels like it's going to be difficult for new companies to elbow their way into the game. And this will definitely hurt consumers in the end. (Not to mention smaller paddle reviewers that seek to shine a light on upstarts and less-covered paddles. #Slice4Ever ) I really don't think everyone wants to pay Joola prices... But guess they really need to build a war chest for all the attorneys billing them so many hours. 🤷♂
That's a solid point too. There's a whole culture of reviewing the crazy amount of paddles coming out every week. That will really die down!
I pay attention to UPA approval for paddles even though I never play tournaments. Won't be that way going forward. While I may not buy a paddle from some unknown paddle manufacturer with no UPA approval, I would definitely consider paddles from companies that formerly had approved paddles and stopped in 2025.
Time to file lawsuit against monopolization
Larry, your best bet is to talk to the other like minded small and mid size companies to form a single generic brand that will carry all your paddles. Ten of you can't afford ten umbrellas but you can afford one.
I agree that Joola shouldn’t have to compete with companies that use their own tech. But they can create patents or create rules to prevent this stuff, instead of absolutely killing small business and the sport.
The majority of players don’t play ppa events. I never have and have no plans to. I’ve played app and a bunch of usap events as well as local. Their cert doesn’t mean crap to me
When I heard that all the larger brands jumped in bed with the PPA I knew it was game over for the little companies...
what’s gonna happen is a whole bunch of paddles will appear in the market that won’t bother with PPA approval and they will design them with a lot more power than you seeing now and they will be used in recreational play and they will mess up the game, but that’s what’s gonna happen.
Larry, I agree with you. Am a proud owner of a Slice ( great paddle ). Maybe it is a good idea to partner with the other name brand small pickleball companies, like yourself and Ronbus, Vatic, Spartus, Bread & Butter, Honolulu, Volair, Chorus, Neonic, Thrive, 11six24, etc. This way you could as a group gain more leverage and power to compete. Thank you.
Yeah that is something I have been thinking about a lot. A way for us small brands to show credibility and not get washed away with the ‘fly by night’ folks
Jason ASSpes is in it to help PPA/MLP UPA monetize PB... he will also decide who can make paddles/money going forward.
This land grab is bad for PB
I wouldn't be playing pickleball if only the rackets with performance were over $200. That also means I wouldn't be buying bags, balls, caps, shirts or watching the tournaments. They have a great grass roots sport that a TON of people are participating in. If they don't watch out, they will kill the enthusiasm and the pickleball courts will revert back to the desolate tennis ball courts.
No they won't.... not many are going to give up a fun sport over a $50 price difference. And I doubt you really will either.
BINGO!
I do worry pickleball is headed for an oligopoly atm.
The ones making the money shouldn’t make the rules! Monopoly in the making
We know quite a bit about their standards actually. We could build to them but can't afford it and aren't lunatics willing to enter the asylum they're trying to create
What we need is like a C class governing body. One that these smaller mom and pop tournaments can use for a minimum standard guideline on paddles. The vast majority of us don't care about becoming professional...however, love fair play. I can see how this is irritating and P2W in aspects. BUT! They are segregating a large chunk of the rec sport with money. So, bridge the gap.
Basically...don't stand by idly as they attempt to kill you. You small YT companies need to band together. Once mortal enemies for entry level sales...now together apes strong.
Anti-trust!
After hearing this I will not buy any UPA approved paddle. Pickleball is at its core a community game. Everyone hates monopolistic tactics like this, very shortsighted thinking.
Disgusting.
Paddle are made in China, ya should buy it from China. 🛳️