USAP vs UPA-A Paddle Approval: What Each Mark Means and Which Paddles Have Both (2026)
Last updated: October 2026
Which mark your tournament needs, how to check a paddle, and the approval of every partner paddle we review.
USAP approval means the paddle is on USA Pickleball's approved paddle list, which USA Pickleball sanctioned tournaments and many local leagues require.
UPA-A approval is the separate certification used for PPA Tour and MLP events. A paddle can carry one, both or neither, and the same model name can differ by build: the Honolulu J6CR is USAP, the J6CR Crystal Blue is UPA-A. If you play both kinds of events, buy a paddle with both marks, such as the Luzz Glider 2026 ($101.15 with PRH), Bread & Butter Loco 2 ($198 with PRH) or Engage X2 ($234 with PRH).
How we tested
Every paddle we cover goes through the same on-court protocol - individual play, head-to-head comparisons, and tournament use before anything gets written down. Every paddle below has a full review on the site; click through to see scores, specs, and the deal we found for each.
The rankings
Each category below links to the full review for that paddle.
Codes on the shop buttons above match our /deals table. Most of our partner brands use PRH (HEAD uses PRH15). The buttons open our affiliate link; paste the code at checkout if the brand asks for it.
Shop Glider 2026 Hybrid or Loco 2 Hybrid with the live code
Each button is a tracked affiliate link at the sale price we list. Copy the code chip on the full review or use the code shown on the button label.
What each mark means
- USAP (USA Pickleball): the paddle passed USA Pickleball's tests and is on its approved paddle list. Required for USA Pickleball sanctioned tournaments, and used by many clubs and leagues. Many newer USAP paddles also print PBCoR .43 on the face, USA Pickleball's rebound limit marking. What makes a paddle legal.
- UPA-A: a separate certification used for events sanctioned under UPA-A, including the PPA Tour and MLP. It has its own approved list.
- Both: the paddle is on both lists, so it is legal in either kind of event.
- Neither or pending: fine for rec play. Check before you enter a sanctioned event.
Which one do you need?
- Rec play and open play: neither. Buy the paddle you like.
- USA Pickleball sanctioned tournaments, most leagues: USAP.
- PPA Tour or MLP events, including amateur brackets: UPA-A.
- You play both, or might: a paddle with both marks.
- Rules for each event can differ. Check the event page before you buy.
How to check a paddle
- Look at the face or throat. Approved paddles print the USA Pickleball mark, the UPA-A mark, or both.
- Search the approved lists: USA Pickleball's approved paddle list and the UPA-A list. Search the exact model, thickness and edition.
- Match the exact build. Approval is per model. A Crystal Blue, Pro, colorway or 14mm version can differ from the paddle with the same name.
- Check our review. Every review lists the approval we have on record in its specs.
October 2026: the USAP spin rate test
From October 1, 2026, paddles newly submitted to USA Pickleball must measure 2,100 RPM or less on its spin rate test. Paddles already on the list stay approved under the rules in force when they were certified. The RPM numbers on our reviews come from our own testing, not USAP's test, so a higher number on our page does not make a paddle illegal. Full explainer: USAP spin rate test, October 2026.
Approval by brand
From the approval field on each paddle record. Paddles with no approval on record are left out.
Our picks by approval
- Both marks, under $110: Luzz Glider 2026, $119, $101.15 with PRH. Hybrid, 108 swing weight.
- Both marks, hybrid: Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid, $220, $198 with PRH. About 2,370 RPM.
- Both marks, elongated: Engage X2 Elongated, $259.99, $234 with PRH.
- Both marks, widebody: Volair SHIFT Widebody, $189.99, $171 with PRH. 7.2 twist weight.
- USAP, Honolulu: Honolulu J2CR, $175.50 with PRH. Same hybrid shape as the Crystal Blue, standard carbon face.
- UPA-A, best grit: Honolulu J2CR Crystal Blue ($175.50 with PRH) or 11SIX24 Ultre Power 2 ($199.99 with PRH). Both Tier 1 for spin durability in independent lab testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between USAP and UPA-A paddle approval?
USAP approval puts a paddle on USA Pickleball's approved list, needed for USA Pickleball sanctioned events. UPA-A is a separate certification used for PPA Tour and MLP events. A paddle can carry one, both or neither.
Can I use a UPA-A only paddle in a USAP tournament?
Not in a USA Pickleball sanctioned event, unless the paddle is also on the USAP list. Check the event rules.
Which paddles are both USAP and UPA-A approved?
In our catalog: Luzz Glider 2026, Bread & Butter Loco 2 Hybrid and Elongated, Engage X2 Elongated and Widebody, Volair SHIFT, RPM Friction Pro Widebody V2, Proton Project Coyote and Series Three, Aireo Cyclone Blackout Elongated, and Luzz Pro 4 Blue Blaze Inferno.
Is the Honolulu J2CR Crystal Blue USAP approved?
Not yet. It is UPA-A approved with USAP pending. The standard Honolulu J2CR is USAP approved, $175.50 with code PRH.
Are 11SIX24 paddles USAP approved?
The Power 2 and Jelly Bean 2 lines are UPA-A only in our records.
How do I know if my paddle is approved?
Look for the USA Pickleball or UPA-A mark on the paddle, then search the exact model on the approved lists. Our reviews list the approval we have on record.
Related guides
Paste the code at checkout, then buy.
Brands on this page: Luzz, Bread & Butter, Engage, Volair, Honolulu. Codes are on each shop button and on /deals.