Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Apike?
October 14, 2010 in Pickleball Equipment
Brent Johner is a certified tennis, squash, badminton and pickleball coach
Most players say they prefer the Apike because it is lighter than other paddles. Some like it because it is quieter. Some prefer it because it offers (and delivers) superior spin and control. However, nobody has ever said that they use an Apike because it allows them to hit the ball harder.
Amongst the players in our club, the Apike paddle has an excellent reputation. In fact, the only players in our group who don’t own at least one are either snow birds who play in USAPA tournaments or are simply averse to paying more than $70 for a pickleball paddle.
As accepted as it may be within our circles, however, it does encounter opposition from the occasional outsider who comes to play with us.
“Oh no,” said one wide-eyed Arizona pickleball player last week. “I won’t even go on the court when people are using those things,” she said nodding in the direction of a tiny, 68-year-old woman clutching an Apike paddle.
Hmmm, I wondered. Is she really fearful? How hard does she imagine that a tiny, 68-year-old woman can hit a pickleball? Is there really that much of a difference between her own Pro-Lite paddle and her would-be opponent’s Apike? How much of this is fact and how much is fiction, I asked myself?
For more than a year I have been hearing and reading all kinds of rumours about the Apike, but I haven’t seen any facts. So to begin arriving at some, I did what any guy my age would do; I bought a radar gun.
My quest: to test a variety of racquets and balls and determine which, if any, may present a danger to the players in my pickleball programs. After all, if people refuse to play against a particular paddle, that will have an impact on our clubs.
Today, less than 24 hours after receiving my new radar gun, I set up on one of our outdoor courts and blasted away with four different racquets. I hit about 25 balls with each, all from the same spot on the court.
The first racquet I tried was George Brewer’s famous Predator. My top speed with that little baby (one of my personal favorites, by the way) was 54 mph. Of the 25 balls that I hit with George’s Predator, the vast majority were in the 42 to 47 mph range.
The second racquet out of my bag was Frank Wu’s infamous Apike. Again, I hit about 25 balls from exactly the same spot. Most were in the 44 to 49 mph range — slightly faster. But one shot made the radar gun blink an amazing 58 mph. For those of you who are counting, that is 7.4% faster than the top speed I was able to achieve with the Predator.
Next, I tried Doug Smith’s Elite pickleball paddle — a favorite starter paddle for those moving up from wood. The top speed I was able to generate with that paddle was 53 mph with the majority of shots clocking into the 35 to 40 mph range.
Then finally, just for fun, I went into the shed and got out one of the wooden swinger paddles that we use for our school programs. My average speed with this paddle was 37-42 mph, which is just a bit faster than my average with the Elite paddle. However, I was never able to hit harder than 52 mph with the Swinger. And given that I had already hit 75 balls at full power before I picked it up, I am not surprised.
So now I have some facts to work with. I was able to demonstrate to my own satisfaction that a 48-year-old, 190 lb. man swinging with all of his might (much, much harder than he would EVER swing in a game) can make a pickleball fly 7.4% faster with Frank Wu’s Apike than he can using George Brewer’s Predator. I was also able to demonstrate that on average this same player is able to attain a marginally higher average speed with the Apike than with the predator.
However, I am not yet able to answer the question I am most curious about: is there a reason to fear for one’s safety when playing against opponents wielding Apikes? At this point, I have no evidence to indicate that such fears are reasonable. But neither can I brush them aside.
Over the next several weeks and months I will continue testing amongst our players and publishing my results for all to see. I expect to learn a great deal from these tests. I expect that my readers will learn something as well.
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Bill Booth said on October 15, 2010
The USAPA also did some tests with a radar gun. We chose not to publish them because the results are highly variable depending on the skill of the player that is hitting the ball.
During the testing, it became apparent that some players were more skilled at hitting the sweet spot of the Apike. Any stringed racquet will have a sweet spot, that is the point of contact that generates the most speed. The Apike has a trampoline effect with a sweet spot very much like a stringed racquet.
In my case, I was averaging 45 mph with my own Pro-Lite Power paddle and 59 mph with the Apike. That is an increase of over 30%. Those who claim that there is not a big difference are just not informed or have a vested interest in the Apike. A 30% increase changes the game dramatically.
Some of the players did not experience as great an increase. Some increases were more on the order of 6-7 mph. However all players did experience an increase. I attribute the differences to not hitting the sweet spot. Even when they don’t hit the sweet spot, that is a significant increase. Hitting the sweet spot is why Brent Johner said that “one shot made the radar gun blink an amazing 58 mph.”
So what does the increased speed mean when players are standing only 14 feet apart at the non-volley lines? At 45 mph, the ball is traveling at 66 feet/second. At 59 mph, the ball is traveling at 86.5 feet/second. That 20 feet/second difference affects the reaction time greatly. When the time for reaction is reduced from .21 seconds to only .16 seconds, that makes a huge difference in the game. In many cases, it is the difference between being able to return the ball and not being able to return the ball. In the hands of a skilled player that consistently hits the sweet spot, the difference changes the game dramatically. In the hands of a lesser-skilled player, there is still a big difference, but it is not as dramatic. For those players that play without eye protection, the difference in time to react can be the difference between getting hit in the eye and avoiding being hit. If they do get hit, it will be at higher velocity.
It would be possible to build a machine to remove the variability of the player, but it would be very expensive. For example, see the following link for a machine that is used to test tennis racquets.
http://www.itftennis.com/technical/research/lab/rackets/
There are some interesting slow-motion videos of the machine in action.
A testing lab like that is way beyond our budget. That is what would be needed to construct a true scientific test that takes player skill and variability out of the equation. Even though our radar tests showed dramatic results, we chose to not publish them because of the difficulty of producing a true scientific test with easily duplicated results that removes the element of player variability.
Bill Booth
President, USAPA
Brent Johner said on October 15, 2010
Wow. Secret test data witheld by the USAPA! This story gets better every day.
Bill implies that I have a “vested interest” in the Apike. Of couse, I do not. I have no money invested in Frank Wu’s company. We sell all major brands and will continue to do so. Whether or not Frank’s paddle is banned in the USA is irrelevant to me — expect for the fact that it offends my sense of fair play to see a hard-working entrepreneur’s product banned simply because it is better than his competitors’ products.
Here are the three issues that I see as important in this discussion:
1. The Paddle Material Specifications document states “Paddles that produce a trampoline effect or an effect similar to a stringed racquet are specifically disallowed”.
So why were no stringed racquets tested in the deflection test of August 2009?
It seems to me that banning the Apike because it is more like a stringed racquet than a paddle requires comparative date from stringed racquets. It also seems obvious to me that including data from a stringed racquet would seriously undermine the conclusion that the Apike is “more like a stringed racquet than a paddle”. In fact, the numbers are most likely to indicate that the Apike’s deflection is much closer to legal paddles than it is to a stringed racquets.
2. Are the results of the test sufficient grounds for a ban? No other racquet sport uses such a test for racquets. In fact in all other racquet sports players are permitted to string their racquets as tightly or a loosely as they prefer. Those who play a placement game tend toward higher tensions; those who play a power game prefer a lower tension. Shouldn’t pickleball players have the same right?
3. Why use a 3000 gram weight and a 5000 gram weight for the deflection test? According to USAPA rules a pickleball weighs between 21 and 29 grams. Anything more than a few hundred grams seems ridiculously disproportionate.
In my mind these three issues are more than enough to completely destroy the credibility of both the deflection test and the USAPA ban. And every day that the ban stays in place further undermines the credibility of the USAPA and the directors who govern it.
Bill Booth said on October 15, 2010
Brent,
There was no secret test data withheld by the USAPA. It has been shared with a number of people. You seem to imply that there was some secret less-than-honorable motive. There was not. I simply said that it was not published for the reasons stated.
When we publish an official test, we want it to be a test that can be easily duplicated with consistent results by anyone. For the reasons stated, the radar test depends greatly on the person doing the test and is a variable that cannot be eliminated except with very expensive test equipment that I referred to in my first comment.
The deflection test is a simple test that can be easily performed by anyone with consistent results. It uses common test equipment that is easily obtained.
In answer to your 3 questions:
1. Stringed racquets were not tested because pickleball is not a racquet sport. It is not tennis, badminton, or racquetball. It is a paddle sport played with traditional rigid paddles that do not have a trampoline effect. I don’t care how the Apike compares to a stringed racquet. I care about the effect that it has on our sport as it has always been played.
2. No, pickleball players should not have the right to string their racquets loosely or tightly. It is NOT a racquet sport. If you want to play a racquet sport, then go play your racquet sport. But, do not try to change our sport to fit your notion of a racquet sport. As for your statement that no other sport uses such a test for racquets, see my link to the racquet test in the first comment. They did not build that expensive, elaborate machine just for fun.
3. Yes, the ball is only a few grams, but it does not rest gently on the paddle when it is struck. It is typically traveling toward the paddle with considerable velocity and is struck by a paddle with many pounds of force behind it. A tennis ball only weighs a couple of ounces, but there are published estimates that a tennis racquet strikes the ball with about 30 pounds of force. The argument the ball is lighter than the weight used in the deflection test is just not valid.
Brent Johner said on October 15, 2010
Bill,
Thank you for your response on behalf of the USAPA. I’m enjoying this conversation immensely and am looking forward to its continuation.
BTW, we gathered more radar gun data today which I will soon be publishing in a separate article.
Further to this conversation, though, I find some of your comments above interesting.
Comment 1: “I don’t care how the Apike compares to a stringed racquet.”
The USAPA’s PADDLE MATERIALS SPECIFICATIONS document, which I presume was penned by you and others at the USAPA, states the following: “Paddles that produce a trampoline effect or an effect similar to a stringed racquet are specifically disallowed.”
The ban of the Apike is clearly founded on the USAPA’s belief that it is “similar to a stinged racquet”.
The infamous deflection test clearly provides data comparing that Apike to other pickleball paddles, but it does not provide any data comparing it to stringed racquets.
I think it should. If not, then it is impossible for the USAPA to conclude that the Apike is “similar to a stringed racquet”.
Comment 2: “If you want to play a racquet sport, then go play your racquet sport. But, do not try to change our sport to fit your notion of a racquet sport.” [Emphasis added.]
Implicit in this statement is the accusation that anybody who questions the authority and/or conclusions of the USAPA is not a genuine pickleball player. Also implicit in this statement is the notion that the USAPA somehow “owns” pickleball.
Frankly, I find both the statement and the sense of ownership to be offensive. I coach tennis, squash, badminton, speed badminton and pickleball. I enjoy them all. But I enjoy pickleball the most. And of these five sports, pickleball is the only one to which I dedicate much of my time as a volunteer.
Comment 3: “No, pickleball players should not have the right to string their racquets loosely or tightly.”
I assume by this that you mean that we as players should not have the right to choose whether we play with a racquet with a deflection of 0.004 inches or 0.026 inches under three kilograms of pressure. If so, then I have to wonder what happens when/if enough players decide that we SHOULD have this right. Do we need the USAPA’s permission? Or do we simply ignore the USAPA?
Beverley Butt said on October 25, 2010
I too am enjoying this “discussion” immensely. Finally someone credible feels able to stand up to the big USAPA.
Talk about vested interests in selling paddles? hmmmm- which paddles are or were being sold by USAPA member of Board when ban was issued?
Go for it!
Bev
Bill Canning said on October 30, 2010
I too am enjoying the continuing debate.
Bill Canning, President
Pickleball Canada
Vern Benedictson said on November 3, 2010
We have a significant issue with NOISE from play. That is the noise of the ball on the paddle. We are in a homeowners retirement RV Park in close proximity to homes. We have 2 courts that are used steadily by a rapidly growing group of Srs. here in Yuma AZ. We are looking for any ideas that will keep the integrity of the game going and try to alleviate the annoyance to our close neighbors. The APIKE paddle appears to create a little quieter sound but we have been reluctant to use it as it is not recognized by USAPA for reasons we don’t quite understand. We are only playing for the fun of the game & have our own in house tournaments once a month. Any insite or help would be appreciated. Respectfully, V.B. President Country Roads Pickle Ball Club
Shaun MacRae said on November 4, 2010
Hi Vern.
There is no doubt that the Apike is quieter than other paddles. I have used the decibel meter on my Iphone several times the past few weeks to take sample readings while play is underway at our programs.
Each time a ball is struck by a paddle, the decibel meter spikes. Compared to all other paddles the spikes for Apike are signficantly lower.
That said, though, the spikes for all paddles are consistently in the range of 75 to 80 decibels — which is louder than a normal conversation by not as loud as a lawn mower.
Frank Wu, the designer of the Apike has recently released a new paddle — called the HUSH paddle — that was immediately approved by the USAPA. The Hush paddle’s claim is that it is quieter than that all other paddles except the Apike. The same designer is now working and a HUSH ball that also claims to be quieter than other balls.
Will these innovations make a difference? I can’t predict, but I can tell you this: in my testing, the spikes created when paddles hit the balls are nowhere near as high as the spikes created by the laughter and shouts of excited players.
The overall level of noise generated by our indoor pickleball programs has been measured and recorded in the range of 75-80 decibels with the odd spike (mostly from laughter) into the low 80s. Compare this the measurements of a elementary school phys. ed. class in the same room playing dodge ball where the base range was 78-83 decibels with several spikes over 85 — caused by the teacher’s whistle.
People make noise when they are having fun. They make even more noise when they are having fun in large groups. Therefore pickleball is and will always be a noisy game — which is and will always be a cause for conflict with neighbours.
No magic paddle will ever solve that problem.
Bob Jenkins said on March 8, 2011
. Amazing to me to the point of funny. No worries the paddle is not banned in the World Pickleball Federation. The USAPA does not set the standards of the world. I understand as I think most of you do, that the USAPA has to keep this game at a lower level to cater to the majority of it’s members which about 95% are well over the age of 50. No need to stifle a great sport over the use of a paddle, I believe if everyone went along with the USAPA on this then next they would come up with standards for shoes, shirt, shorts, skirts, what color the strips are….maybe even hard hats, who knows. Seems a god syndrome has run a muck within the USAPA.
Brent Johner said on March 8, 2011
Agreed, Bob. If it was up to the USAPA, Americans would still be driving around in Model Ts and listening to the radio.
Their continuing (and increasingly desperate) attacks on 3rd generation pickleball paddes like the Apike and Hush are irrational.
They remind of the TD Bank commercials with the two crochety old men sitting on a park bench. “Why is the bank open on Sunday?” asks one of them disapprovingly. “Banks aren’t supposed to be open on Sunday.”
Fortunately, the world moves forward. Banks open on Sundays and pickleball paddles get better.
Five years from now all new pickleball paddles will look more like Apike and Hush than any of the 2nd generation racquets on the court today.
But as long as Bill Booth is in charge, Americans won’t be allowed to use them.
Christopher Ward said on May 31, 2012
This is a very old article, however I wonder where this conversation went to? Brent made the last post well over a year ago, but Bill has not made any further replies concerning the so called deflection test.
The reason I’m sort of interested is that I’m just starting to get into Pickleball and I’m considering both the Predator or the Edgeless paddles (I’m much more into Table Tennis, but locally Pickleball is easier to find people to play with). I’m looking at getting an Edgeless just because of the crap the USAPA has given Frank Wu for producing what I would say is a superior product vs the competition (isn’t that a good thing for consumers?) but the Predator is more budget friendly.