Black Ace Ovation

On December 28, 2024, the USA Pickleball Association (USAP) issued a
statement delisting our original Black Ace paddles from tournament play,
effective July 1, 2025. These paddles have been USAP certified for over two and
a half years, and throughout this time, we have not made any modifications to
circumvent USAP regulations or to gain any unfair competitive advantage.

The Black Ace paddles are a testament to Pro Kennex’s commitment to
innovation and quality. Built using aerospace manufacturing technology, their
power derives from their streamlined 11mm cross-section which, combined with
our award-winning Kinetic technology, reduces shock, vibration, and torque.
These design features are rooted in engineering excellence—not the
"trampolining" effect USAP implies. In 2.5 years on the market, these
paddles have neither prompted complaints nor been involved in any controversies.

Pro Kennex has always been a responsible and ethical member of the sports
community, as reflected in our reputation across tennis, golf, racquetball, and
pickleball. We pride ourselves on manufacturing processes that prioritize
precision, quality, and, above all, compliance with governing body regulations.

USAP’s recent decision appears to be a response to growing concerns about
new paddle technologies that enhance power through materials and construction
designed to “trampoline.” However, our Black Ace paddles achieve their energy
return organically, through geometry, not artificial systems or materials.
USAP’s decision to delist them—based on a newly introduced Coefficient of
Restitution (COR) test—arbitrarily singles out our paddles while sparing others
that could have easily been included under different parameters.

Pro Kennex intends to appeal this decision, which we believe to be both
arbitrary and harmful. We are confident that a fair resolution can be reached
that avoids unnecessary disruption for Pro Kennex, our retail partners, and our
valued customers.

Clarification on New Black Ace Line Launching January 2025

To address any confusion caused by the USAP statement, we want to clarify that
the upcoming Black Ace models—Black Ace 14, Black Ace 16, Black Ace LG14,
and Black Ace XF14—have been fully tested and approved by both USAP and
UPA. These paddles will debut at the Masters tournament in Rancho Mirage on
January 6, 2025.

We remain committed to ensuring our customers have access to tournament-certified
paddles beyond July 1, 2025. We will provide further updates next week as we
work toward a resolution that upholds the integrity of the sport and the trust
of our loyal customers.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

The Pro Kennex Team