Gen 5 Pickleball Paddle — EPP Core, Fast Snap, Low Vibration
Expanded polypropylene (EPP) core wrapped by an EVA foam perimeter wall. High rigidity, fast deformation recovery, and a crisp, powerful ball release — with the spin and shock absorption serious players want.
An EPP core for players who want instant response
Gen 5 swaps the honeycomb core for expanded polypropylene (EPP). EPP is a lightweight, high-strength, closed-cell foam that rebounds almost instantly after impact. The result is a paddle with excellent rigidity and fast deformation recovery — the ball leaves the face quickly and cleanly, with a crisp "snap" players feel as power.
A core of pure EPP, however, would trade away edge stiffness. That’s why every Gen 5 paddle wraps the core with an EVA foam perimeter wall. The EVA layer makes the structure tougher and longer-lasting, enlarges the sweet spot, improves torsion resistance on off-center hits, and absorbs shock so your hand doesn’t feel the vibration.
EPP also brings two things honeycomb cores can’t: it doesn’t deform or dent over time, and it is recyclable — an easy story for brands positioning for eco-conscious players. Faces are typically built with raw carbon fiber, with ceramic sand upgrades available for extra spin life and color.
Gen 5 at a glance
- EPP foam core (recyclable)
- EVA foam-injected perimeter wall
- Fast deformation recovery, crisp power
- Raw carbon face (standard)
- Ceramic sand surface upgrade available
- No long-term dents or deformation
- MOQ 200 pcs per design
- Sample lead time: 10 days
Gen 5 paddle specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Generation / Construction | Gen 5 — EPP core + EVA foam-injected perimeter (thermoformed or cold-press available) |
| Core Material | EPP (expanded polypropylene) — lightweight, high-strength, recyclable |
| Perimeter Wall | EVA foam-injected, continuous with face (no separate edge guard, no glue line) |
| Playing Character | High rigidity, fast deformation recovery, crisp ball release, enhanced spin and shock absorption |
| Face Material | Raw carbon fiber (T700 / 3K / 12K / 18K options); ceramic sand infused upgrade |
| Surface Texture | Raw carbon grit or ceramic sand 80/100 mesh; 4 color options |
| Thickness | 14mm / 16mm standard; custom thickness available |
| Dimensions | Standard USAPA shape: ~16.5" × 7.5" face; custom shapes require new mold |
| Weight | ~225g ±5g standard; ±2-3g Precision Program available |
| Grip Length | 5.0"–5.5" standard; custom grip length / shape |
| Handle Circumference | 4.125"–4.25" standard; custom on request |
| MOQ | 200 pcs per custom design |
| Sample Lead Time | ~10 days for existing constructions / 14 days with full custom graphics |
| Bulk Lead Time | ~35 days for 2,000 pcs, scaled by order size |
| Monthly Capacity | 80,000 pcs (Shenzhen + Vietnam facilities) |
| Compliance | Built to USAPA/IFP dimensional, surface, and performance standards; brand-owned USAPA submission supported |
All specs can be adjusted for OEM/ODM projects. Send your target weight, balance point, swing weight, and surface-grit requirements for a tailored sample.
Why players feel the Gen 5 difference
Fast deformation recovery
EPP rebounds almost instantly after contact. The face snaps back before the ball leaves, producing a crisp, clean, powerful release on every drive.
Edge stiffness with EVA
The EVA perimeter wall compensates for EPP’s softer edge — tougher structure, bigger sweet spot, better torsion resistance on off-center hits.
Shock absorption
EPP’s damping + the EVA ring absorb impact vibration before it reaches the handle. Long training sessions feel easier on the hand and elbow.
Spin-friendly raw carbon
The natural grit of raw carbon fiber grabs the ball for reliable topspin and slice, without paint layers that wear off mid-season.
Recyclable EPP core
EPP is a recyclable, eco-friendly material — a genuine sustainability story for brands selling to environment-conscious players.
No dents, no sag
Unlike traditional honeycomb paddles, EPP cores hold their shape over years of play — no deformed faces or dead spots appearing over time.
EPP core vs. PP honeycomb core
Why Gen 5 uses EPP
- Holds shape over years — no deformation or dents
- Recyclable and eco-friendly, aligned with green trends
- Lighter, with high strength and natural buffering
- Reduces hand fatigue during long practice sessions
- Fast rebound means crisp, immediate ball release
The trade-off — and how we solve it
- Pure EPP alone can’t deliver both lightweight and edge rigidity
- Solution: EVA foam-injected perimeter wall wraps the EPP core
- Stronger — more durable structure, no glued edge to fail
- Stabler — bigger sweet spot, better torsion resistance
- Comfier — absorbs shock, no harsh vibration in the hand
Bottom line: EPP gives the power and longevity, EVA gives the structure and comfort. Gen 5 is both in one paddle.
Gen 1 → Gen 2 → Gen 3 → Gen 4 → Gen 5
Cold-press + separate edge guard
Lower-temperature pressing with a glued edge guard. Affordable, but the bonded edge seam can fail over time.
Thermoformed unibody + glued edge strip
High-temperature molding fuses face and core; edge strip still bonded on for extra protection.
EVA foam-injected perimeter wall
The edge guard is replaced by injected EVA foam — no glue line, larger sweet spot toward the edges.
Throat foam layer added
A foam insert in the throat rebalances the paddle and extends the sweet spot into the neck area.
EPP core — the material upgrade
The big change: the core itself becomes EPP foam for instant rebound, crisp power, and long-term shape retention — all wrapped in EVA for edge stiffness and comfort.
Raw carbon standard, ceramic sand upgrade
Raw carbon face (standard)
- Natural grit from the raw carbon weave — no added paint to wear off
- Options: T700, 3K, 12K, 18K weaves
- Pairs naturally with EPP’s fast rebound for maximum spin
- Clean, premium look popular with serious players
Ceramic sand infused surface
- Ceramic grit mixed into the resin, not screen-printed
- Won’t flake or peel like sprayed-on textures
- Available in 80/100 mesh and 4 colors
- 100-hit lab test loses ~40 RPM vs ~100 RPM on standard gritty faces
Ready to ship, ready to brand
Inner packaging
PP bag + bubble bag standard, foam sleeve available
Export carton
65 × 50 × 35 cm, 50 pcs per carton, ~12.5 kg gross weight
Custom packaging
Retail box, hang tag, insert card, and logo packaging on request
Trade terms
EXW, FOB Shenzhen/Vietnam, CIF, or DDP by sea/air/express
Build your brand’s Gen 5 paddle
Custom shape & mold
Standard, elongated, wide-body, or a brand-new mold for your own profile.
Face material
T700/3K/12K/18K raw carbon or ceramic sand infused finish.
Thickness & weight
14mm/16mm core, target weight, balance point, and swing weight tuning.
Handle & grip
Custom length, circumference, grip color, and logo printing.
Edge trim
Custom edge color or painted perimeter to match your branding.
Graphics & logo
UV printing, screen printing, or embossed logo on face and side rail.
End cap & silicone band
Custom end cap, and silicone band on the handle for branding detail.
Quality grade
Standard ±5g or Precision Program ±2-3g by batch.
USAPA submission support
We supply compliant samples and test data; brand applies in its own name.
Gen 5 pickleball paddle — common questions
What is an EPP core and why is it different?
EPP (expanded polypropylene) is a lightweight, high-strength, closed-cell foam used as the paddle core. Unlike traditional PP honeycomb, EPP rebounds almost instantly after impact, giving a crisp, powerful ball release. It also holds its shape over years of use and is recyclable.
Why does Gen 5 combine EPP with an EVA perimeter wall?
A pure EPP core would be too soft at the edges. The EVA foam-injected perimeter wall wraps the core to add edge stiffness, enlarge the sweet spot, improve torsion resistance on off-center hits, and absorb shock — so you get EPP’s power without losing durability or comfort.
Is Gen 5 good for power or control?
Gen 5 leans toward power — the fast-deformation-recovery core releases the ball quickly and cleanly. But the EVA ring and raw carbon face keep the feel connected and spin-friendly, so it still plays accurately at the kitchen line. Choose 14mm for more control or 16mm for more power.
Does the EPP core really last longer?
Yes. EPP does not deform or dent like traditional honeycomb materials, so the face keeps its shape and playability over long-term use. Combined with the EVA perimeter, there is no glued edge seam to delaminate either.
What is the MOQ and lead time?
MOQ is 200 pcs per custom design. Samples take about 10 days; bulk production is roughly 35 days for 2,000 pcs, scaled by order size.
Can I get USAPA approval for my Gen 5 paddle?
USAPA approval is held by the brand, not the factory. We build the paddle to meet USAPA/IFP dimensional, surface, and performance requirements and supply the compliant samples and test data you need to submit under your own brand name.
Can you ship directly to my warehouse or Amazon FBA?
Yes. We ship EXW, FOB Shenzhen/Vietnam, CIF, or DDP. We can also prep cartons with Amazon FBA labels and pallet requirements if you provide the shipment plan.
Order your Gen 5 sample batch
Get a sample paddle with your preferred weight, face material, and core spec. We’ll build it, measure it, and ship it in about 10 days.
Email lixifirm@outlook.com