Hybrid EPP-EVA CNC-Groove Core Paddle
Mid-density EPP core with an interior diamond-grid CNC groove pattern, wrapped in a 6 mm EVA foam perimeter wall. 16 mm total thickness for a stable, damped, all-court feel.
Engineered grooves inside, EVA wall outside
The Hybrid EPP-EVA CNC-Groove Core uses a mid-density EPP body with an interior diamond-grid groove pattern. The grooves are CNC-machined into the core before lamination, leaving a network of ribs that flex and rebound in a controlled way across the entire hitting surface.
Unlike a solid core that compresses uniformly, the groove pattern creates zoned stiffness: the ribs support the carbon face under load, while the grooves allow localized compression for better dwell time and a softer feel. The 8 mm rib spacing and 3 mm groove depth are tuned to keep the structure light without sacrificing face integrity.
The 6 mm EVA foam perimeter wall adds edge rigidity, expands the sweet spot, and absorbs shock on off-center hits. Face options include raw carbon T700 / 3K / 12K / 18K and ceramic-sand infused surfaces, all thermoformed as one piece.
At a glance
- Mid-density EPP 400–440 g core
- Interior diamond-grid CNC grooves
- 8 mm rib spacing / 3 mm groove depth
- 6 mm EVA foam perimeter wall
- 16 mm total thickness
- Raw carbon / ceramic sand face options
- MOQ 200 pcs, sample ~10 days
Hybrid EPP-EVA CNC-Groove Core specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Process | Thermoformed one-piece molding |
| Core material | Mid-density EPP, 400–440 g (density adjustable) |
| Core geometry | Interior diamond-grid CNC groove pattern |
| Groove dimensions | ~8 mm rib spacing / ~3 mm groove depth (customizable) |
| Perimeter wall | EVA foam-injected edge, ~6 mm wide, no separate edge guard |
| Face material | Raw carbon T700 / 3K / 12K / 18K; optional ceramic sand or paint |
| Thickness | 16 mm standard; 14 mm or custom on request |
| Dimensions | Standard 16" × 8" paddle face; custom shapes via mold |
| Weight | ~225 g ±5 g standard; ±2–3 g Precision Program available |
| Grip | 4 1/4" standard; custom length, circumference, leather, end cap |
| MOQ | 200 pcs per design |
| Sample time | 7–10 days for existing mold; 12–15 days for new groove program |
| Production lead time | 35–45 days for 2,000 pcs (varies with volume and surface) |
| Capacity | 80,000+ thermoformed paddles/month across Shenzhen & Vietnam |
| Compliance | Built to USAP dimensional, surface, and COO standards; brand applies for approval |
Groove pattern, depth, and rib spacing can be customized to tune stiffness, dwell time, and acoustic response. Contact us to define your target play-test profile.
Inside the CNC-Groove Core
EVA Foam Perimeter Wall
A 6 mm resilient foam frame surrounds the hitting area. It stiffens the rim, expands the sweet spot, absorbs off-center vibration, and removes the separate edge-guard glue line.
Mid-Density EPP Body
The 400–440 g EPP core provides a light, recyclable, high-strength foundation. It resists permanent compression set and keeps the paddle performing consistently over time.
Interior Diamond-Grid CNC Grooves
CNC-machined grooves create a network of ribs across the face. The ribs compress and rebound in a controlled pattern, giving the paddle zoned stiffness and a more predictable feel.
Why brands choose the CNC-Groove Core
Zoned Stiffness
The diamond-grid ribs create stiff support points while the grooves allow localized flex, giving a predictable rebound across the face.
Damped Touch
EPP absorbs high-frequency vibration and the EVA wall absorbs low-frequency shock, resulting in a comfortable all-court feel.
Weight Optimized
CNC grooves remove material from non-critical zones while preserving structural ribs where face integrity matters most.
Recyclable Core
EPP is a closed-cell, 100% recyclable foam that resists permanent compression set and retains its shape over long use.
Quieter Impact
The grooved structure and EVA edge wall dampen the "ping" associated with harder thermoformed paddles.
Spin-Friendly Face
Raw carbon or ceramic sand surface options maintain texture for topspin, slice, and cut shots.
What the diamond-grid groove pattern changes
The material left between grooves forms a lattice of ribs that carries load from the carbon face into the core.
Grooves create space for the ribs to bend slightly on impact, extending dwell time without losing energy.
The diamond pattern distributes flex more evenly than linear channels, helping off-center shots behave more like center hits.
Changing groove depth, spacing, or pattern angle lets us shift the acoustic signature and rebound character of the paddle.
How the paddle is packed and shipped
Inner protection
Each paddle is placed in a PE bag, then wrapped in bubble film to prevent face scratches during transit.
StandardExport carton
Standard carton: 65 × 50 × 35 cm, 50 paddles per carton, ~12.5 kg gross weight.
50 pcs/ctnCustom packaging
Available: individual color boxes, display boxes, carry bags, printed sleeves, and Amazon FBA labels.
OptionalTrade terms
EXW, FOB Shenzhen/Haiphong, CIF, and DDP available. Express/air/sea options quoted per destination.
FlexibleCustomize your CNC-Groove Core paddle
Groove pattern
Diamond grid, chevron, linear, or custom pattern. Adjust spacing and depth to tune flex and rebound.
Groove dimensions
Standard 8 mm spacing / 3 mm depth; customize rib width and groove profile for different feels.
EPP density
Mid-density 400–440 g standard; softer or firmer grades available for power or control bias.
Face finish
Raw carbon, 3K/12K/18K weave, ceramic sand infused, or painted/custom printed face.
Thickness
16 mm standard; 14 mm or custom thickness to hit target swing weight.
Grip system
Grip length, circumference, leather color, end cap logo, and silicone band.
Edge & side tape
Custom edge guard color, printed side tape, and throat design.
Weight program
Standard ±5 g tolerance or upgrade to ±2–3 g Precision Program.
Packaging
Color box, display carton, carry bag, hang tag, and user manual design support.
Built to scale with your brand
Dual-site thermoforming production means capacity, redundancy, and consistent lead times.
Common questions about the CNC-Groove Core paddle
What is the CNC-Groove Core?
It is a mid-density EPP core with a CNC-machined interior groove pattern—shown here as a diamond grid. The grooves create a network of ribs that flex and rebound in a controlled way, giving the paddle a tuned feel and more predictable rebound.
How is this different from the Chevron Core?
Both use CNC-cut EPP cores and EVA perimeter walls. The difference is the groove geometry: the Chevron Core uses V-shaped channels, while the CNC-Groove Core uses a diamond/cross-hatch grid. The grid pattern distributes flex more evenly across the face.
What do the groove dimensions mean?
The reference diagram shows ~8 mm rib spacing and ~3 mm groove depth. These dimensions control how much the ribs can flex on impact. We can adjust them to make the paddle feel firmer or softer.
What does the EVA perimeter wall do?
The 6 mm EVA foam edge wall stiffens the rim, enlarges the sweet spot, absorbs vibration on off-center hits, and replaces the separate edge guard found on older paddles.
Can I customize the groove pattern?
Yes. We can change the groove shape, spacing, depth, and angle. Each variation changes the stiffness map, dwell time, and acoustic signature of the paddle. MOQ starts at 200 pcs per design.
What face materials work with this core?
Raw carbon T700 is the most common. We also offer 3K, 12K, and 18K weaves, ceramic sand infused surfaces for extra spin durability, and painted/custom printed faces.
What is the MOQ and sample lead time?
MOQ is 200 pcs per design. Samples from an existing groove program take 7–10 days. Developing a new groove pattern adds 5–7 days for CNC programming and tooling.
Is this structure USAP-compliant?
We build to USAP dimensional, surface roughness, and material standards. USAP approval must be applied for by the brand under its own brand name; the factory cannot hold certification for a customer's product. We supply compliant samples and documentation to support your application.
Can you ship to Amazon FBA?
Yes. We can label cartons, apply FBA shipping marks, and deliver DDP to Amazon warehouses. Provide your FBA shipment plan and labeling requirements when you place the order.
Prototype the CNC-Groove Core for your brand
Send your target specs, logo, and any reference paddles. We will return a groove-pattern recommendation, sample plan, and production quote within 24 hours.
Email lixifirm@outlook.comYour can explore our full EPP/MPP core pickleball paddle innovation range