EVA + EPP vs. EVA + MPP Pickleball Paddle Cores: A Guide for OEM/ODM Brands

A Guide for OEM/ODM Brands

As pickleball paddle technology continues to evolve, foam-core construction has become an important option for brands developing high-performance paddles.

Traditional polypropylene honeycomb cores are no longer the only choice. Full-foam core designs offer manufacturers more opportunities to explore different materials, structural configurations, and product characteristics.

At GloryPaddle, we offer two full-foam core configurations for custom pickleball paddle development:

• EVA + EPP Core
• EVA + MPP Core

Both designs feature an EVA foam perimeter surrounding a central foam core made of either EPP or MPP. They are manufactured using an integrated hot-pressing process.

In this guide, we explain how these two constructions are designed, what makes them different, and what brands should consider when selecting a core for their next pickleball paddle project.

1. Understanding Full-Foam Core Construction

A full-foam pickleball paddle uses foam materials as its core structure rather than relying on a traditional hollow polypropylene honeycomb structure.

In our designs, the construction consists of two main components:

Central Core Material

The central section uses either Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) or MPP, depending on the selected configuration.

EVA Foam Perimeter

An EVA foam structure surrounds the central core, forming the perimeter of the paddle’s internal construction.

Both configurations are manufactured through an integrated hot-pressing process, bringing the paddle structure together as a complete assembly.

2. EVA + EPP Pickleball Paddle Core

EPP stands for Expanded Polypropylene. It is a polypropylene-based foam material formed through an expansion and molding process.

EPP is used in a wide range of applications where lightweight construction and energy absorption are important material considerations.

In our EVA + EPP paddle construction:

• The central core is made of EPP foam.
• EVA foam surrounds the central core.
• The paddle uses a full-foam structural design.
• The complete construction is manufactured through integrated hot pressing.

For pickleball brands, EVA + EPP provides one option for developing a full-foam paddle without a traditional polypropylene honeycomb core.

The final paddle characteristics depend on the selected material specifications, core density, paddle dimensions, face materials, and overall construction.

3. EVA + MPP Pickleball Paddle Core

MPP generally refers to Microcellular Polypropylene, a polypropylene-based foam material featuring a microcellular structure.

It provides another material option for full-foam paddle development.

In our EVA + MPP paddle construction:

• The central core is made of MPP foam.
• EVA foam surrounds the central core.
• The paddle uses a full-foam structural design.
• The complete construction is manufactured through integrated hot pressing.

By combining MPP in the central core with an EVA perimeter, brands can explore a different material configuration within a full-foam paddle platform.

As with EPP construction, the finished paddle’s playing characteristics depend on the complete design rather than the core material name alone.

4. EVA + EPP vs. EVA + MPP: Key Differences

Both configurations share the same overall structural concept, but they use different materials in the central core.

Feature	EVA + EPP	EVA + MPP
Central core	Expanded Polypropylene	Microcellular Polypropylene
Perimeter	EVA foam	EVA foam
Core construction	Full foam	Full foam
Manufacturing process	Integrated hot pressing	Integrated hot pressing
Traditional honeycomb core	No	No
Custom development	Available	Available

The main difference is the central core material.

Material names alone do not determine the final performance of a pickleball paddle. Factors such as foam density, material formulation, core geometry, face construction, paddle thickness, and manufacturing parameters all contribute to the finished product.

For this reason, we recommend evaluating the complete paddle design through sample development and testing before making a final product decision.

5. Why Does EVA Perimeter Foam Matter?

The EVA perimeter is an important part of both of our full-foam core configurations.

Rather than using EPP or MPP throughout the entire core structure, our designs combine a central foam material with an EVA outer perimeter.

This allows the paddle to use different foam materials in different structural areas.

When developing a custom paddle, brands should consider:

• The material and density of the central core.
• The EVA perimeter specifications.
• The overall paddle thickness.
• The paddle shape and dimensions.
• The face material and surface finish.
• The bonding and hot-pressing process.

These factors should be considered together when developing a paddle for a particular brand and target market.

6. How to Choose Between EVA + EPP and EVA + MPP

There is no universal answer for every pickleball brand.

The right configuration depends on your product positioning, target players, design requirements, and development objectives.

1. Product Positioning

Determine whether the paddle is intended for recreational players, intermediate players, or performance-focused customers.

2. Core Material Requirements

Compare the material specifications of EPP and MPP, including density and relevant mechanical properties.

3. Paddle Design

Consider the relationship between the core, EVA perimeter, paddle thickness, face material, and overall weight.

4. Sample Testing

Request samples of both configurations when possible. Compare their finished construction and evaluate them under the same testing conditions.

5. Production Requirements

Discuss your target quantity, customization requirements, and quality standards with your manufacturing partner before confirming the final specification.

A sample-based evaluation is the most practical way to determine which construction is suitable for your brand.

7. Custom EVA + EPP and EVA + MPP Paddle Manufacturing

At GloryPaddle, we support OEM/ODM pickleball paddle development for brands, distributors, and businesses looking for customized production solutions.

Our full-foam core options include:

• EVA + EPP full-foam construction.
• EVA + MPP full-foam construction.
• Integrated hot-pressed paddle construction.
• Custom paddle shapes and specifications.
• Customized graphics, logos, and face materials.

We work with customers to review their product requirements, select suitable construction options, develop samples, and move approved designs toward mass production.

Beyond core configurations, we also offer differentiated surface options such as our silicon carbide grit surface technology for brands looking to expand their paddle lines.

Whether you are developing a new paddle collection or expanding an existing product line, our team can help you evaluate suitable core configurations for your project.

Conclusion: Develop Your Next Full-Foam Pickleball Paddle

EVA + EPP and EVA + MPP are two full-foam core options for brands exploring alternatives to traditional honeycomb paddle construction.

Both configurations combine an EVA foam perimeter with a different central foam material and use an integrated hot-pressing process.

The best choice depends on your product specifications, material requirements, design objectives, and sample testing results.

Looking for an OEM/ODM partner for your next pickleball paddle project?

Contact GloryPaddle to discuss your EVA + EPP or EVA + MPP paddle requirements.