Mysterious Disappearance of $60,000 Pickleball Paddle Testing Machine in Austin, Texas
Mysterious Disappearance of $60,000 Pickleball Paddle Testing Machine in Austin
Austin, Texas – In a bizarre turn of events, the Pickle Press, a state-of-the-art paddle testing machine valued at $60,000, has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. The 167-pound device, crucial for ensuring fair play in professional pickleball, was last seen loaded onto a truck at the Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in Austin.
The Pickle Press, developed by Pickle Pro Labs and utilized by the United Pickleball Association (UPA), was scheduled to travel to the MLP Phoenix event after being packed up at the Austin Pickle Ranch on May 27. However, when the truck was set to depart for Mesa, Arizona, the following morning, the machine had vanished overnight.
The Pickle Press is encased in a heavy-duty black protective case measuring 19 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 30 inches high. Its disappearance raises questions not only about the security of high-value sports equipment but also about the integrity of upcoming pickleball events.
An FIR has been filed with the Austin Police, who are actively investigating the theft but have yet to uncover any leads. “It’s perplexing,” said a spokesperson for Pickle Pro Labs. “Who would steal such a specialized piece of equipment? It’s not something you can easily sell on the black market.”
The Pickle Press plays a vital role in the UPA’s paddle testing protocol, which was rolled out earlier this year. All players must have their paddles tested and certified before participating in MLP and PPA Tour events. During competitions, players can challenge paddles, which must then undergo testing to ensure compliance with regulations.
With the Pickle Press now missing, the UPA faces a logistical challenge. Fortunately, the organization has a backup plan. “We have three machines at our disposal,” the spokesperson added. “One remains at our lab, and the third will be deployed to MLP Daytona and other upcoming events to ensure that testing continues without interruption.”
As the investigation unfolds, pickleball enthusiasts and players alike are left wondering: who would target a machine designed to uphold the integrity of the sport? The mystery deepens as the community rallies for the safe return of the Pickle Press, hoping to see it back in action soon.
For now, the search continues, and the pickleball world watches closely as police work to crack this unusual case.
