Why a Quiet Pickleball Paddle?
As this sport has gained popularity, many have started complaining about the noise it creates. Believe it or not, a significant amount of noise is generated from the ball hitting the paddle. This CNBC report on pickleball noise states that the sound can reach as high as 70 dB, which is twice as loud as tennis.
This noise is not harmful; however, it can certainly be a nuisance to those nearby in local neighborhoods. The noise in some areas has gotten so bad that 911 calls have been made, and lawsuits have been filed.
As a result of the increased conversation around these noise concerns, a solution has emerged: quiet pickleball. In fact, USA Pickleball just announced a Quiet Category for Pickleball.
With modifications to equipment, players and their neighbors are now able to enjoy the game without disturbing the peace. So, say goodbye to those complaints about noisy pickleball and hello to a more serene and enjoyable playing experience!
Understanding the Key Features of a Quiet Pickleball Paddle
One of the main features to look for if you are searching for a quiet paddle is noise reduction technology. This innovative feature helps dampen the distinctive sounds by incorporating sound-dampening materials into the paddle construction.
Vibration control is another important aspect of a quiet pickleball paddle. Paddles with advanced vibration control systems help minimize vibrations upon impact, resulting in less noise and greater comfort during gameplay. You'll be able to focus on your shots without any unnecessary distractions.
A quiet grip handle is also worth considering when choosing your pickleball paddle. Some paddles come with specially designed grips that not only provide excellent control but also help reduce noise transmission through your hand movements.
Think of the grip as additional dampening to help eliminate vibration. This means you can maintain a firm hold on your paddle while keeping things hushed on the court.
The Top 5 Quiet Pickleball Paddles on the Market and Their Unique Benefits
The quiet pickleball category is still relatively new as of writing this, so there aren’t many paddle manufacturers out there that boast a quiet paddle just yet.
The best choice for a quiet paddle would be one of the USA Pickleball Certified Quiet Paddles made by OWL Sport. These paddles are the first on the market to have achieved the certification for the quiet category by USA Pickleball. They claim to reduce paddle noise by 50% over other paddles.
OWL makes five different paddles in the quiet category depending on the specifications you are looking for. Each one uses a proprietary Acoustene™ composite polypropylene honeycomb core with OWL Flight Grip to limit noise. You can view all five at their website here.
Some of the features included in these paddles boasted by OWL Sports include:
Superior playability
Unprecedented durability
13 mm and 16 mm elongated handle options
Vibration-dampening layers for arm and elbow comfort
Balanced ‘anti-head heavy’ construction for effortless maneuverability
Larger sweet spot for off-center impacts
Graphene/nano technologically-enhanced carbon honeycomb
Proprietary Acoustone™ sheath
If you are looking for a truly quiet paddle that makes less noise than any other paddle out there, OWL Sports is your best choice.
Other good options that are known to be less noisy include:
A New Direction for Pickleball
It's clear that the landscape of pickleball is changing, and hopefully for the better. The people that live in homes close to pickleball courts certainly have a valid concern and something needs to be done so that pickleballers can enjoy the sport without disturbing others. This new direction can hopefully solve these issues so that everyone can live in harmony.
If you feel skeptical about the performance of the new quiet paddles, you are probably not alone. It’s hard to imagine that a paddle with sound-dampening material would perform the same as some of the top-performing paddles out there on the market.
If you are a pro player or serious about the game maybe sound isn’t an issue for you where you typically play. However, if you are a recreational player and just out to have fun and enjoy some friendly competition, a quiet paddle may be a good option to investigate.
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