If you’re on the hunt for the “best quiet pickleball paddle,” you are in for a surprise! There’s no paddle explicitly labeled as the “quietest pickleball paddle” on the market!
Paddles are meticulously designed for peak performance, emphasizing attributes like speed, consistency, power, and spin.
While many pickleball players seek the “green zone approved” or “zone approved” paddles, it’s rare to find one boasting its quietness as a primary feature.
However, this doesn’t mean that all paddles create the same noise level. Some paddles, due to their construction and materials, can indeed be quieter than others.
Just keep in mind, that the difference in sound might be less than anticipated.
In this guide, we’ll look at paddle materials that tend to produce a less pronounced sound.
Plus, I’ll highlight some top pickleball paddles on the market that utilize these materials for a quieter pickleball game experience.
Quick View- Top 3 Quiet Paddles
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb matrix with special quiet, high impact resistance polymer
- Paddle Face: Proprietary 7-layer coating.
- Paddle Frame: Kinetic System Technology with Carbon Casing
- Core Material: The Polypropylene X5 Core™ reduces the amplitude and frequency of vibrational waves, resulting in a smoother feel.
- Paddle Face: The 2021 AMPED Series features FiberFlex™ Fiberglass technology.
- Core Material: NOMEX honeycomb core provides excellent power while maintaining control
- Paddle Face: The graphite face offers light-weight characteristics for added speed, pop, and maneuverability
Choosing the Best Quiet Pickleball Paddle
When searching for the best quiet pickleball paddle, the paddle’s construction materials play a pivotal role.
Some paddles, due to their specific materials, might produce a more pronounced sound than others.
For instance, paddles crafted with an aluminum core paired with a fiberglass surface are known to be a tad noisier.
However, as you navigate through this guide, remember that the noise difference among various pickleball paddles on the market is subtle.
So, while we’ll discuss quieter options, it’s essential to set expectations about the minimal sound variance.
Selecting the Ideal Pickleball Paddle
Understanding that a completely silent pickleball paddle is a myth, the real challenge arises: How do you pinpoint the perfect paddle for your game?
Several factors come into play when making this decision. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Paddle Weight:
- Lightweight (under 7.5 oz) for control and maneuverability. Ideal for seniors.
- Midweight (7.5 oz – 8.4 oz) balances power and control. A popular choice among most players.
- Heavyweight (over 8.5 oz) enhances power, suited for aggressive play.
- Grip Size:
- Measure from the tip of your ring finger to the middle crease of your palm to find the ideal grip size.
- Core Material:
- Polymer: Offers a balance of power and control, light and durable.
- Nomex: Provides durability and power, made of hardened materials.
- Aluminum: Known for its lightness and finesse, great for precise ball placement.
- Paddle Surface Material:
- Carbon Fiber: Lightweight yet powerful, ideal for advanced play.
- Composite: Offers a good mix of durability, power, and control.
- Graphite: Lighter, enhances maneuverability and spin control.
- Fiberglass: Durable, with more power, suitable for beginners.
- Paddle Shape:
- Widebody: Generally 8″ or wider, best for beginners due to a larger sweet spot.
- Standard: Usually 16″ long and 8″ wide, versatile for various play styles.
- Price:
- The cost varies from budget-friendly options for casual or beginner players to higher-priced models for competitive or advanced players. Balance your budget with your playing frequency and skill level.
Each factor affects your game differently, so choose based on your style and physical needs. For more detailed insights, visit our comprehensive guide on how to choose a pickleball paddle.
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PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle
The ProKennex line of pickleball paddles was specifically developed to reduce pickleball shoulder pain and arm injuries.
The Pro Flight is a great all-around paddle. It’s made using the Prokennex Kinetic technology which absorbs the shock and vibration into the Kinetic chambers of the paddle virtually eliminating vibration into the arm and shoulder while also reducing paddle sound a little bit.
An independent study by MIT Labs found that the ProKennex’s Kinetic system reduced vibration by 43% causing significantly less damage to the arm and shoulder.
Prokennex also uses a 7-layer carbon fiber surface coating with a spin grab feature that creates consistency and maximum spin.
This is a great paddle for those who want to minimize paddle sound without sacrificing power and control.
Paddle Specifications
- Weight: 7.4 oz
- Grip: 4”
- Handle Length: 5”
- Paddle Length: 15.43″
- Paddle Width: 7.6″
- Paddle Face: Proprietary 7-layer coating and complex composite, including specially treated soft skin with spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass and Prokennex Release epoxy/resin system.
- Paddle Frame: Kinetic System Technology with Carbon Casing
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb matrix with special quiet, high impact resistance polyme
Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle
Handcrafted in the USA from the finest materials, this Selkirk paddle is built to perform.
With a state-of-the-art FiberFlex fiberglass surface and thicker Polypropylene X5 core, the Selkirk Amped paddle reduces vibration and shock resulting in slightly less paddle noise.
With a long handle and large surface area, this paddle offers great power and control. They are also proportioned perfectly for two-handed swings.
With Pro players like Tyson McGuffin, Enrique Ruize, Joanne Russel, and Kaitlin Christian using Selkirk’s pickleball paddles, you can be sure that you’re getting a paddle that is of the highest quality.
Paddle Specifications
- Skill Level: Beginner to Pro
- Average Lightweight: 7.2oz – 7.7oz
- Average Midweight: 7.8oz – 8.4oz
- Height: 15.75″
- Width: 8.0″
- Grip Length: 5.25″
- Grip Circumference: 4.25″
The ONIX Graphite Z5 is the perfect paddle for players who are looking at paddles that ase alightly less noisy.
This paddle provides outstanding ball control and feel.
The graphite face and Nomex core work together to give players superior touch while minimizing the vibration and shock that’s created from the constant striking of the ball.
With a widebody shape that provides a large sweet spot, and a graphite face that offers excellent spin the ONIX Graphite Z5 is a great choice for players of all levels.
Paddle Specifications
- Paddle Length: 15.5″
- Face Width: 8.125″
- Handle Length: 5″
- Grip Size Circumference: 4.25″
- Weight: 7.5-8.2 oz
- Face: Graphite
- Core: Nomex
- Paddle Shape: Wide Body
PROKENNEX Pro Speed II Pickleball Paddle
The Prokennex line of paddles is my favorite when it comes to pickleball paddles for arm and shoulder pain.
The Pro Speed II is another great option that will help you improve your game while reducing paddle noise.
This paddle is also made with Prokennex’s patented Kinetic technology, which reduces vibration by up to 43%.
In addition, the Pro Speed II features a textured surface that provides excellent grip and control.
Paddle Specifications
- Weight: 7.7 – 8 OZ
- Grip Style: Comfort Cushion
- Grip Circumference: 4″
- Handle Length: 4 7/8″
- Paddle Length: 15.43″
- Paddle Width: 7.6″
- Paddle Face: Proprietary 7-layer coating and complex composite, including specially treated soft skin with spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass and Prokennex Release epoxy/resin system.
- Paddle Frame: Kinetic System Technology with Carbon Casing
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb matrix with special quiet, high-impact resistance polymer.
Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is another great option for players looking for a quiet pickleball paddle.
The Onix paddle features Atomic13 Edge Technology, which was specifically designed to disperse shock while increasing power and swing speed.
It has unique impact paddle shape that is designed to increase your reach and maximize your baseline power.
In addition, the DF Composite Face provides a consistent minimal coating on the surface to soften the ball without losing any spin or pop off the composite face.
Finally, the paddle offers incredible touch, thanks to its precision cut polypropylene core.
With all of these features, the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is sure to help you take your game to the next level.
Paddle Specifications
- Paddle Length: 16″
- Face Width: 8″
- Handle Length: 5″
- Grip Size Circumference: 4.125″
- Weight: Lightweight (7.5-7.8), Standard (7.8-8.2), Heavyweight (8.2-8.5) oz
- Face: DF Composite
- Core: Polypropylene
Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle
The Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle is another contender and is one of the best paddles on the market.
Graphite in the Tempest PolyCore dampens vibrations and minimizes the harmful effects on your arm. This means you can play longer and harder without having to worry about pain or injury.
A large, consistent sweet spot makes it easy to add finesse to every shot, while the balanced weight increases speed and maneuverability.
Paddle Specifications
- Grip circumference: 4 1/4”
- Grip length: 5 1/4”
- Total length: 15 7/8”
- Width: 8”
- Weight: 7.4 – 7.8oz.
WILSON Juice Camo Grey Pickleball Paddle
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line pickleball paddle, the WILSON Juice CAMO Grey is a great option and should not be overlooked.
The PolyCore-X features a polypropylene honeycomb core that dampens vibrations and paddle sound.
The PO3 Fiberglass Composite Face comprises strong, lightweight material that delivers excellent responsiveness and shot depth.
Paddle Specifications
- Grip circumference: 4 1/8”
- Grip length: 5”
- Total length: 15 1/4”
- Width: 8 1/4”
- Weight: 7.6 – 8.0 oz.
- Surface Material: Fiberglass Composite Blend
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb
With over 1000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, this paddle stands up well to the competition!
With its combination of a polypropylene honeycomb core and HEAD’s popular technology, this paddle has a unique feel and excellent vibration and shock-dampening features making it a great choice for a quiet pickleball paddle.
Paddle Specifications
- Weight: 8.1 oz
- Length: 16 in
- Width: 7 7/8 in
- Grip size: 4 1/4 in
- Paddle Surface: Fiberglass
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb
Understanding Pickleball Paddle Materials for a Quieter Game
When you’re on the hunt for a quieter pickleball paddle, it’s essential to delve into the paddle’s core materials.
Through my research and testing, I’ve discovered that paddles crafted with vibration-dampening cores (polymer) often emerge as the silent champions.
These specially engineered paddles have softer cores, designed not only to minimize the sound but also to reduce potential arm and shoulder strain.
Pickleball Paddle Cores
For those seeking the quietest pickleball experience, a paddle with a Polypropylene core is your best bet.
Let’s explore the three main core types in the pickleball market:
- Polymer Honeycomb (often termed Polypropylene): This core is a blend of various materials, including certain plastics. It’s renowned for offering players unparalleled control and a gentle touch upon ball contact.
- Nomex: This honeycomb-structured core is sturdier than its polymer counterpart, ensuring enhanced power and longevity.
- Aluminum Honeycomb: These cores are on the lighter side, making them an excellent choice for beginners and those leaning towards a lightweight paddle for their pickleball game.
Delving into Paddle Face Materials
The surface or face of the paddle also plays a pivotal role in determining its sound and performance:
- Composite Surfaces: Crafted by merging multiple materials, composite surfaces strike a harmonious balance between control and power, ensuring a quieter pickleball experience.
- Graphite Surfaces: Known as the lightest paddle face material in the pickleball market, graphite offers unparalleled control, making it a favorite among many pickleball players.
- Carbon Fiber: This lightweight yet robust surface material ensures you pack a punch with every shot, enhancing the power without compromising on the noise level.
- Fiberglass: These surfaces come with a tad more flexibility, adding a unique touch to your pickleball game.
Remember, the right surface material can make a significant difference in both the sound and feel of your paddle, so choose wisely!
Understanding Green Zone Approved Pickleball Paddles
The term “Green Zone Pickleball Paddles” refers to a curated list of quieter pickleball paddles, endorsed by the Sun City Community Association for court play. This initiative emerged as a response to community members voicing concerns over the noise levels of pickleball matches.
Prominent paddle brands like Selkirk, Onix, and Pro-Lite have made their mark on this list, ensuring reduced noise during gameplay.
Conversely, there’s the “Red Zone” – a list of paddles deemed too noisy and, thus, not permitted on the community courts.
This distinction between the green and red zones has significantly fueled the conversation around “quiet pickleball paddles.”
Upon delving deeper into the testing criteria and examining both the green and red zone paddles, I noticed some inconsistencies.
The growing demand for quieter paddles in various communities has only amplified the importance of such lists.
Is There Such A Thing as Quiet Pickleball Balls?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a “quiet pickleball ball” either. Pickleballs are made from hard plastics and rubber to ensure durability and performance.
For example, Franklin Sports X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs use durable PE plastic. This creates a more crack-resistant ball that also can withstand the elements.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this article about quiet pickleball paddles helpful.
Are there quieter paddles? Sure, but not by much, and you might not notice the difference at times.
While I understand the desire to make playing pickleball a lot quieter, paddle development is far from the point where noise is significantly reduced by using a specific paddle.
Do I think we will see quiet pickleball paddles one day? I do, but only if we don’t have to sacrifice paddle performance.
