Want to know what our top 5 quiet Pickleball paddles are?
Pickleball has become an increasingly popular sport in recent years and for good reason!
It is a fun social game that is suitable for all ages and skill levels.
However, in some areas, where courts are surrounded by residential housing, there have been noise complaints. In fact, some community Pickleball courts now regulate that you must play with quiet Pickleball paddles.
These are also known as green zone approved paddles.
Thankfully, manufacturers are now making paddles quieter and many pickleball players are starting to use these quiet paddles.
Here is our top 5 recommended quiet pickleball paddles.
Rally Flare Graphite Pickleball Paddle – a good paddle at an affordable price
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro – this paddle ticks all the boxes
Engage Encore range – a quiet paddle for every player at a reasonable price point
Selkirk Omni – another great quiet paddle that suits many playing styles
Z5 Graphite Paddle – good price and lots of colours
With so many different brands available in the market, choosing one can be confusing.
Our Top 5 Quiet Pickleball Paddles
While there is no official guide on quiet Pickleball paddles, some communities have put out a list of what they recommend and what they will allow to be used in their courts.
Click here to find out more about Green zone Pickleball paddles
While most manufacturers are trying to rectify the noise problem, they are self regulated.
Typically, you want to invest in a paddle that suits your needs and is quality you can afford.
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Here is a detailed look at 5 of our favorites that won’t create a loud noise every time you hit the ball across the court.
1. Rally Flare Graphite Pickleball Paddle
You just can’t go wrong with the Rally Flare paddle. It is made with graphite, which contributes to the resilience and durability of the paddle. This is a versatile option with curved edges that ensure a comfortable hold and hitting experience.
The product is USAPA approved and is backed with a 1-year warranty. The lightweight performance of this paddle reduces strain on the arm and weighs 7.5 ounces for a comfortable hitting experience across the court.
The universal size cushion comfort grip contributes to the ergonomics of this paddle and allows you to comfortably hold and hit the ball without having to strain your arm or shoulders. It also reduces the vibration that emanates every time you hit the ball across the court.
The graphite paddle also features a high-end polymer honeycomb design for long-lasting usage.
A great price paddle for most players.
2. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
This Pickleball paddle works like a dream. It is a little on the expensive side but worth every penny.
It is designed to offer unmatched accuracy when you hit the pickleball ball across the court.
The Tempest handle design allows easy control and prevents your paddle from slipping, which is a complaint many users have.
The balanced design of this paddle comes with a uniform weight distribution that ensures a comfortable playing experience.
One unique trait of this paddle is the smart response technology that delivers the right force needed to hit the ball across the court without straining yourself.
This paddle can do no wrong!
3. Engage Encore range
Ideally designed for maximum power, the Engage Encore range are favorites among many Pickleball players. These pickelball paddles are designed with the latest liquid graphite technology that contributes to comfortable playing with ease of use.
There are a variety of green zone approved, quiet paddles in the Encore range including long handled, long face, wide face and lightweight paddles that allow you to hit the ball without excessive noise or having to put a lot of strain on your swing through.
The unique FiberTEK skin on the paddle reduces the vibration, hence creating a lot less noise when you hit the ball. It is ideally optimized for the Most Stringent Community Noise Requirements, which itself is a testament to its popularity.
The product is USAPA approved and weighs around 7.8 to 8.3 ounces, depending on the model you choose.
These are excellent pickleball paddles at an affordable price point.
Choose the paddle that best suits your playing style.
4. Selkirk Omni
Another popular and go-to brand for quiet Pickleball paddles is Selkirk.
Their Omni series is a public favorite, especially among the users who want a quality paddle.
The FiberFlex technology in this paddle keeps contact with the ball for a slightly longer period, allowing the player to decide how they want to hit it back to score a point.
The vibration and sound from the hits are absorbed, which is another reason why it has gained so much popularity over the years.
The handle in this paddle is very versatile and features a longer and sleek holding space for a comfortable holding experience, especially with the ergonomics.
The reach and responsiveness of this paddle are pretty impressive.
Another paddle that suits many playing styles.
5. Z5 Graphite Paddle
Last but not least is the Z5 Graphite Paddle from Onix. The brand is one of a kind and is hands down one of the most affordable choices that you can look into.
This particular one is priced under $100, which is pretty impressive too.
It is one of the bestsellers from Onix and is available in a variety of color options.
The exterior touch paddle design offers optimal grip and a comfortable playing experience for users.
The paddle itself is designed with the staple honeycomb design with the graphite face that contributes to optimal durability.
The wider body design provides the ball with more surface area to land on and then get hit back to the opponent.
Besides the graphite face, the paddle is also designed with plastic around the handle and the exterior which contributes to the long-lasting usage and durability of the product.
Also, it is quite lightweight, weatherproof and will last you through the test of time.
An affordable paddle that is fun to use.
How do you find a quiet pickleball paddle?
When a pickleball paddle hits a pickleball ball it creates a distinctive “Pop” sound.
While this is part of playing this fun game, in some closed communities this can create irritation amongst non playing residents and neighbors.
This is a bit like watching tennis and one player is constantly making the labored “Errrgh” sound every time they hit the ball. At first, you don’t notice it.
Then you can’t un-notice it.
Then it takes over the whole game.
This can be the same with the Pickleball “Pop”.
To counteract this, manufacturers are trying to come up with even quieter Pickleball paddles also known as green zone approved paddles.
These paddles are made with more sound deadening materials to help reduce the noise impact on communities.
Interestingly, the paddle and ball are not necessarily the culprit in this ongoing struggle. With the upward rise in popularity, more courts are being built and these tend to be in high residential areas.
The social side of the game is also exacerbating the noise problem.
Court builders and communities are adding more acoustic barriers, sound barriers and acoustic fencing to these areas to try and minimize noise transfer.
So, how do you find a quiet Pickleball paddle?
When selecting a quiet pickleball paddle, look for paddles with a softer surface.
Paddles with a softer surface absorb the impact of the ball more efficiently, resulting in less noise and vibration.
Additionally, bear in mind that construction materials make a difference too.
More specifically, paddles made of wood or composite are quieter than those made of graphite or aluminum.
But of course, the type of pickleball paddle you use should reflect your play style.
We discuss in detail the differences between graphite and composite paddles in another article.
Consider the weight of the pickeball paddle
Aside from the construction and face material and surface, you should also consider the weight of your paddle.
Heavier paddles are less likely to vibrate than lighter ones. They generally have a larger sweet spot.
This gives you a bit more leniency to get a better shot. A better shot tends to absorb the flight of the ball better.
Therefore, they tend to make less noise when striking the ball.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice maneuverability for noise reduction.
Be sure to find a balance between weight and maneuverability so your paddle can help you achieve optimal performance.
Conclusion
These are some of our top picks when it comes to quiet Pickleball paddles.
There are many brands available and these are some that we recommend but it comes down to what suits your style and budget.
