Does the smacking noise of pickleball drive you nuts? Say goodbye to the frustration with the Champion Graphite Elite Pickleball Paddle for a remarkable, noise-free pickleball experience. Besides being USAPA and Green Zone approved, this paddle has made a name for itself in the local pickleball community because of its outclass performance on the court. When the best quiet pickleball paddles are the talk of the town, the Champion Graphite Elite surely tops the list.
Of course, one paddle isn’t enough to cater a million pickleball players suffering from the noise-issue. Because noise isn’t the one thing we look at, when our goal is to get the best. We narrowed these paddles for their quiet game play, but also their control vs power combo, grips, spin, and other many features to make sure our readers get everything packed so their gaming style isn’t disturbed as a cost of silence.
Pickleball Ear-Splitting Paddles: An Alarming Issue!
The POPPING sound of the pickleball paddles gets on nerves, and you’re not alone. Approximately 30 million US individuals alone are suffering from extreme noise levels every single day, as reported by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). And surprisingly, pickleball has a great hand in increasing them.
The issue became serious when a woman sued the city of Newport Beach, as the noise from a pickleball match near her residence is unbearable for her in 2016. The continuous defamation of the game not only becomes a hurdle for pickleball to classify as an Olympic sport, but also puts the legacy of the game in danger.
It is better to take corrective actions when and where required to get out of this pickle. Addressing this issue, Green Zone Community has come up with a list of approved paddles that can be used in noise-restricted locations.
We’ve come up with the eight best quiet pickleball paddles that only lie in the Green Zone category to keep your environment serene but also perform exceptionally on the court.
1. Selkirk Amped S2 X5 FiberFlex Paddle
9.4/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Suitable for all levels of players
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X5 Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
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FiberFlex Fiberglass
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15.75″ Length x 8″ Width
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7.4 oz to 7.8 oz (LW) 7.9 oz to 8.4 oz (MW)
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USAPA Approved
Selkirk has elevated the Amped S2 by thickening the core up to 25% to take your game to the next level. Besides absorbing the aftershocks stemming when the ball strikes the paddle, the pop gets less frustrating to the ear while meeting all the prerequisites of USAPA.
- The 8 inches wide construction of the paddle functions like a drone-seeking missile while blocking the shots.
- The fiberflex surface of the paddle allows extended time for ball biting.
- The lightweight versions of the paddle are suitable for players suffering from tennis elbows.
The compact handle length of the paddle greatly complemented Cammy MacGregor in her journey to the 2019 US Open, where she achieved a gold medal for her phenomenal performance. Even Morgan Evans took full advantage of the paddle’s long 15 ¾ to direct the ball at his accord, which led him to triumph in the 2017 Tournament of Champions.
2. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Paddle
9.3/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Polymer Honeycomb Core
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Graphite Surface
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7.6-8.0 oz
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15″ Length x 8″ Width
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USAPA Approved
The Tempest Wave Pro has been revolutionizing the game since 2010, nmaking itslef one of the best green pickleball paddles. This paddle features a graphite surface that is commendable as it not only enhances the power of the shots but simultaneously helps in executing perfectly timed volleys. The wide construction of the paddle allows the pickleballers to land the ball right where they want it to. Due to the paddle’s expanded design, the paddle also houses enough room for a larger sweet spot.
- Reduced the noise by 50% with the help of an upgraded Polymer Honeycomb.
- Graphite surface significantly improves spin and control.
- Specifically designed to reduce the number of faults, especially in doubles matches.
- Substantial sweet spot for better and more accurate smashes.
Plenty of 5.0 professional pickleball players, such as Sarah Yates-Parker, prioritize this USAPA-approved paddle solely because she won the 2019 US Open 19+ Women’s Silver with Katie McKee.
3. HEAD Radical Elite Composite Pickleball Paddle
9.4/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Polymer Honeycomb Core
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Weighs between 8.0 – 8.3 ounces
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16″ Length x 7″ Width
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Fiberglass surface
The 2016 Women’s Double Champion Sarah Ansboury, a 5.0 professional, also holds the Radical Elite in high regard, as this paddle is easy to get the hang of. The HEAD Radical Elite Composite gets equal ratings in terms of power, accuracy, and control due to its 8.1 ounces of weight. The 16″ height of the Radical makes it a top-tier paddle as it aids in returning the groundstrokes and soft dinks with delicacy and extreme finesse.
- Engineered with a dense Optimized Tabular Polymer Honeycomb Core for excellent performance.
- The fiberglass finish allows for accurate ball control that greatly complements competitive pickleball players.
- The extended length comes into play, especially near the kitchen line for handling difficult shots.
Just like Tempest Wave Pro, the Head Radical also contains enough room for a larger sweet spot, as the paddle is 7 inches wide. With its 5 inches SofTac grip, it offers great comfort and improved handling of the paddle.
4. ONIX Summit C1 Pickleball Noise-free Paddle
9.2/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Polymer Honeycomb Core
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Screen-Printed Fiberglass face
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Wider sweet spot
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7.8 – 8.2 ounces
Protected with a low-profile vinyl edge trim, Onix spent a huge chunk of its time in research & development to come up with an innovative paddle and named it C1. The secret sauce behind its uniqueness is its polymer honeycomb core, which makes it an ideal paddle for noise-restricted locations.
The paddle also offers an extended reach near the kitchen line and allows the player to maintain their balance near the NVZ via its elongated 16″ length. When combined with a 4″ handy grip, the paddle becomes unstoppable on the court.
- Enhanced Polypropylene Honeycomb Core for awesome touch and control.
- Screen-printed fiberglass finish offers the utmost control over the ball.
- Comes with an unorthodox 4″ table tennis handle for improved paddle control and ball management.
Many pickleball players settle for the Summit C1 because of its maneuverability and usability. Brian Gelston, a 5.0 player, along with Heather Gelston, captured a silver medal in the 2020 Woodinville tournament held in Woodinville, Washington. All thanks to the Onix Summit C1.
5. Phoenix Genesis Pro Paddle
9.5/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Advanced High-Grade Polymer Composite Honeycomb
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Textured Fiberglass Epoxy Hybrid
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7.8 ounces – 8.2 ounces
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15″ Length x 7¾” Width
Want to put a stop to deflecting the ball on the serve? Equip yourself with a Phoenix Genesis Pro. The paddle consists of a 7¾” width that reduces the ball deflection up to 20%. Moreover, the paddle offers quite a sizable sweet spot for top-most perfection when smashing menacing volleys.
- As of a 2020 medical report, 7 out of 10 individuals observed 30% reduced muscle soreness after shifting to Phoenix Genesis Pro due to the Vibration Dampening technology.
- Unforced errors, faults, and mis-hits are diminished to zero, courtesy of the Torsion Vibration Control implemented in the paddle.
- Combines all the features and characteristics that were available separately in previous paddles of Paddletek, i.e., Smart Responsive Technology and the Torsion Vibration Control.
- Fiberglass plays quite a significant role in ultimate accuracy and precision when it comes to playability.
- The Smart Responsive Technology makes it a viable option for speed and agility. Besides complementing the aggressive style of play.
In retrospect, Phoenix Genesis Pro is definitely a must-have pickleball paddle when looking for an all-in-one package of all the Paddletek’s preceding versions.
6. HEAD Extreme Tour Quiet Paddle
9.3/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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3x thicker Polymer Honeycomb
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Graphite paddle surface
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16 Length x 7 Width
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Extra tacky HEAD HydroSorb Grip
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USAPA Approved
Head Extreme Tour made its debut in 2017 along with 8 different pickleball paddles on its roster. The lighter weight of the paddle allows for more swinging in all and every direction, giving more reaction time to return the ball with maximum precision.
- According to a survey in 2021, more than 300 players, including me, reported having less fatigue since switching to the HEAD Extreme Tour.
- It is a green zone community-friendly paddle, as it is specially engineered with an Optimized Tabular Honeycomb Core, making the paddle one of the quietest paddles.
- The aerodynamic weight makes Extreme the lightest paddle in the entire line-up, making it simply the best option for players with tennis elbow.
- The 5 inches grip adds more leverage to the already elongated 16 inches paddle length. Dinking has never been this easy before.
- The graphite surface not only reduces the weight of the paddle but also allows it to hold the ball for 2-3 seconds and add extra spin to it.
All the added features of the HEAD Extreme Tour made it a superior alternative and played a crucial role in replacing its predecessor, the HEAD Xtreme Tour. Conclusively, the noise-free HEAD Extreme is an extremely lightweight paddle (pun intended). This paddle weight enables an average player to dash through from the baseline to the kitchen in approximately 6-8 seconds without losing control.
7. HEAD Margaritaville Noiseless Paddle
9.4/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Graphite Fiberglass Composite Hybrid
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35% Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
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8.1 Ounces
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15″ Length x 8 1/1″ Width
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USAPA Approved
The Head Margaritaville has strengthened the paddle for a more dominant game by adding 14mm to the core. The 35% stiffer polymer honeycomb core of the paddle is combined with a mix of both graphite and fiber composite, increasing the forgiveness of the paddle. Besides being a powerhouse, USAPA approved this noiseless paddle.
The key pointers that summarize the HEAD Margaritaville paddle are:
- The compact grip size of 4″ allows for a more strong grip. The small size also lets the player handle the paddle while maintaining their perfect stance.
- The spacious 8 1/10 inches wide surface of the paddle immensely reduces the number of misplaced shots.
- Also aids in shrinking down the number of faults, i.e., out-of-bounds.
8. Champion Graphite Elite Pickleball Paddle
9.2/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
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Textured Graphite surface
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5″ Grip Length
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15″ Length x 8″ Width
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USAPA Approved
The Champion Graphite Elite is a compelling pickleball paddle for individuals that prioritize speed and agility. The paddle is easy to swing and even easier to move around with. Implementing the polypropylene honeycomb core and graphite surface makes it one of the most feasible options to go with when looking for a less noisy paddle.
- The polypropylene honeycomb core makes the paddle quiet as it absorbs all the noise and the pop when the ball strikes the surface of the paddle.
- The 7.2 lightweight paddle does not go too hard on the wrists. More than 250 players, including me, have observed fewer medical issues since using this paddle.
- The textured graphite surface paddle plays a major role in pulling off exceptional topspins and backspins
- The comfortable 5 ½ inches handle length makes it a fine selection for players that place their three fingers on the back of the paddle, just above the handle.
All in all, this paddle works like a charm in noise-restricted areas. The traits that the Champion Elite comprises are the reason why this paddle is USAPA Approved.
What to look for in a Quiet Pickleball Paddle?
There are multiple factors that might come in handy to reduce the popping noise of the paddle. Since it is literally impossible for you to give every single paddle a try. We have come up with some of the most notable features that we believe one should keep an eye out for when opting for a quiet pickleball paddle.
Core:
By the time you have scrolled down this far, you might have some sort of knowledge about how important a core is for a paddle. There have actually been quite a couple of lawsuits for the noise complaints that gave rise to green-zone communities and quiet paddles.
Several studies have shown that noise levels above 70 Decibels for a longer period of time might cause damage to the ear, whereas, in a pickleball match, the noise level ranges from 39 decibels to 80 Decibels.
To reduce the noise, many pickleball manufacturers have now started implementing Polypropylene core paired with Honeycomb so that the paddle remains as noise free as possible.
Face Material:
When dealing with the subject of the surface material of a paddle, there come two words to the mind i.e. Graphite and Composite.
The Graphite material not only makes a paddle light but also provides a better surface for adding an extra spin to the ball. Since this silent paddle offers a deadly combination of both power and accuracy, it compels not only the professionals but also novice pickleball players as well. A perfect choice for perfect ball placement.
However, the Composite takes full advantage of touch, feel, and strength. The surface is a bit more powerful in comparison with the graphite one. But the downside to this surface is that the power comes at the cost of sacrificing control. So you can’t expect both power and control in the composite material.
Green Communities:
In order to reduce the noise associated with pickleball, the Board of Directors at the Sun City Grand Pickleball Courts has come up with a list of pickleball paddles.
The Green Zone-approved paddles are the ones that produce the least sound on the court. Prolite and Pickleball Inc. rule this category as the maximum number of paddles ( i.e. 16) listed in the green zone.
However, the paddles that are banned for use in Sun City Grand are the ones that produce the most sound. Pickleball Inc has the majority of paddles that do not comply with the noise-restriction rules, (i.e. 9). Moreover, Paddletek has only one paddle in this list, which is the least number of paddles in the red zone.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the decibel level of pickleball?
According to the information given by the acoustic engineer, the noise level of an average pickleball game lies in the range of 39 dB to 80 dB.
How do you stop pickleball noise?
One of the most effective methods of reducing the noise on a pickleball court is to install sound fencing barriers. These acoustic fences cut down the noise by 50%.
What is acoustic fencing?
Acoustic fencing is a method to reduce unnecessary noise that involves installing soundproof materials.
What are Quiet Pickleball Paddles?
Quiet Pickleball Paddles are paddles specifically designed to minimize the noise generated during gameplay.
They offer a quieter playing experience compared to traditional paddles.
Why do you need to play with Quiet Pickleball Paddles?
Playing with Quiet Pickleball Paddles is beneficial for reducing noise levels on the court.
This can be especially important in noise-sensitive areas, crowded venues, or when playing in residential communities.
What is a Green-Zone Pickleball Paddle?
A Green-Zone Pickleball Paddle is a type of paddle that meets noise regulations and is approved for use in areas with strict noise restrictions.
It ensures a quieter gameplay without compromising on performance.
How do I know if my Pickleball Paddle is Quiet?
To determine if your Pickleball Paddle is quiet, you can check if it has specific noise-dampening features or is labeled as a “Quiet” or “Green-Zone” paddle.
Additionally, you can ask the manufacturer or check if it complies with local noise regulations.
Conclusion:
Up till now, we have discussed some of the best quiet pickleball paddles, along with the features that make a pickleball paddle silent. There is no doubt in the fact that all these noiseless paddles give a superb performance. However, the paddle that grabbed our attention among these 8 pickleball paddles is the HEAD Radical Elite Composite Paddle.
What we liked about this paddle is how easy it is to use. The 8.1 ounces medium-weight of paddle offers just the right combination of strength, precision, and touch. When paired with a broader sweet spot, 16″ of added length, and 5″ of grip, it becomes a paramount choice of champions, just like Sarah Ansboury.
Don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comment section down below!
Harry is a freak who often argues that O in his name may well stand for “Obsessed with Pickleball.”
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