5 Best Quiet Pickleball Paddles 2021
Imagine the sun is shining, there is a cool breeze in the air, even the birds are singing, and you are with your whole family; you’re playing Pickleball together.
Everyone is happy, elated, even the dog is in the corner of the yard, chewing on his bone contentedly – not even the thought of trying to intercept the ball.
The smiling neighbours are gardening happily, completely unphased by your game, occasionally throwing back a rogue ball…now wouldn’t that be a good Sunday? A Pickler’s dream.
But the sun isn’t shining, it’s overcast and instead of that, the ‘POP, POP, POP’ of your harmless family’s deafening fun eventually leads to a ‘SLAM’ and a ‘STOMP, STOMP, STOMP’ as your neighbour marches over to your house, begging you to pack it in for one weekend.
It deters potential friends and It doesn’t have to be that way. Thankfully, for Picklers far and wide, we have some quiet, as stealth-like as possible, paddles to help you to perform your best, while your neighbour gets their Sunday rest.
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At a Glance: The Best Quiet Pickleball Paddles
Best overall
Engage Elite Pro
Runner Up
Selkirk Omni
Best for Beginners
Onix Z5
1. Selkirk Omni Pickleball Paddle
Players are spoilt with this Selkirk Omni paddle.
Honestly, the Selkirk design board self-confessed that they didn’t want to compromise on control, or power, and thankfully, they really didn’t and instead delivered with innovating tech, premium grade materials and quality design for players everywhere to relish in. Selkirk wanted to give Picklers a broad sweet spot and an even sweeter Fibre Flex face.
Sticking to what is known and loved Selkirk have stayed with the traditional, Uni-body, Pickleball paddle shape and used EdgeSentry tech with low-profile protective guards that (when combined with the proportionate handle) help prevent the paddle feeling uncomfortable, clumsy and head-heavy.
The Omni is an incredibly smooth, comfortable, and well-balanced paddle to use. Selkirk have gone the extra mile with their X5 core designed to shock-absorb, reduce vibration, and mute noise in the paddle. This is excellent for the player control element as it allows the player to more accurately feel the ball.
- What I Like
- The X5 shock absorbing & noise muting core – great for quiet gameplay!
- The Fibre Flex face lets you have the ‘feel-the-difference’ performance in shot placement and response time for players
- What I Don’t Like
- Depending on the players style it has been reported that this paddle does have some durability issues
2. Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond Series Pickleball Paddle
As far as a Pickleball paddle can be Pro-Lite have created a whisper-quiet design that is sure to get you noticed on, or off the court, for all the right reasons.
This baby has a Polymer-Honeycomb Quadcore and carbon fibre paddle face so it’s got all the shock-absorbency and distribution you need to mute noise for optimum quietness, so you can get down to what matters – performance and superior play.
Can you see why this paddle gets me excited?
The Pro-Lite Titan paddle really isn’t lacking in the supreme performance department either; this is a thrilling, aerodynamic, piece of kit built for speed with lush razor-thin edging and a satisfying extra-large surface perfect for passionately popping the ball back to the opponent.
It also has excellent balance and a medium grip circumference which mean’s a comfortable handle no matter what your grip style! Incredibly durable, premium-quality materials and advance tech went into making this revolutionary paddle, so you have control whether you’re at the rear of the court, or right up close to the net.
Go big or go home.
- What I Like
- This impressive paddle has an extra-large hitting surface perfect for power (and beginners!)
- This paddle is crammed in every nook and cranny with premium, sound-absorbing, materials for quiet gameplay.
- What I Don’t Like
- Expensive (but considering the tech, it’s likely you won’t be needing, or wanting, to buy another paddle anytime soon)
3. Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle
Engage have designed a ‘Signature Series’ Elite Pro paddle – designed to be superbly quiet without compromising on providing players with that maneuverability and power.
The Elite pro paddle has been created to have a super reactive feel by utilizing a ControlPro II Polymer core with Flex-Fiber Technology which they complimented with a chemically bonded, liquid graphite, skin. This is a tough and versatile composition perfect for maximizing player performance for maximum player enjoyment!
The Elite Pro is a neat and tidy medium-weight paddle; complete with technology designed to limit chances of wrist strain (perfect for people with tennis elbow) and increase the precision and accuracy of the player.
It is fair to say that Engaged have not slacked when trying to create a quality, quick and quiet paddle. It is also clear that measures have been taken in various areas of the paddles composition to make sure the Elite Pro cuts the mustard for even the most stringent and rigid of communities and courts; it can be ‘The Chosen One’ for any occasion.
- What I Like
- Paddle face made with Flex-Fiber Technology
- ControlPro II Polymer core – it’s got the power
- What I Don’t Like
- Although known for its versatility, the liquid graphite can encourage the ball to stick (with certain swings) and decrease the overall Pickleball paddle power
4. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle
The Tempest Wave Pro is a great paddle if you want to have the control to master the long game and still be able to reveal some trick shots when you need.
Paddletek Tempest have gone with the herd and used a popular graphite skin, but this is particularly great for providing accurate feedback when combined with the Smart Response Technology core they have implemented.
The Tempest Wave Pro has a wide paddle face which compliments the extra-long handle and creates a lovely balanced weight. This paddle is adept for speed. heavy blows and light whips. Paddletek had this paddle destined to give players a really popping game.
The paddle has a universally player friendly grip too; cushioned and ribbed for convenience and comfort as well as being stitched to give optimum durability. There is a bonus in that you have the option to get this paddle in a thick or a thin grip.
The Tempest Wave Pro is a particularly good paddle for more delicate individuals or people playing doubles because the of the paddle giving you maximum control during the softer play games, where form is revered more than power with its velvet textured poly surface for extraordinary control and spin.
- What I Like
- Its epic textured graphite skin surface for improved contact
- Smart Response Technology core for accurate feedback
- What I Don’t Like
- Some players reported that they found stiffness in the top quarter portion of the paddle
5. Onix Z5 Pickleball Paddle
Daring to dream big, Onix have caused quite the racquet with the Z5 paddle. Designed for and aimed toward Picklers who want better manoeuvrability and have a need for speed.
The Z5 Pickleball paddle is an extremely popular choice- and for good reason! The paddle weighs around 7.5 – 8 ounces with the wide-bodied face (still well-loved compared to newer, elongated ones) and tennis handle, hence this Pickleball paddle strikes the perfect balance between quick and quiet.
Onix have given you the optimum Pickleball paddle to throw yourself into those power shots with aplomb!
The Z5 has been coined by some players as an exceptionally reactive Pickleball paddle and you can see why the paddle has been described like this when you observe it’s light-weight, carbon fibre face with a Nomex, honeycomb core.
Both elements pair strongly with the graphite skin face and edge guards for accurate response and superior power. To seal the deal, Onix completed the Z5 Pickleball Paddle handle with a convenient and comfortable perforated-cushion grip; for a truly superior player feel.
Each part of the Z5 paddle has been designed to work mutually and it really shows in providing the player with well-balanced gameplay. Recommended for beginners, and pro’s, you’ve got everything from performance to quiet, comfortable play.
- What I Like
- Advanced Nomex, Paper, Honeycomb core for soft touch and power
- Versatile graphite skin – light, and powerful!
- What I Don’t Like
- Nomex cores are known for slightly limiting power
Background of Pickleball
It started in an ordinary and unsuspecting town outside of Washington, but Pickleball has come a long way from the humble game originally thought up in America in the 1950’s.
The racquet game was invented, or rather intentionally pulled together from what little games some Dads had lying around over 60 years ago and has grown in a big way to become an international sport.
Pickleball has managed to make the leap outside of the United States of America and into Canada, Asia, and Europe too!
The unusually conceived and supremely wholesome game shows no sign of slowing down any time soon as more people become avid players and that begets the rise of innovative designers who put more time, money and tech into Pickleball paddles to please the enthusiastic following that the backyard game amassed!
While the game has boomed, it has faced it’s share of problems and left the players (or Picklers as we like to call them) with a tricky decision; to compromise the pleasure of performance with the considerate quietness?
Although it is unfair to expect any sport to take place in complete silence, you have to be fair and honest and understand that it is going to be infuriating for your neighbours, or non-playing residents, to hear you popping every time you want to play Pickleball. It is testament to the popularity of Pickleball that it has managed to overcome the bad reputation it was broadly painted with because of the loud popping.
Believe it or not this seemingly harmless, and fun, family past time was escalating into neighbourhood arguments and eventually lawsuits as tension between Picklers and Anti-Picklers grew, causing a genuine pickle for the associations representing Pickleball.
Quiet Pickleball paddles aren’t just a growing must-have for beginners, or casual players but Pro Pickler’s too with certain Pickleball Associations and courts banning paddles that are not quiet – It’s worth taking your time to investigate paddles (like the great ones we have found) so you and your fellow Picklers aren’t disappointed.
Key features to consider
It is common sense to understand that your semi-detached neighbour might not appreciate your twice weekly Pickleball training sessions.
Purchasing a quiet Pickleball-paddle isn’t just something that is considerate but also a strict and unwavering requirement for certain Pickleball courts and Pickleball Associations.
Although most Pickleball Paddles are being made with sound-reducing technology in mind it is still worth knowing for certain before you part with your hard-earned cash so check the specs!
You want to become a real pro at pickleball? No one is holding that against you, and it is keenest of Pickleball players that we had in mind when we were looking at the best paddles on the market!
Red Zone Paddle
This term is used for a paddle that exceeds the acceptable level of noise that can be produced from the paddle when the ball contacts it.
This was determined by a Sound Test that was invented by the Sun City Grand. These paddles which exceeded the acceptable level are banned on certain courts and they can refuse to budge under any condition. So, buy with caution.
It might be a good idea to have an alternative paddle available so you can still enjoy yourself at every court. More of a pickle you’d be in than a Pickler you would be – you see?
Green Zone Paddle
No prizes for deducing that it is the opposite of the above situation; this is the name for an approved and ‘acceptably quiet’ Pickleball-paddle.
These are the quietest paddles, passing the Sound Test and enabling you to play in all areas, on all courts and communities where those noise restrictions might try and pop your Pickleball playing bubble.
I have made sure our paddles are in the Green Zone too!
Conclusion
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of pickleball paddles out there, but it shouldn’t be a major factor in enjoying this game.
As long as your practice some consideration for your surroundings, you can have fun and not disturb them too.
Plus, with this list of quiet pickleball paddles to choose from, your game will definitely be elevated to the next level!
Let me know which one worked for you!
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