So it’s time to look for quiet pickleball paddles huh!? Pickleball is an amazing sport to involve yourself with. It’s a great way to exercise, have fun and bring a bit of competition to your day. But, unfortunately it can impact your neighbors or those who are in close proximity to your court. And we’re not talking about you cheering your winners!
Pickleball paddles have in some places, picked up a bad name for being too loud. As better technology has entered the game, reactive paddle surfaces that ‘pop’ the ball back at opponents have been developed to improve performance. However, this has created louder paddles that make more noise on the court. As we’re sure you’ve noticed, loud pickleball paddles create a snapping sound when contacting the ball that can create noise disturbance to those around courts when you play.
To combat this, Directors at the Sun City Grand developed a sound test to determine whether a pickleball paddle sits within an acceptable noise band. We’ll talk a bit more about how paddles are tested later. For now, we review the best quiet pickleball paddles on the market in 2020.
Top 5 Quiet Pickleball Paddles
Here we review the best quiet pickleball paddles around. All of these paddles are designed with sound-absorbing materials that dampen the noise created when you slam the pickleball across the court. Each of the paddles we mention has been given a 5-star rating, and where possible we highlight paddles with medium weight and grip to ensure they offer excellent maneuverability on-court.
1. Bantam Ex-L Pickleball Paddle
The Bantam Ex-L Pickleball Paddle is an amazing paddle however you want to classify it. Sitting second on our best pickleball paddles guide, the Bantam Ex-L contains a specialized polymer core that dampens noise and creates a quiet contact with the ball. Bantam has also been careful not to let that core compromise performance. The Ex-L’s fiberglass face cannons balls across court like all great paddles do.
The Bantam Ex-L Pickleball Paddle weighs between 7.7 – 8.4 ounces and has a paddle width of 7-7/8″. This gives the paddle great dimensions for anyone who likes a large sweet spot, and a comfortable weight without the drag of swinging an oversized paddle width. The paddle’s core is made from a specialized polymer that absorbs shock and noise – perfect for anyone seeking out quiet pickleball paddles. Finally, the fiberglass face creates epic pop off the paddle face. The paddle’s grip is also longer than average at 5 1/8″, which gives players a bit more reach around the net.
We love the Bantam Ex-L as it is just as competent creating power and swerve from the back of the court, as it is in close-play around the kitchen. Providing excellent value for money at under $100, we are certain that you’ll love this paddle if you are looking for a quiet paddle with excellent performance.
Standout Features
- Specialized polymer core dampens noise and paddle shock on ball contact
- Fiberglass face creates epic ‘pop’ across every type of pickleball shot
- Excellent value for money, priced under $100
2. Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex Pickleball Paddle
The second paddle on our quiet pickleball paddles list is the Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 Pickleball Paddle. Thanks to the innovative Selkirk X5 core that sits at the heart of this paddle, the X5 is a paddle that reduces noise and absorbs shock. Priced at the top end of the market, the Selkirk is a larger investment. However, players looking to maximize their game will not regret buying this paddle.
The Selkirk S2 X5 comes in two weight options. Either the lighter weight option which weighs 7.2 ounces, or a medium weight paddle that weighs 8.2 ounces. The S2 X5’s paddle width is 8″ which provides loads of hitting surface with a larger-than-most sweet spot. This combination of attributes makes the Selkirk S2 X5 easy to move with, and very competent hitting every type of pickleball shot.
The paddle’s core contains the innovative X5 core technology which noticeably reduces sounds and vibrations on contact, making the X5 a great quiet pickleball paddle. The paddle face is made from Selkirk’s FiberFlex, fiberglass material. Like the Bantam Ex-L, this makes it a great paddle for those looking to ‘pop’ the ball off the paddle during contact. Not only this, but Selkirk S2 is available in six different colors, and looks great on-court.
For anyone looking to play with a quiet paddle that is truly one of the most advanced on the market, look no further than the Selkirk S2 X5.
Standout Features
- X5 Core Technology creates quiet, shock-absorbing impact with the pickleball ball
- FiberFlex face technology create epic control and ‘pop’ off the paddle surface
- Advanced technology makes this one of the best pickleball paddles in the sport
3. Encore Composite Pickleball Paddle
Third, on our list is the Encore Composite Pickleball Paddle. If you are looking for a quiet pickleball paddle that plays beautifully around the net and in the kitchen. The Encore Composite is your pick.
The Encore Composite Pickleball Paddle sits at the extremes of acceptability in everything apart from its ability to create noise. Thanks to a polymer core, the Encore paddle is a quiet paddle that won’t upset your neighbors. However, it might upset your opponents. The Encore paddle provides the largest amount of deflection and roughness possible while still adhering to USAPA guidelines. That means its composite paddle face is deadly as providing a reaction off the paddle surface. This makes the Encore paddle a brilliant option for anyone who plays close, plays with a lot of spin and loves to delicately place the ball around the court.
The Encore Composite weighs between 7.2 and 7.9 ounces, making it a light-medium weight paddle. The paddle face is 8 1/8″ wide, giving you a lot of paddle surface to control the pickleball ball with. The paddle is simple to look at, with five different color options.
Just like the Encore Pickleball Paddle, we’re certain you will love this paddle if you are someone who likes to remain understated but make opponents pay when it counts.
Standout Features
- Polymer core creates quiet ball impact
- Maximum degree of roughness and deflection allowed on a paddle, without breaking USAPA guidelines
- Unassuming paddle which delivers epic control of the ball, maximum spin and a delicate touch
4. Titan Pro Black Diamond Series Pickleball Paddle
Next on our quiet pickleball paddle list is the Titan Pro Black Diamond Series Pickleball Paddle. Just Titan Pro’s design, the paddle is stealth when it comes to making noise on the court. Packed full of sound-absorbing material, this paddle gives you a great mix of performance and quiet play.
The Titan Pro Black Diamond Paddle contains a polymer core and a carbon fiber paddle face. This combination makes it a quiet, shock-absorbing paddle, whilst also giving you awesome ball control, touch and feel on-court. The Titan Pro weighs between 7.6 – 8.3 ounces and the paddle measures 7 5/8″ across. This makes the paddle medium in weight and provides a great hitting surface and sweet spot. What sets the Titan Pro apart however, is the razor-thin paddle edge. This razor-thin edge makes the paddle aerodynamic, durable and importantly avoids distorting your shots.
The Titan Pro is without a doubt a more expensive quiet paddle option. However, the razor-thin edge, carbon fiber paddle face, and polymer core make it one of the most technically advances paddles on the market. What’s more, the paddle looks awesome on the court with it’s sleek, black design.
If you want a paddle that is quiet, whilst giving you ultimate touch, control and feel on court – pick the Titan Pro Black Diamond pickleball paddle.
Standout Features
- Polymer core and carbon fiber face effortless combine noise-canceling qualities with the latest paddle tech
- Large sweet spot and razor-thin edge give you maximized control of the pickleball ball
- Sleek design that looks great on-court
5. Onix Evoke Graphite XL Paddle
The last paddle on our quiet pickleball paddles guide is the Onix Evoke Graphite Pickleball Paddle. The Onix Evoke is one of the quietest pickleball paddles on the market thanks to its new-age polymer core. The paddle’s fiberglass face is also great at providing ‘pop’ off the paddle surface.
The Onix Evoke Paddle is a brilliant paddle at containing noise. The new-age polymer core and innovative fiberglass paddle face have been designed to dampen noise without impacting performance. As such, you’re getting a paddle designed to do exactly what you want it to do. The red edge-guard makes the paddle stand out and creates a protective outer rim that will ensure that paddle is durable and lasts on any playing surface.
Like any good Onix paddle, the paddle looks awesome on-court and is available in four different epic colors. The paddle itself weighs between 7.2 – 7.5 ounces, and has a medium grip width of 7 5/8″. These attributes make it super comfortable moving around the court and when ball striking. The paddles width is slimmer than the Onix Z5, measuring 7 5/8″, however, there is still a large sweet spot for controlling any type of pickleball shot.
We’re probably a little harsh placing the Onix Evoke XL at number five on our list. It could very easily sat much higher. Don’t think twice about buying the Onix Evoke XL if you want epic performance and one of the quietest paddles on the market.
Standout Features
- New-age polymer core make the Evoke XL one of the quietest pickleball paddles on the market
- Fibergless face gives the paddle epic control, touch and feel
- Red-edge guard and awesome Onix screen print make the paddle amazing to look at
Best Elongated Quiet Pickleball Paddle
Now that we have shown you the pickleball paddles that sit at the top of our quiet pickleball paddles list, let’s look at the best oversized option. Elongated pickleball paddles feature a longer paddle face to provide players with greater reach, and whip on their pickleball shots. However, it’s important to remain quiet playing with oversized paddles if you play in a built-up area.
Selkirk Omni X5 FiberFlex Pickleball Paddle
The Selkirk Omni X5 FiberFlex Pickleball Paddle is essentially the elongated version of the Selkirk S2 X5 (sitting at number two on our quiet pickleball paddles list above). The Omni X5 features a X5 polymer honeycomb core that dampens noise and created insane sound-absorbing touch and control.
The Selkirk Omni X5 comes in two different weight options. Firstly, the light option weighs between 7.2 – 7.7 ounces, while the medium weight option weighs between 7.8 – 8.3 ounces. This gives you flexibility to purchase a paddle that fits with your playing style. The Omni X5 paddle length is 16 1/4″ long, and the handle length is 4 1/4″. This gives you a lot of playing surface on the paddle, and a shorter handle length which works for players who like to place a finger or thumb on the paddle while they play. Finally, the Omni X5 features the iconic Selkirk FiberFlex paddle face. Like the S2 X5, this creates epic paddle ‘pop’, control and touch on-court.
Like other elongated pickleball paddles, the Omni X5 sits at the top end of the market price-wise. With that said, you get a very good pickleball paddle in return for your investment. If you are looking for a quiet pickleball paddle, that performs like the best – the Selkirk Omni X5 is for you.
Standout Features
- Honeycomb polymer core reduces sound and puts you in control of the paddle
- FiberFlex paddle face creates epic ‘pop’ off the paddle surface and gives you control of the pickleball ball
- Large sweet spot and hitting area
Quiet Pickleball Paddles Buying Guide
To get conclude our review of the quietest pickleball paddles on the market, check out our quiet pickleball paddle guide. Here we run through why quiet pickleball technology has been introduced into paddles, as well as other important questions you might have.
What Is A Quiet Pickleball Paddle?
Quiet pickleball paddles are paddles that meet Green-Zone Approved criteria. This means that they do not surpass noise-making guidelines that are enforced by many pickleball clubs and associations. These days, pickleball paddles come with built-in sound-absorbing cores that reduce noise during ball-striking. But this wasn’t always the case. In year’s gone by, louder Nomex cores created a snapping sound when contacting with the ball which created a lot of distraction for those in vicinity of a pickleball match. Rightfully so, the game has taken things into its own hands and developed paddles that are appreciative of people who need to concentrate outside of the game.
What Is A Green-Zone Approved Pickleball Paddle?
Green-Zone approved quiet pickleball paddles are those that have passed the Sun City Grand noise tests. These tests were developed by the Board of Directors at the Sun City Grand Pickleball Courts who devised a test that ranked paddles based on how much noise they create. The test classifies paddles into three different zones: green, yellow or red. Red paddles are banned from use on SCG PB Courts, and at many other associations who follow the guidelines. Yellow paddles are at risk of being banned in the future. As such, the SCG advise against purchasing Yellow-Zone paddles. Green-Zone paddles have passed acceptable sound testing and are allowed to be used on SCG courts. It’s important to check that a paddle contains adequate noise-canceling properties before you buy,
What Do Quiet Pickleball Paddles Have In Common?
The majority of pickleball paddles that are being released by brands now come with adequate noise-canceling properties. This means they contain a core that takes shock and dampens sound when contacting with the pickleball ball. To make sure that you are purchasing a green-zone quiet pickleball paddle, check out the paddles on our quiet list. With that said, many of the newest models on the market will also pass this test. Take the Onix X5 Wideboy, widely recognized as the best pickleball paddle around. While it does not feature here, it is a green-zone paddle and passes all quiet pickleball tests.
Why Should You Consider A Quiet Pickleball Paddle?
it’s important to consider your neighbors and those around the court when you play. The last thing you want to do is let your enjoyment impact on other people’s day. In addition, you don’t want to buy a pickleball paddle that is banned from use on certain pickleball courts. In the long run, this will make things more expensive for you, and could even stop you from playing if you can’t access another paddle at the time you need to play. What’s more, quiet pickleball paddles are no more expensive than other paddles, so it makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Quiet Pickleball Paddles?
Quiet pickleball paddles are paddles that reduce noise when you strike the pickleball. Some early-addition pickleball paddles were known for making a loud ‘popping’ noise when hitting the ball. This disturbed those who were going about their day around pickleball courts. As such, the latest and best pickleball paddles now have noise-canceling attributes that make them quiet during play.
Why do you need to play with Quiet Pickleball Paddles?
Some pickleball courts and clubs only permit you to play if you have a Green-Zone approves pickleball paddle. Green-Zone pickleball paddles are those that have been tested to comply with noise level guidance stipulated by the Sun City Grand Association. If you’re not sure, make sure that you check out our quiet pickleball paddles guide or refer to the paddle specification before making your purchase. These days, a large percentage of paddles comply with noise acceptability standards.
What is a Green-Zone Pickleball Paddle?
Green-Zone Pickleball Paddles are pickleball paddles that have been approved for use on courts that only permit quiet pickleball paddle use. Most pickleball paddles today are sound-tested by the manufacturer to ensure that they are compliant with noise-requirements. If you’re not sure, check out our quiet pickleball paddles guide.
How do I know if my Pickleball Paddle is Quiet?
To find out if you are buying a quiet pickleball paddle, make sure that you check the specifications of the paddle. Here, you should see that the paddle has been noise tested and approved for use.
