Pickleball is a noisy game. The players hit the ball hard, and the ball makes a loud noise when it hits the paddle. The paddles also make a lot of noise when they hit the ball.
The noise can be annoying to some people, but it is part of the game. There are some things that you can do to reduce the noise level.
First, you can look after some quiet paddles. These paddles have special materials that help to reduce the noise. Using a softer ball can also help to reduce the noise. Finally, the pickleball court placement can make a difference.
In this article, we talk about the reasons why pickleball is so noisy and what can you do about it.
Why is pickleball so noisy?
Noise is defined as “unwanted sound” or “sound that is unpleasant, loud, or disruptive.” When it comes to recreation and sports, noise can be a huge problem. While the players don’t have a problem with this racket sport’s noise, the neighbors might.
There are a few reasons why pickleball can be noisy. First, the ball itself is made of hard materials like plastic or rubber. When it hits the paddle, it creates a loud noise. Second, the paddles are also made of hard materials. When they hit the ball, it creates an even louder noise. Third, the court itself is made of hard materials like concrete or asphalt. When the ball hits the ground, it creates a loud noise.
Although the ball being hit back and forth between the paddles and the ground is the main reason for the noise, there are other factors that contribute to the loudness. For example, if the court is located next to a busy street, the noise from the traffic can add to the pickleball noise. Also, if there are houses nearby, the noise can travel through the walls and windows and disturb the neighbors.
At another end, even the players can be noisy. If they are shouting and cheering while they are playing, the noise can be amplified.
How loud is pickleball compared to tennis?
Pickleball is 20-25 decibels louder than tennis. To give you some perspective, 30 decibels is the noise level of a soft whisper, while 80 decibels is the noise level of a vacuum cleaner.
So, if you are looking for a racket sport that is quieter than tennis, pickleball is not the right choice. However, if you don’t mind the noise, then go ahead and enjoy the game!
Is there a quiet pickleball?
The Gamma Foam Quiet Pickleball is the quietest pickleball available on the market. It is made of a special foam material that absorbs impact and noise. Keep in mind that it is not approved for tournament play, so if you are looking to compete, this is not the ball for you.
Solutions for pickleball noise
So, what can be done about this problem? If you are a pickleball player and you want to reduce the noise, there are a few things you can do.
Paddle Options
There are a few companies that make pickleball paddles specifically designed to reduce noise. One of these companies is Paddletek. They have a line of paddles called the “Tempest Wave” that are designed to reduce noise. Another company that makes quiet paddles is Onix. They have a paddle called the “Z5” that is also designed to reduce noise.
If you are looking for a quieter paddle but you don’t want to spend the money on a new one, there are a few things you can do to your existing paddle. One option is to add grip tape to the paddle. This will help to muffle the sound of the ball hitting the paddle. Another option is to add a piece of foam or rubber to the paddle. This will also help to muffle the sound of the ball hitting the paddle. If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can try wrapping your paddle in a towel.
Remember that all this solutions will decrease your paddle performance, so if you are looking to compete, these might not be the best options for you.
Ball Selection
As we mentioned before, the Gamma Foam Quiet Pickleball is the quietest ball on the market. The Franklin X-40 is also a good option. It is made of a softer material than the Gamma Foam, so it won’t last as long, but it will be quieter.
Keep in mind that softer balls usually are quieter, but they don’t perform as well as the harder balls. So, if you are looking to compete, you might want to stick with the harder balls.
Court Placement Planning
Court placement is important if you want to reduce noise. If possible, try to place your court away from busy streets and houses. Also, try to choose a location that has softer surfaces like grass or sand. These surfaces will help to absorb the sound of the ball hitting the ground and reduce the noise.
But what can you do if the court is already built and you want to reduce some noise? One option is to add a fence around the court. This will help to muffle the sound of the ball hitting the ground. Another option is to landscape with trees or bushes to block the sound. This will also help to reduce the noise.
Sure, these options will not completely eliminate the noise, but they will help to reduce it. Planning and understanding the acoustics of your court can help you to make the best decision for your situation.
Sound barriers & fencing mitigation
Another way to reduce noise is to install sound barriers or fencing. This will help to deflect the sound away from your court and reduce the noise. Acoustic fabric walls are a good option for this. They are easy to install and they can be removed if you need to.
If you are looking for a complete solution, you might want to consider installing a fence around your court and also use acoustic fabric walls.
Player Etiquette
As a player, you can also help to reduce noise. One way to do this is to be aware of your noise level, try to hit the ball softly and avoid slamming it. Also, try not to make too much noise when you are moving around the court. Be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of your neighbors.
You can’t control the noise level of other players, but you can control your own. By being aware of your noise level, you can help to reduce the overall noise of the game.
Conclusion
There are a few things you can do to reduce the noise of pickleball. One is to invest in a paddle that is designed to reduce noise. Another is to add grip tape or a piece of foam to your paddle.
Another option is to choose a quieter ball, like the Gamma Foam Quiet Pickleball. You can also try to place your court in a location that is away from busy streets and houses. And finally, you can help to reduce noise by being aware of your own noise level and trying to hit the ball softly.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce the overall noise of the game.
