As we discussed in a recent article, pickleball’s current noise concerns, notably the harsh popping sound of ball-on-paddle, have prompted USA Pickleball to introduce the “Quiet Category.”
This initiative, recently unveiled with the certification of OWL by OWL Sport, seeks to reduce the game’s noise significantly… but without compromising performance.
Reduces Noise By 50%
OWL, the first paddle to meet the Quiet Category standards, originates from OWL Sport, a new player in paddle sports. This paddle reduces noise by 50%, complying with USA Pickleball’s stringent criteria.
Unlike conventional paddles, OWL boasts hertz levels below 600 and decibel levels below 80, significantly mitigating the disruptive noise.
Carl Schmits, Managing Director of Equipment Standards & Facility Development at USA Pickleball, emphasized their thorough approach: “USA Pickleball conducted research over a 15-month period to accurately characterize the sport’s acoustic signature, identifying both achievable and meaningful thresholds for the Quiet Category specification while maintaining an expected performance envelope.”
Specific Guidelines
This category provides manufacturers with specific guidelines, encouraging innovations that limit noise propagation during recreational play.
It offers flexibility in material use and design configurations, ensuring the essence of the game remains intact. USA Pickleball collaborates with global sporting goods brands, steering them toward quieter product development, spanning paddles, balls, covers, and court noise screens.
To expedite innovations, relaxed specifications are in place for products designed for non-sanctioned events, such as OWL’s initial offering.
One of the biggest complaints about pickleball is how loud it is.
— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) November 14, 2023
Well, USA Pickleball just unveiled its first certified “quiet” product: The OWL by OWL Sport.
USA Pickleball claims it reduces noise by 50%. pic.twitter.com/AvIwesnzK0
Incentive Program
Additionally, an incentive program encourages manufacturers to create noise-reduced solutions in the Competition-Certified Category.
Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball, spoke enthusiastically about the collaboration with OWL Sport:
“As USA Pickleball continues to invest in Quiet Category options for our sport and community, we could not be more pleased to work with the OWL Sport team on the launch of their paddle, which marks the very first certified Quiet Category paddle on the market,” he said.
“We appreciate this collaboration with OWL Sport as they launch a paddle that allows for both a reduced acoustic footprint and excellent performance in competition. This marks an exciting milestone in our continued efforts to provide acoustics-related solutions to sound-sensitive locations.”
About USA Pickleball
USA Pickleball remains committed to acoustic research and initiatives, aiming to enhance evaluations, guide manufacturers, and advise municipalities on evolving codes.
Further details on their acoustic programs are anticipated soon.
USA Pickleball serves as the National Governing Body, fostering pickleball’s growth by sanctioning events, providing member benefits, and supporting the sport’s expansion.
Owl Sport
OWL Sport, driven by a team dedicated to solving noise issues, aims to revolutionize the racket sports industry with its innovation and commitment to superior playability.
Interested players can now purchase OWL paddles at owlpaddle.com, offering varied SKUs tailored for recreational preferences, including superior playability, durability, handle options, vibration dampening, and a larger sweet spot.
