Locals Not Revved Up Over Pickleball Noise Reducer

While avid pickleball players at the Stevens Landing Condominiums were not exactly revved up over the PB Muffler, they also weren’t ready to send the pickleball noise reduction device to the salvage yard. Maybe just a trip back to research and development.

When PB Muffler got wind of the brewing controversy on the island over pickleball noise, they drafted a letter to the Coastal Breeze News that stated, “I am excited to share our patented pickleball “QUIET” solution for recreational gameplay. Great for HOAs and residential areas.” They also sent along their pickleball muffler for us to check out.

And since I’m a certified pickleball teaching pro, I was tasked with putting the PB Muffler through its paces. The pickleball gang at Stevens Landing was more than happy to participate and share their critiques.

The PB muffler consists of two noise absorbent EVA foam pads that are placed on either side of the pickleball paddle’s hitting surface, then covered with a fabric sleeve that keeps the pads in place. It’s a one-size-fits-all product that does a pretty good job of covering the paddle surface.

Our test group unanimously agreed that the PB Muffler does indeed dramatically lower the noise level associated with pickleball. But that wasn’t necessarily a good thing for at least one of our players.

“I think it hits fine,” said Karen Dunbar, “but I’m a slammer and I like the noise.”

Larry Katz said he will not be purchasing a PB Muffler. “I’m probably not going to buy one,” Katz said. “It was too springy. It was hard to adjust to.”

Dave Johnston was on the fence after testing the PB muffler. He wouldn’t give it a thumbs up or thumbs down. “I’m right in the middle,” Johnston said. "I thought it was too heavy. And it doesn’t produce enough spin. But it’s an idea.”

The manufacturer touts the PB Muffler as an attractive budget option that would allow pickleball players to cover their personal equipment while keeping their current paddle and same gameplay action.

Want to learn more about the PB Muffler?  Visit pbmuffler.com.