🤫 On the lookout for a quiet paddle?

Hey reader,

Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

🤫 On the lookout for a quiet paddle?
🤾 This one cue levelled up a 9-year-old’s serve in minutes
🎯 A drill for accuracy
🤔 How to hit a deceptive dink

🤫 On the lookout for a quiet paddle?

You’re not alone.

Whether it’s noise complaints from the neighbors, cranky rec center staff, or just wanting a quieter hit, more and more players are hunting for paddles that bring the volume down…without killing the power.

I recently tested all the top low-noise paddles, including foam-core, polymer, and hybrid builds. Some were whisper-quiet but totally dead. Others played great but still echoed like a frying pan.

The standout? The Whisper Silencer. It’s the quietest paddle we’ve tested and one of the best-performing. Great pop, solid control, and a massive sweet spot—with barely any sound off the face.

In this week’s blog, I break down what makes a paddle quiet, how they compare to traditional builds, and which models are best for competitive play, community noise rules, or just keeping the peace.

👉 Read: The best quiet pickleball paddles in 2025

 🤾 This one cue levelled up a 9-year-old’s serve in minutes

I’m pumped to welcome back Kyle from That Pickleball School for this week’s Level Up.

Hey Pickleheads readers,

Last week I worked with Beau. He’s nine years old, and when I asked him how good his serve was, he said “about a five out of ten.”

Thirty minutes later, he was hitting harder, more accurate serves with confidence. And the biggest change we made? He stopped swinging aimlessly.

Most players don’t have a target when they serve. They just hit the ball and hope for the best.

Here’s what I told Beau, and what I’d tell you:

👉 Pick a target. Every time.

It could be a paddle on the ground, a crack in the court, or just a mental image. The moment you decide where the ball is going, your body starts to organize around that goal. Your serve gets more consistent, more powerful, and a lot more intentional.

This is the fastest way to improve your serve, and it applies to players of all ages and levels.

In the full video, I help Beau level up even further, adding power, rotation, and finding that perfect “pro-level” sound off the paddle.

Watch it here. 👇

Gearbox’s most powerful paddle yet?

The thinner 14mm profile gives it a super quick swing speed, while still maintaining that signature Gearbox control.

Stephen’s been playing with it for a few weeks now, and he’s impressed. Big drives, clean counters, and enough spin to keep opponents guessing. He says it’s “the most explosive Gearbox paddle I’ve tested—by far.”

Of course, it’s not for everyone. The thin core and stiff feel won’t suit players who rely on soft touch or plush resets. But if you want a no-nonsense power paddle that still feels sleek and surgical, the GX2 Power delivers.

Save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS at checkout

Choosing your first (or next) adidas paddle

Adidas has been making waves in pickleball with its latest paddle drops, and for good reason.

Their lineup is built with intention, helping players grow from first serve to fierce competitor.

If you’re just starting out, the Match paddle is your go-to. Lightweight, forgiving, and easy to swing, it’s perfect for learning control, building confidence, and keeping rallies going.

Moving up? Try the RX. It gives you more spin and control. It’s a great fit for intermediate players who are starting to hit with more purpose, and want a paddle that keeps up.

Ready to go all in? Then the Metalbone is tournament-ready, built for power and speed, helping advanced players dominate quick exchanges at the net. Plus, it’s fully customizable, so you can fine-tune the weight and feel to match your game.

These aren’t one-size-fits-all paddles—so it’s worth picking one that matches your skill level and how you play.

Fresh takes, spicy debates, and the latest hot paddles & gear – catch up on our latest Court Talk highlights:

• 🤓 Think pickleball glasses are overkill? I used to think so too.

• 💪 Selkirk’s BRAND NEW powerhouse paddle

• 🎾 I retested every major pickleball…things have changed!

• 🎯 How a $15 roll of tape saved my game

Skipped a scroll or two? No worries — here are the last few editions we sent your way:

• 😲 A jaw-dropping shot!

• 🤾 If the lob goes up, the drive is coming next

• 😍 This point has everything!

• 😲 An overhead backhand for the win

• 😎 Fast, furious, and flat-out fun

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