Question 1

Is PB Muffler® approved by USA Pickleball?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  PB MUFFLER was the FIRST to be approved by USA Pickleball in the "Quiet Equipment" category for recreational gameplay, non-sanctioned tournament play and other such local events.
          
Visit USA Pickleball at
https://equipment.usapickleball.org/acoustic-equipment/

Question 2

QUICK Fact Sheet

Accepted Answer

Approved by USAPA in “QUIET CATEGORY” for all recreational pickleball events
“QUIETS” the loud ‘Pop-Click” paddle/ball impact noise to a “mild thump”
1.1-ounce removable, easy on/off paddle accessory delivers control and power
Fits ALL paddles in compliance with USAPA 24-inch paddle rule (L+W under 24-inches)
The “mild thump” measures within conversation noise level range (50dB–60dB) with a 60+% 
 vibration reduction to below 480Hz at 100 ft from the paddle/ball impact point
Sound tested and certified at Pickleball Sound Lab LLC, Pittsburgh 
 Same play in serves, spins, dinks and volleys ... just “Quieter” to nearby annoyed ears
A practical solution to prevent HOA and community lawsuits among neighbors and friends
Court managers have a compromise option other than closing down pickleball play
Court schedules can be designated “QUIET PLAY” or “OPEN-LOUD PLAY”
Available as ready-made “Sweet Spot” unit or optional Do-It-Yourself (DIY KIT)
Personalization options and Quantity discount plans available
Made in USA Patented Trademarked Copyright Veteran Owned
*** FAQ Section contains additional product details ***

Question 3

PB MUFFLER® Product Overview

Accepted Answer

PB Muffler® PRODUCT PERFORMANCE PROFILE

The Pickleball Muffler (product trade name PB Muffler® at www.pbmuffler.com) has been
approved and published by USA Pickleball on the Quiet Equipment Category List for use in
recreational tournaments and local gameplay for all skill rating levels.
https://usapickleball.org/acoustics/acoustic-equipment/

Independent Lab testing on the Pickleball Muffler shows the PB Muffler® product delivers
superior lowered sound and pitch performance at the paddle/ball impact point during gameplay
for both fiberglass and carbon faced paddles.

The sound level when using PB Muffler® on a fiberglass faced paddle will drop over 8 dB and
the normal high pitch "pop” will be dampened, resulting in a mild "thump”.

Adding PB Muffler® to an already quieter paddle, such as a 16 mm T700 carbon faced paddle,
will make that combination quieter by over 5 decibels in comparison to current competitive
paddle noise solutions, and at a lower pitch resulting in a mild "thump”.

Using the Monarch gen 2 outdoor ball with the PB Muffler® product with either faced paddle
can, additionally, lower gameplay paddle noise level another 4 dB, delivering a 9-12 dB range
noise decrease along with a pitch frequency in paddle vibration below 500 Hz.

The PB Muffler® performance results at the point of paddle/ball impact will calm nearby
annoyed ears in HOAs, residential communities, and vacation sites, allowing regular pickleball gameplay for all skill levels in serves, dinks, spins, and volleys of any force. Using the easy-
on/easy-off PB Muffler® on a player’s current USA Pickleball approved paddle enables
gameplay to dampen to normal conversation 'noise' levels at a budget
friendly cost under $40.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/noise-Induced-hearing-loss-in-children

Consider a dual pickleball paddle noise attack plan to calm nearby annoyed ears and reduce
lawsuits within any enraged community. Use PB Muffler® for noise reduction at the paddle/ball
impact point in tandem with a court surround sound barrier product to absorb, reduce or,
redirect the traveling paddle impact noise.

Indoor pickleball facilities can offer, request, or encourage players, through pricing alternatives,
to use a PB Muffler® in gameplay as a precautionary step for both player hearing loss and
facility liability protection.

Thousands of players could attest to the paddle noise reduction with PB Muffler® – you can
hear for yourself immediately at the following FAQ “PB Muffler® "QUIET” Comparison”.

Question 4

Is there any professional testing report on PB Muffler® performance in “QUIETING” game play?

Accepted Answer

YES! Here is a summary followed by the full report.
PB Muffler® PERFORMANCE REPORT: Robert M Unetich, PE

SUMMARY:
“If you are in a situation where the quietest paddles can be required and the paddles
do not need to be tournament approved, the choice of the Q1 and Monarch
combination is worth considering. The PB Muffler® on your current USAPA approved paddle is a budget friendly alternative delivering next best results without having to purchase another paddle registered in the "QUIET PLAY category".

REPORT DATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
Last week we ran a series of sound tests on some of the quietest pickleball gear
available, including the Master Athletics Q1 paddle and the PB Muffler® attached to
several different paddles, along with tests comparing a harder ball, the Franklin-X,
and a softer (but USA Pickleball approved) ball, the Monarch Outdoor ball. We did
these tests using an ordinary 1/2 inch thick fiberglass-faced paddle (which was a
Paddletek Element) with the Frankiln-X ball as our reference sound level (which we
will call zero dB below). Here are our observations:

If the reference paddle sound with a hard hit was zero dB, the switch to the Monarch
ball on the same paddle reduced the sound level by about 3 dB.  Inserting one black
foam pad into the PB Muffler® dropped the sound level for hard hits by about 3 more dB.
That increased to 4 decibels when the recommended two pad layers of black foam
were inserted in the Muffler. It is worth noting that the PB Muffler® drops the sound
level over the reference paddle even more with softer hits, or about 7 dB during our
tests, but let’s recognize that even in recreational play it is the hard hits that trouble
the neighbors.

The Master Athletics Q1 dropped the sound level by 3.7 dB with the Franklin-X ball 
and another 4 dB with the Monarch ball, for a total reduction of almost 8
decibels. This was the quietest combination tested. Adding the PB Muffler® to the Q1
had little effect, since it seems to primarily decrease the sound level of higher pitch
paddles and the Q1 has a pitch about 2 octaves below the reference paddle.  In terms
of actual data, we saw no reduction in sound level when the Q1 and Monarch ball
were compared to the Q1 and Monarch ball with the PB Muffler® installed. This
indicates that the PB Muffler® mainly decreases the sound level of higher pitch
vibrations, making it a means of quieting the sound of pickleball in a comparatively
acceptable 4-5 decibel range without forcing the purchase of new paddles.
If you are in a situation where the quietest paddles can be required and the paddles
do not need to be tournament approved, the choice of the Q1 and Monarch
combination is worth considering. The PB Muffler® on your current paddle with a
Monarch ball is a budget friendly alternative for delivering next best results.

Bob Unetich
PROFILE: Robert M Unetich, PE

Bob is the founder of PSM LLC.  He is a registered professional engineer and he has
worked in consulting for over 40 years.  In 2014, he became an avid pickleball
player and was asked to investigate ways that the sound of pickleball might be
reduced in level at residences near his winter home in Florida. That work involved
careful analysis of work done by acoustics engineers and at methods of reducing the
level of annoyance experienced by neighbors of pickleball courts. This led to a study
of how pickleball sounds are generated and propagated.
He has now been working in pickleball sound mitigation since 2014 and frequently
offers pickleball product testing results, advice, and formal consulting services to
communities, pickleball clubs, and those living near established pickleball courts and
locations considering or being converted to pickleball courts.
Bob is a respected and sought-after pickleball sound mitigation professional. He is a
USA Pickleball Certified Referee, Ambassador, and a PPR Certified Pickleball
Instructor. Bob initiated, monitors, and responds to pickleball inquiries and related
issues on the Facebook Sound Mitigation page.

Question 5

PBMuffler® "QUIET" Comparison

Accepted Answer

Pickleball players enjoy the ‘pop-click’ sound of the paddle striking the plastic ball.
Nearby ears in HOA communities, residential areas and vacation sites find the ‘pop-click’ annoying.

Two pickleball paddles, both same make and model; one with the PB MUFFLER® and one without demonstrate the sound difference at the point of ball contact.

Question 6

Do the two PB MUFFLER® product options (READY-MADE and DIY) deliver the same performance?

Accepted Answer

Both PB MUFFLER® product options deliver the same “QUIET” Category performance in paddle noise reduction changing the loud “pop-click” to a “mild thump”, equivalent to conversation level 'noise' measurments taken at 100 feet from the paddle/ball impact point. Both product options deliver large “sweet spot” coverage.   The DIY KIT (Do-It-Yourself Kit) offers fabric sleeve choice along with instructions to construct custom sound absorber pads to fit your specific USAPA 24-inch rule paddle.

Question 7

Is there a DIY Noise Absorber Kit to accommodate different paddle sizes?

Accepted Answer

There are more than 2,500 pickleball paddle manufacture/paddle model
combinations. The PB MUFFLER® DIY PAD KIT provides the materials and
instructions to custom fit PB MUFFLER ® sound absorber pads to every
pickleball paddle in compliance with the USA Pickleball Association
24-inch rule.

PB MUFFLER® DIY PAD KIT INCLUDES:
  (1) Choice of Fabric Sleeve
  (1) Instructions sheet,
  (2) 9 x14-inch rectangular sound absorber pad material,
  (6) 1-inch diameter assistance holders for holding the paper pattern in position on the paddle face,
  (2) 8 ½ x 14-inch legal-size 24-lbs colored paper for the pattern use.
  (1) Pen with white ink to trace pattern outline on sound absorber pad material

Note:  Customer supplies own scissors.

Question 8

When would you use the PB Muffler®  accessory?

Accepted Answer

PB Muffler® would be used on pickleball courts that are within or nearby HOA communities, residential areas and vacation sites. PB Muffler® opens opportunities to play anywhere and any time of day, and shields nearby non-players from the loud “pop-click” noise without any change in game play.

Question 9

How can board members of an HOA residential community or vacation site assist in their responsibilities to QUIET pickleball noise?

Accepted Answer

The leadership, Boards and Managers in the HOA, residential community and vacation sites managers can contact customer service at PBMuffler® for information on the “Club Plan”.  The “Club Plan”  arrangement would have PBMuffler®s on site for immediate purchase so that players who  want to play pickleball on your courts can purchase PBMuffler® from the stock your location would have on hand.

Question 10

How would board members of an HOA or residence or vacation sites address the problem of the Pickleball Noise?

Accepted Answer

It is suggested that a hybrid approach be made in an attempt to resolve conflict and squabbles concerning the pickleball “pop-click” noise. A hybrid approach would involve an appeal or a mandatory requirement to the players to help resolve the noise problem by using the PBMuffler® to QUIET the annoying noise to nearby ears.  The leadership, Boards and Managers in the HOA, residential community and vacation sites would inform the local non-players of the players’ compromise, at their personal expense, to QUIET the “pop-click” noise by using a paddle accessory to reduce the noise,  thereby eliminating squabbles and lawsuit contention.

Question 11

How does PBMuffler® assist the HOA, residential and vacation site communities?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, the leadership, Boards and Managers in the HOA, residential community and vacation sites have to make difficult choices to honor requests from the pickleball players and non-players.  Choices to split the baby are difficult.  PBMuffler® can bring a significant degree of satisfaction and compromise to all parties.   PBMuffler® will QUIET the noise at the game level eliminating alternative options of expensive sound screening and enforcing restricted hours of play. PBMuffler® offers the choice for players to take the positive action step with a low-cost accessory in delivering a compromise on the noise issue that should satisfy all parties.

Question 12

Stand-alone or combine PB Muffler® and SOUND BARRIERS for noise reduction?

Accepted Answer

Each delivers noise reduction value. PB Muffler®, as an inexpensive personal game accessory, reduces noise at the point of paddle-ball contact – thereby immediately “quieting” the generated decibel reading. Barriers, described as a community-taxpayer solution, can contain, diminish, reflect or absorb the paddle-ball noise at distance and after the paddle noise has been generated. Combining PB Muffler® and Barriers in a noise reduction plan may be an appropriate cost-effective solution without having to close or relocate pickleball courts involved in contentious community situations.

Question 13

How long will the sound absorber pads be effective?

Accepted Answer

The sound absorber pads receive the paddle-ball impact, slightly
compress, and return to shape after each paddle strike. The pads will
deliver “Quiet” results for an extended period depending on a player’s
game style and frequency of play. The life of the individual pad for a ‘smash
player’ compared to a ‘dink player’ will naturally be shorter. In either case
or combination of play, the fabric and sound absorber pads should last for
months of continuous daily play. Having a spare sound absorber pad set
available on hand for replacement is recommended once you determine
pad replacement is required. One paddle with the same PB MUFFLER® fabric
and sound absorber pads has been in use during every gameplay testing
session spanning a two-year period and still delivers full “sweet spot”
control and power results.

Damage to the fabric cover and the foam sound absorber pads will occur
from rough post-game treatment. Striking objects other than regulation
pickleball balls such as hitting golf balls, baseballs, stones and rocks will
cause foam pad distortion affecting personal gameplay effectiveness and
certainly shorten fabric and sound absorber pad life.

Question 14

Do I need a spare set of sound absorbing pads?

Accepted Answer

PB MUFFLER® sound absorber pads positioned on each paddle face reduce the paddle “pop-click” and loudness during gameplay to a “mild thump”.  Pads will wear depending on gameplay style.  Ordering an extra set(s) of pads at original order time is a way to have spare pads available when you decide a change-out is required.

Question 15

Is there a warranty on the ‘Sound Absorber Pads’?

Accepted Answer

Photos show there will be some compression to the ‘Sound Absorber Pads’ resulting from continuous ball striking in gameplay.  These photos are of a test paddle that was in continuous indoor/outdoor 3.5-4.0+ play over a 7+ months logging 480+ games, typically playing 4-5 games in any day’s session.  The test paddle pads were kept in the same positions without pad rotation to visually determine and measure compression wear from continuous ball strikes.   Periodically we viewed pad wear, compression, and movement.  As the photos show, there can be some edge wear on the pads from pad slippage/ movement on the outside pads (closest to the fabric).  The pads are not a forever item and will experience compression indentation and could develop some edge wear.  You can expect the same pad performance and durability from both the single pads and the DIY KIT pads. There is no warranty or replacement on the ‘Sound Absorber Pads’.  Pad rotation using the obverse side, when needed, will lengthen PB Muffler® performance for continued “QUIET” play.

Question 16

Paddle Weight Awareness for Pickleball Paddles?

Accepted Answer

The PB Muffler® fabric under (0.4oz) with Pads (total under 0.8oz) is equivalent to 11 pennies in weight.  You may already know manufacturers try for and publish a specific weight for each paddle, however, they may not achieve that published weight in 100% of the paddles delivered.  With weight being a personal, and often discussed issue involving control and power, you may want to weigh your paddle. Be aware it may vary from the published weight as a drop of glue in construction, a glue amount variance on the grip (or a combination of both), or even a slight weight variance in the basic raw materials can add or lessen paddle weight typically unaware to the player.  PB Muffler® adds less than 1.2 ounces to paddle weight giving a bit more power to your shots while delivering a “QUIETER” game in deference to nearby annoyed ears.

Question 17

What is Pickleball Muffler and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Pickleball Muffler is a removable, lightweight stretchable fabric sleeve with sound absorbers that covers the paddle face and frame to QUIET the ‘pop-click’ paddle noise. Both the single sound absorber pad and custom DIY KIT pads deliver the same "QUIET" mild thump.

Question 18

Does the PB Muffler® affect my game play?

Accepted Answer

The PB Muffler® does not affect game play and has been rigorously tested by players becoming a player responsible accessory and viable solution to minimize the ‘POP-CLICK” noise without affecting game play. Serves, spins, ball bounce, dinks  and volleys of any force play the same.

Question 19

Is pickleball paddle-ball impact noise a factor in returning volleys in gameplay?

Accepted Answer

Pickleball paddle-ball impact noise is only a by-product of the equipment
used in the game. The impact noise is an insignificant factor in returning
volleys in pickleball gameplay. Certainly, many hold personal opinions and
will debate that noise is a factor so let’s take a closer, realistic look at
pickleball paddle-ball impact noise in gameplay.

Reacting to a volley return depends way more on the opponent’s visual
signals such as body position, paddle return angle, arm position to gauge
the return force, and height of the ball to name a few inputs. These visual
signals are way higher on the information list than an opponent’s
dependence in returning a volley of any force based on paddle noise.

People say prove it. Okay. Here is an experiment ‘noise’ setup example
delivering proof that eliminates incidental distractions and opinions.
Set up a doubles or singles match - - - your choice. One side has vision but
is unable to hear (sound block with a noise-eliminating headset). The
opposing side can hear paddle noise but has no vision (play using an eye
mask as used for sleeping).

For me, I’ll take the vision player side over the noise (sound) player side as
to who wins the match. Any bet takers?

Question 20

Is there a minimum order?

Accepted Answer

One is the minimum order.

FREE SHIPPING for minimum orders of $299 or more when the entire order ships to one address.

Question 21

Why purchase a PB MUFFLER®?

Accepted Answer

PBMuffler® is a player responsible accessory to help QUIET play without affecting any aspect of the game. PBMuffler® will deaden, dampen and QUIET the paddle “pop-click” noise to a “mild thump”.  PBMuffler® directly contributes to reducing player and public contention, squabbles and lawsuits.

Question 22

How long will my order take?

Accepted Answer

PBMuffler® guarantees your personalized order will arrive within 10-12 business days.

RUSH shipping is available for a fee, typically $15.00 plus shipping options other than standard delivery.

Question 23

Why would the PB Muffler® be needed?

Accepted Answer

The PB Muffler® reduces the 'pop-click' noise to a “mild thump” at the time the solid PB paddle face strikes the hard plastic game ball delivering more than 50% noise relief with decibel reduction (loudness) to conversation range, calming nearby annoyed ears.

Question 24

Is the PB Muffler® permanent?

Accepted Answer

No - the PB Muffler® is a stretchable fabric sleeve that is easily slipped on and easily removed from the paddle frame.

Question 25

What happens if my PB Muffler® gets wet?

Accepted Answer

The PB Muffler® is not affected if it gets wet. The PB Muffler® is washable even with the personal customization option

Question 26

What is the purpose of the fabric Sleeve and the foam Sound Absorber Pads ?

Accepted Answer

The stretchable fabric sleeve covers, holds and anchors the pads on the "sweet spot" on each paddle face to "QUIET" the "pop-click" noise at the impact point. The PB Muffler products assemble without  glue applied to the paddle surface or encountering glue residue issues.

Question 27

Where is the PB Muffler® Made?

Accepted Answer

The Pickleball Muffler® is made in the USA. The patented Pickleball Muffler is manufactured in Ohio with all components sourced from within the USA.

Question 28

How does the PB Muffler® function?

Accepted Answer

PBMuffler® deadens, dampens and QUIETS the “pop-click” noise to a “mild thump” at the paddle/ball striking point dissipating the generated paddle noise at the point of impact.

Question 29

Does PB Muffler® come with any options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are several options available including choice of solid colored or artistic patterned sleeves, personalization options for images, logos, motivating messages, paddle owner’s name, and emergency contact information.

Question 30

What form of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We take Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover.

Question 31

How do you place the PB Muffler® on the paddle?

Question 32

What is the value of the PB Muffler® to the pickleball game?

Accepted Answer

PB Muffler® allows a player to take personal responsibility to lower the noise generated to become an easy, low-cost solution  to ease tensions and squabbles generated from pickleball paddle noise.

Question 33

What do players say about the PB MUFFLER® performance?

Accepted Answer

Check out our testimonials!

Question 34

What peacemaker role can the PB Muffler® contribute to pickleball?

Accepted Answer

A good question from a pickleball player. Every pickleball player enjoys the paddle 'click' noise when striking the plastic game ball in a serve or volley. Problem is not everyone nearby is a pickleball player and can become annoyed by the repeated paddle noise from multiple courts where many players are striking the ball resulting in a constant, machine gun sound. Homeowners to nearby courts and even members of indoor recreation facilities with open, shared activity areas are frustrated by the intrusive paddle noise to the point of filing noise lawsuits on a variety of plaintiff grounds. PB Muffler® accessory is a player responsible action that can QUIET paddle noise in meeting offended ears halfway to a compromise solution. From a community cooperation viewpoint, the PB Muffler® serves both the player and the community in providing an inexpensive, player initiated solution rather than a court battle having only one winning side. PB Muffler® offers added opportunity to prevent or conserve community taxes for moving existing courts, installing acoustical wrapping, limiting pickleball playing hours and lessening community infighting allowing all sides a win-win outcome. PB Muffler® "QUIETS" the game without affecting one's game play for serves, spins, returns, ball bounce, dinks, and volleys of any striking force.

Question 35

Is a PB Muffler® expensive?

Accepted Answer

Expensive is a relative measurement. PB Muffler® is a quality product sourced and manufactured in the USA. One comparison, among many, could be made to purchasing a bottle of wine for a restaurant night out – even just ordering 2 glasses of wine to make it a fair cost comparison. PB Muffler® will deliver ‘QUIET’ performance and continuing personal pleasure for many a pickleball game long after one can even remember the name of that comparable wine expense.

Question 36

How does PB Muffler® affect the paddle weight issue?

Accepted Answer

Paddle weight is a personal issue involving decisions for ball control, power and even “bodily
injury potential”. In most cases, as with any judgment decision, the individual has to make a
choice as to what is best for them in their personal situation. The PB Muffler® adds 1.2 oz. of weight to a paddle [+/– 0.1 oz.) depending on fabric weight. Paddle weight for mid-range
models vary from 7.3-8.4 ounces. Interesting “WEIGHT FUN FACT” on the weight topic is that The Apple 14 Pro model weighs 8.4 ounces. Continuously, throughout the day, individuals are
waving and doing twisting wrist/arm movements while using their mobile phone without concern
their ”8.4 ounce phone” (not counting the protective case weight) may possibly also deliver an
unfortunate wrist, elbow, arm or shoulder injury. A single penny coin is equal to one-tenth of an
ounce (0.1 ounce).

Controversy on paddle weight for the individual will continue to exist. Wayne Dollard, a 5.0
player, Pickleball Magazine owner, and publisher, addresses paddle weight in the Spring issue
2023 in the following article, “Choosing the Right Paddle”:

https://www.pickleballmagazine.com/paddle

This article goes into detail about the weight of a paddle even surprisingly stating, “My advice
would be, if you don’t have some debilitating arm injury, then side with a heavier paddle.

PADDLE WEIGHT
Let me start by saying that I like heavier paddles! Possibly the #1 most important and easy-to-
understand thing that will affect the play of a paddle is the weight. Some people argue that their
reflexes are slower with an 8 oz. paddle versus a 7 oz. comparable model; however, if you’re
basing your dinking game decisions on reflex play, you’ve probably got this all wrong.
Manufacturers and virtually all touring pros agree that the added weight allows for less effort to
hit stronger, more accurate shots. They would also agree that heavier paddles have larger
sweet-spots and are better for blocking, dinking, driving, serving, and everything else. My advice
would be, if you don’t have some debilitating arm injury, then side with a heavier paddle.
Do visit another PickleBall Paddle Weight discussion article at
https://www.paddletek.com/blogs/news/pickleball-paddle-weight

Question 37

Will gameplay be different with and without the PB Muffler® on my paddle?

Accepted Answer

Short answer is that game play remains the same, only “Quieter”. Game play with PB Muffler® remains the same for serves, returns, spins, dinks, ball bounce action, and volleys of any force.

Some say touch may need slight adjustment but also then say any adjustment is easily made
after hitting and dinking a few practice strokes.
Every player encounters change and adapts their play with every shot in movement, stance,
power, or dink stroke and shot strategy to improve their game and meet the dynamic challenges
faced during every point played.

PickleBall is an action game of movement, strategy, finesse, touch, and power. Unfortunately, it
generates a noise level acceptable to players but annoying and unacceptable to nearby ears.
The generated paddle noise is not healthy for either players or non-players. PB Muffler® has been designed for the estimated 80-90% recreational players, knowing it reduces the paddle noise allowing play in and on existing courts as a compromise to minimize contention issues with non-players.

Question 38

Why does a tiny space exist between the Pad edge and the paddle edge?

Accepted Answer

By design there is about a 1/8 inch (+/-) space surrounding and between the Pad edge and the paddle edge to fit the vast majority of paddles. The stretchable PB Muffler® sleeve and Pad design fits rectangular or elongated paddle in compliance with the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) specifications that Length + Width cannot exceed 24 inches.

There are a large number of paddle manufacturers producing a variety of shaped paddles within these USAPA specifications. The stretchable PB Muffler® fits these paddle shapes despite each paddle shape outline varying by fractions in length and width design. In some paddle designs, side edges of the Sound Absorber Pad may need a slight trim for a better fit.

Trimming instructions are provided with each Pad set. Should there be any Pad movement under the stretchable sleeve, the paddle’s sweet spot remains positioned. Should the slight pad movement be of concern use a strip of double-sided adhesive tape to anchor the pad to the paddle face.

The top four top base paddle shapes filling the marketplace along with their typical dimensions (+/-) are:
Rectangular: Standard Shape: 15 3/4” x 7 7/8”
Rectangular Wide Body Shape: 16” x 8”
Elongated Thin Body Shape: 16 1/2” x 7 1/4”
Elongated Blade Shape: 17” x 6 7/8”

Question 39

What value does the PB MUFFLER deliver?

Accepted Answer

The PB Muffler® reduces the paddle-ball noise at the point paddle noise is generated. Using the PB Muffler® becomes a compromise solution to the player and any nearby annoyed ears. Gameplay action does not change in serves, returns, spins, dinks, ball bounce or volleys for the player while nearby annoyed ears receive significant noise relief.

Question 40

Can the Sound Absorber Pads be positioned in different configurations?

Accepted Answer

Pads are included with each PB Muffler® purchase option to deliver ‘Quiet Results”.  Pads deaden paddle-ball noise at impact time delivering “noise relief” heard as a “mild thump” to the nearby non-player ears. Since Pickleball players use a variety of soft to heavy striking forces, individuals can be creative and choose the Pad placement configuration that best suits their game.

For example: 2 Pads on the forehand side or use 1 on each paddle face.  Point the single pad’s pointed end towards the paddle handle to lock in the full “sweet spot” hitting area under the sleeve.

Question 41

Can PB MUFFLER be used in tournament plays?

Accepted Answer

PB Muffler® was designed specifically for “Quieter” recreational play without players changing any aspect of their game involving serves, returns, spins, dinks, ball bounce and volleys of any force. Recreational play, not tournaments, account easily for the highest percentage of gameplay and unwelcomed noise. PB Muffler® use in professional level USAPA sanctioned tournaments is not foreseen at this time. PB Muffler® is authorized for gameplay by USAPA for all local, club, neighborhood tournaments, as there is no difference in game play or advantage/disadvantage other than the paddle noise is “Quieter”. Pickleball is a game structured and played for action as its primary purpose, not to generate paddle noise.

Question 42

‘Sweet Spot’ hitting with PB Muffler®.

Accepted Answer

The ‘Sweet Spot’ paddle area is covered and locked in place with the fabric sleeve. Miss-hits outside the PB Muffler® ‘Sweet Spot” and if close to the outside paddle edge will perform or deflect as an errant shot/return in the same manner as without having a PB Muffler®. In fact, often the PB Muffler® may cover up a player’s ball striking error

Question 43

Is paddle noise in pickleball gameplay ‘QUIETED’ by PB Muffler®?

Accepted Answer

Paddle Noise ranks low in being a necessary component in pickleball gameplay but certainly tops the rankings for irritation and annoyance from ears in nearby Homeowners Associations (HOA) and surrounding residential areas. Paddle Noise results when a HARD SURFACED PADDLE strikes a HARD PLASTIC BALL. This PADDLE/BALL impact generates impulse-based loudness (decibels)and pitch (frequency)in delivering a continuous stream of overlapping, intermittent, distracting, penetrating noise jolts.

PB Muffler® “QUIETS” pickleball paddle noise with a fabric sleeve that encloses Sound Absorber Pads that dampen, dull, and quiet the paddle noise impact to a “MILD THUMP”. The PB Muffler® is a patented, effective, practical solution to quiet paddle noise without having to buy a new paddle or apply products that involve permanent/temporary glueing or having to remove any glue residue from the paddle face. The PB Muffler® (under $40)has professional sound lab measurements certification and field proven performance. PB Muffler® fits rectangular and elongated paddles in compliance with the USA Pickleball 24-inch paddle requirement.

Paddle "Pop-Click" NOISE is not a necessary factor for player effectiveness in gameplay. Sight, viewing an opponent's body position, paddle angle, and arm force are the important factors in preparing to position and return a volley. NOISE vs SIGHT importance is easily proven by having opposing players, one blindfolded and one with covered ears conduct a match.

PB Muffler® offers players a solution to compromise on noise issues with nearby Homeowners Associations (HOA) and residential areas for “QUIET” gameplay the entire day or scheduling specific “Loud & Quiet Play” times. PB Muffler® delivers the same gameplay without any change to serves, returns, spins, dinks, and forceful volleys ... just “QUIETER”. Sharing an agreed upon gameplay schedule for “Loud & Quiet Play” periods can become one step in the right direction for compromise.

Question 44

Why should I customize my PB Muffler®?

Accepted Answer

Customizing your PB Muffler® allows you to give your game image a personality all its own!  You can have your name added for paddle identification along with a motivating message and an image of your choice, such as a pet, favorite scene or create a personal design to be centered on the PB Muffler® sleeve.

You must be the owner of any image. We reserve the right to refuse images that go against our copyright policy.

Question 45

What will  my custom PBMuffler® look like?

Accepted Answer

You can see examples of custom PB Mufflers® on our website. Check out the gallery to get an idea of what your personalized PB Muffler® could look like.

Question 46

Is it hard to design or place images for my custom PB Muffler® sleeve?

Accepted Answer

No. With the PB Muffler® design tool it’s easy to select customization options from the drop downs, complete the Customize my PB Muffler® form for each sleeve ordered upload an image, and click checkout. Then just wait for the magic to arrive in the mail!  Just be sure you own or have permission to use the image.

Question 47

How do I know my image will work on the PBMuffler® sleeve fabric?

Accepted Answer

The factors affecting the quality of the image on your sleeve fabric include resolution and design. If image resolution is too low it may come out looking blurry. Or if your design is too detailed, the sleeve fabric may not be the place for it.  In general, clear, bold, simple designs work best on the sleeve fabric.

Question 48

What types of images can I put on my PBMuffler® sleeve fabric?

Accepted Answer

You can put almost any image you want on a sleeve (and any words too!). Keep in mind that simple, clear graphics work best on the fabric.  Just be sure you own or have permission to use the image.

Question 49

I have an idea for an image…Can PBMuffler® help?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Send your inquiry to customerservice@pbmuffler.com

Question 50

What Kind of Font is available for my PB Muffler®?

Accepted Answer

Below are the Fonts currently available for customization of your PB Muffler®.

Question 51

Should I order additional Sound Absorber Pads at original order time?

Accepted Answer

The Sound Absorber Pads will last with extended play and normal care when “QUIET” play is required.  Frequent removal of the PBMuffler® pads can result in being misplaced, forgotten on the bench or mysteriously lost.  Extra pads purchased with the original order makes economic sense as any separate follow on order for only pads would incur the full shipping charge.

Question 52

Is playing pickleball a dangerous game?

Accepted Answer

Pickleball is a game an individual chooses to play. Pickleball players must be aware of their personal physical limitations and willingly acknowledge personal liability risk during game play.  There are certainly risks in game play from being hit anywhere on one’s body from a hard returned volley shot. Safety glasses are especially important and highly recommended to prevent eye injury.  Falling, tripping, twisting, inadvertent partner collisions, lack of warmup before play and other such unplanned accidents, including ones conditioning negligence should be considered in gameplay.

Do read the  SPORTS DISCLAIMER section included within the website to understand your liability responsibilities. Be warmed up, aware and alert, and play in your appropriate rating ready for a fun game beginning with 0-0-START.

Question 53

Have any changes been made to PB MUFFLER® since its introduction?

Accepted Answer

PB MUFFLER® patented, trademarked and made in the USA delivers as advertised.  The ready-made, single pad per paddle face side option delivers “sweet spot” coverage. The DIY KIT (Do-It-Yourself Kit) offers the same fabric sleeve choices, along with instructions and materials to build a custom sound absorber pad to fit your specific paddle model.

PB Muffler®

Frequently Asked Questions