Andrea Molberg
Concerned about noise and wanting more opportunities to play, SaddleBrooke residents have asked whether different balls might be used to lower the sound of pickleball, the fastest growing sport for those over 55. A friendly and addictive game, pickleball has taken off here in SaddleBrooke. SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association (SPA) has more than 600 members, but only six regulation courts due to noise concerns from residents. If pickleball play were quieter, finding a location for badly needed additional courts would be far easier. Sound abatement options are being researched. What about a quiet ball?
A slightly smaller “quiet ball” made of dense foam is currently required at the Preserve pickleball courts. Most SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association members, not just the tournament players, reject playing with the quieter ball because it is far different from the plastic standard ball with holes. “This ball plays differently than the typical pickleball.” (www.pickleballcentral.com) Equipment is sport specific. Because of their unique characteristics, balls used for golf, ping-pong, tennis, racquetball, softball and baseball all are linked to their specific sport. The game is not the same if a different ball is used.
In November 2015, the USA Pickleball Association announced new specifications for balls approved for pickleball play. The list of approved USAPA/IFP balls appears on the USAPA website and does not include the foam practice ball that is required on the Preserve courts. Approved balls were chosen for consistent size, weight, bounce and hardness. As of fall 2016 only two or three manufacturers will be making approved balls. The foam quiet ball is no longer being manufactured.
The Onix Pure 2, a new ball meeting USAPA standards, just came out in August 2016. Manufacturer Escalade Sports believes the new ball will change the sport. According to the latest Pickleball Magazine’s interview with Escalade’s Director of Marketing David Vogrin, the new Pure 2 outdoor ball bounces true, flies straight, maintains its roundness, doesn’t crack and is 25% quieter.
SaddleBrooke residents indicated on the 2015 Strategic Task Force survey that Pickleball was what they most wanted to see included or added as an amenity (question 31). SPA is eager to test the ball here in SaddleBrooke!