CHANGING THE GAME: No more noise with this 3-D printed pickleball

 

The Quiet Revolution: How 3D Printing is Transforming Pickleball

Solving the Noise Problem in America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

Have you ever heard the distinct pop of a pickleball? If you haven't, it's likely because you don't live near a pickleball court—where that sound has become a growing concern for neighbors. The sport, which has taken the country by storm, is now facing a surprising backlash, with some communities even considering bans due to noise complaints. But a quiet revolution is underway in Walker, where a new solution is emerging. Thanks to innovative technology from Accel Digital Solutions and the ingenuity of Tyler Marvin, the pickleball sound problem might soon be a thing of the past.

In just a few months, Marvin and his team have developed a new, 3D-printed pickleball that promises to be not only quieter but also more durable than its predecessors. After nearly 20 iterations, the final product has been approved by the USA Pickleball Association, and the results are impressive. This new ball is 10 times quieter while maintaining the same size, weight, and bounce that players love. As pickleball continues to grow, this breakthrough could be the key to keeping the peace between the sport’s enthusiasts and their noise-sensitive neighbors.

The ball, 3D printed from a thermoplastic elastomer, is softer and more flexible than traditional injection-molded or rotomolded balls. This design reduces the noise level while maintaining necessary performance characteristics. Testing by Pickleball Sound Mitigation confirmed that the ball produces a quieter “click” closer to a tennis ball’s “thump” and provides adequate sensory feedback for players.

The startup’s new product is available for order on their website at $30 per ball. They aim to appeal to recreational players and municipalities seeking noise reduction solutions for public courts. Future iterations will include more color options and continuous improvements based on user feedback. Accel Digital Solutions is now taking orders for its quiet pickleball on its website.