As a passionate pickleball player who thrives on practice and improvement, I was excited to get my hands on the 12 Pack Foam Pickleball Balls. These "silent" foam balls promised a unique training experience tailored for indoor settings, particularly for those of us living in noise-sensitive environments. With numerous practice sessions ahead of me, I hoped these would offer a quieter alternative to traditional hard balls without sacrificing the training quality I need.
Upon opening the package, the bright color of the balls instantly caught my attention. These foam pickleballs come in a vibrant yellow, which makes them highly visible during practice—ideal for tracking their rotation and improving my hit accuracy. Each ball measures about 9.15 inches in circumference and 2.91 inches in diameter, allowing them to feel familiar in size while still being gentle on the surroundings.
One of the standout features is the noise-reducing technology, designed to keep sound levels around 60db, akin to a normal conversation. This is a significant reduction compared to the 90db of standard pickleballs, making it perfect for practicing at home or on court without disturbing neighbors or other family members. I found this aspect particularly beneficial as I often practice in my garage and was concerned about drawing attention with loud ball impacts.
From my experience, these balls performed admirably for quiet practice sessions. I engaged in various drills against a wall and utilized a practice board, where the soft foam provided a solid feel on impact. Several other users have noted that the foam does have a softer sound than traditional balls, and I wholeheartedly agree. However, while they maintained decent bounce, I did notice a slight reduction in how high they rebounded compared to a regular pickleball—around 1.5 to 2 inches less, which is worth mentioning for those who value precise ball behavior.
In terms of durability, the pop-back foam construction stood up well to repeated drills without losing shape. Most reviews reflect a positive consensus on their durability, suggesting that they can withstand intensive use. That being said, there were also comments regarding minor wear and tear over time, especially when used on tougher surfaces like pavement, but I found them perfectly suitable for indoor practice.
Two standout pros from my use include their suitability for practice without bothering anyone and their lightweight design, which makes them easy to transport. Many users have echoed similar sentiments, noting that they can practice at home or in residential areas without causing disruption. For example, one user emphasized their enjoyment of using these balls in a busy neighborhood without any issues—something I can confirm as I’ve had a few sessions without a single complaint from neighbors.
However, it’s worth mentioning a couple of cons as well. While the sound level is significantly reduced, the texture and feel differ from traditional balls, prompting an adjustment period in my playstyle. This was also pointed out by another reviewer who compared their feel to that of a firm stress ball, indicating that while they’re great for practice, a player may have to tweak their technique slightly.
To sum up, the 12 Pack Foam Pickleball Balls offer a refreshing and quieter approach to training, perfect for those looking to improve their skills without the deafening sounds of traditional pickleballs. Their high-quality foam construction, noise-reduction features, and vibrant color make them an appealing choice for players of any skill level. While they might not perfectly replicate the bounce and feel of a standard ball, they still deliver enough reliability to enhance your practice sessions effectively.
I would highly recommend these for anyone looking to refine their skills in a noise-sensitive environment or for those who simply enjoy practicing indoors. At around $25 for twelve balls, they present great value—especially when considering the added benefit of quieter sessions. Overall, these foam balls earn a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. Happy playing!
Perfect your game with these silent foam pickleball balls! >>
