INTRODUCTION
The Diadem Hush has been certified by USA Pickleball as “Quiet Approved.” While this certification doesn’t mean it’s approved for tournament use, it signifies that the product reduces noise without negatively impacting performance. This certification is part of USA Pickleball’s initiative to make the sport quieter and address concerns about the impact of pickleball on local courts, especially those near homes.
So, what makes the Hush special? The paddle face is made of ETPU foam, designed for minimal sound and quieter rallies. ETPU (expanded thermoplastic polyurethane) offers a soft texture with great elasticity, commonly used in insoles, sports equipment, and now, pickleball paddles. ETPU provides cushioning, support, and is resistant to impact damage.
PERFORMANCE
The first two things I noticed about the Hush were the softness and the grit on the face. It felt “grittier” than other paddles I’ve used, similar to the Beatnik paddles. Although it weighs 8.0 ounces, it felt lighter, so I was curious about its performance.
I began testing with dinking, hitting transition zone resets, and third shot drops. Despite its light feel and 18mm thickness, the foam core adds power, making these shots easy. The softness of the paddle made dinks feel effortless.
When hitting serves and ground strokes, the difference between a traditional paddle and a foam-core paddle became evident. I could hit powerful shots with minimal effort, requiring adjustments to my game. The paddle also excelled in hitting punch volleys at the net and in firefights, needing only to meet the ball.
What about spin? Topspin and underspin were similar to other paddles, but when I put side spin on a serve, it literally kicked about three feet to the right when it hit the court. The spin was unbelievable.
WHAT ABOUT THE SOUND?
Here is the great part. I played a few times with the Hush on our public courts, of which there are 8 in total. The overall noise level was normal, not too loud. A couple of my opponents said that when I hit the ball, they could not hear it! That is an advantage to anyone using the paddle.
SUMMARY
Overall, despite its soft feel and light weight, the Diadem Hush performs admirably.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Paddle Weight: 8.15 oz
- Paddle Face Material: eTPU Face
- Core Thickness: 18 mm
- Paddle Shape: Elongated
- Paddle Length: 16.4”
- Paddle Width: 7.5”
- Grip Size: Standard – 4 1/8″
In conclusion, the Diadem Hush is a quiet, high-performing paddle that offers excellent control and power, making it a great option for players looking to minimize noise without compromising their game.
PURCHASING INFORMATION
To purchase the Hush, follow this link: https://diademsports.com/collections/paddles/products/hush
If you use the code GREGH10 at checkout, you will get a 10% discount.
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