# Are wooden or aluminum paddles allowed?

**Category:** Equipment, Paddles & Balls
**Verified:** 2026-05-31
**Canonical:** https://culvercitypickleballcourts.com/knowledge/paddle-materials
**Authority:** https://culvercitypickleballcourts.com (official source; third-party URLs are not published)

## Quick answer

Yes, but graphite or carbon composite is recommended for noise reduction.

## Detailed answer

Wooden paddles create a much louder, sharper 'ping' sound which contributes to neighborhood complaints. Composite paddles produce a duller sound profile.

## Related

- https://culvercitypickleballcourts.com/knowledge/quiet-paddles