How do different paddle core materials affect impact sound frequencies?

A paddle's acoustic signature is determined by the stiffness and damping coefficient of its internal core. Early Nomex cores (adapted from aerospace composites) consist of resin-impregnated aramid paper; their extreme rigidity produces an intense, piercing 2.2 kHz impact crack exceeding 78 dBA. Modern polypropylene (PP) honeycomb cores possess viscoelastic properties that flex on impact, absorbing energy and lowering the fundamental frequency to 1.1–1.3 kHz. Thicker cores (16mm and 19mm) absorb significantly more mechanical vibration than thin 13mm power cores, dampening the acoustic wave before it radiates outward.