How to Get the Pool Noodle Glove - Slap Battles Wiki
Complete walkthrough for unlocking Pool Noodle via the Return to Sender badge and the Beachball interaction.
Overview
Pool Noodle is a fun, beginner-friendly badge glove in Slap Battles earned through the Return to Sender badge. The unlock requires another player to equip the Beachball glove and launch a beachball at you. You must then slap the incoming beachball back hard enough that it flies off — or use the Reverse ability to reflect it. Successfully returning the beachball this way awards the Return to Sender badge and the Pool Noodle glove. It is a quick coordination challenge that pairs well with other early badge hunts.
Pool Noodle Unlock Walkthrough
Watch the Beachball interaction and the slap-back timing that awards the Return to Sender badge, plus a preview of the Pool Noodle glove.
Step-by-Step Unlock Process
Pool Noodle requires two players: one with Beachball and one to return the shot. Follow this sequence to earn the badge cleanly.
Find a Beachball user
Recruit a friend or stranger who owns the Beachball glove and is willing to help.
Position yourselves
Stand at a clear distance so the launched beachball travels toward you cleanly.
Have them launch it
The Beachball user activates their ability to send a beachball flying at you.
Slap it back hard
Time your slap to send the beachball flying off — or use Reverse to reflect it.
Claim the badge
A successful return awards the Return to Sender badge and the Pool Noodle glove.
Return to Sender Mechanics
Understanding the exact requirements helps you trigger the badge reliably. Here is the full mechanics breakdown.
| Detail | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partner glove | Beachball | Launches the beachball at you |
| Method 1 | Slap back hard | Must be strong enough to fly off |
| Method 2 | Reverse ability | Reflects the beachball automatically |
| Badge | Return to Sender | Awards Pool Noodle on success |
| Difficulty | Easy | Beginner-friendly with a friend |
Tips for a Successful Return
Timing and positioning make or break the return. Use these tactics to land the badge on your first few attempts.
Use a friend
A coordinated partner with Beachball makes this far easier than relying on randoms.
Try Reverse
The Reverse ability reflects the beachball automatically, skipping the timing challenge.
Slap hard
If slapping manually, commit fully — a weak hit will not trigger the badge.
Open space
Stand in an open area so the beachball has a clean flight path to and from you.
Track the ball
Keep your camera on the incoming beachball so you can time your slap or ability.
Avoid ledges
Stay away from map edges in case the beachball launch causes unexpected knockback.
Why Pool Noodle Is a Great Early Badge
Pool Noodle is a staple recommendation for new badge hunters. These reasons explain why it appears on every beginner roadmap.
- No slap requirement — anyone can attempt it from their first session.
- Fast to complete with a willing Beachball partner.
- Two reliable methods (slap-back or Reverse) suit different skill levels.
- Fun, themed ability that adds variety to casual play.
- Pairs naturally with other easy badges like Grillmaster and Recall.
- Contributes to multi-badge gloves that require several badges to unlock.
What Pool Noodle Does Once Unlocked
Once equipped, Pool Noodle brings a floppy, noodle-themed kit to the arena. Its ability emphasizes playful disruption and knockback, fitting the lighthearted summer-beach theme of the unlock method. While not a top-tier competitive glove, it is beloved for its charm and the satisfying feel of its swings.
Pool Noodle rounds out a beginner badge collection nicely alongside MEGAROCK and Grillmaster. For where it ranks in the current meta, check the community glove tier list, and browse the full badge roster in the badge gloves guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unlock the Pool Noodle glove?
Have a player equip Beachball and launch a beachball at you, then slap it back hard enough or use Reverse to reflect it. This awards the Return to Sender badge.
Do I need the Beachball glove myself?
No. You only need a partner with the Beachball glove to launch it at you. Your job is to return the beachball.
Can I use Reverse to get Pool Noodle?
Yes. The Reverse ability reflects the beachball automatically, making it the most reliable method if slap timing is tricky.
What badge does Pool Noodle give?
Pool Noodle awards the Return to Sender badge, which unlocks the Pool Noodle glove permanently.
Is Pool Noodle hard to unlock?
No. With a willing Beachball partner, most players unlock it in 5 to 15 minutes on their first or second attempt.
Does a weak slap-back count?
No. You must hit the beachball hard enough that it flies off, or use Reverse to reflect it. Weak hits do not trigger the badge.
Can I unlock Pool Noodle solo?
You need a second player with Beachball to launch the ball, so coordinate with a friend or find a volunteer in server chat.
Is Pool Noodle permanent once unlocked?
Yes. The Pool Noodle glove and Return to Sender badge are permanent rewards that stay in your inventory forever.