I own the Elite model. After reading on here I did purchase the leather inserts at the same time. The inserts do and will reduce the noise dramatically. The sound is a lot deeper and suppressed with the inserts installed. It is a fantastic product. I only see two or three cons to the rack those being:
If you drop it on a concrete or blacktop surface you will put nics in the metal.
The manufacturer does not offer a separate protective carry case for the different model racks (they do offere a model that will hold the balls as well though I think.)
When lifting the rack out of the storage hole in the table you have to be careful not to hit the table on the way to the bed. If you do you risk denting or chipping any wood surfaces on the way.