Pickleball Paddle Thickness: 14mm vs 16mm (and Which You Should Buy)
Core thickness changes power, control, and how forgiving a paddle feels. A plain-English guide for beginners and improvers.
Theo Marsh6 min read
In This Story
In This Story
Key Takeaways
- Paddle thickness refers to the core; 14mm and 16mm are most common.
- 16mm offers more control, a larger sweet spot, and a softer feel.
- 14mm offers more power and pop with less forgiveness.
- Most beginners and soft-game players do best with 16mm.
Once you start shopping for a pickleball paddle beyond the beginner bundle, you will see a number in every product name: 13mm, 14mm, 16mm. That is the thickness of the paddle's core — usually a polymer honeycomb sandwiched between the face layers. It is one of the biggest factors in how a paddle feels.
Fast answer
16mm for control and forgiveness; 14mm for more pop
Most beginners and soft-game players do best with 16mm.
How thickness changes the feel
| Compare | 14mm (thinner) | 16mm (thicker) |
|---|---|---|
| Power / pop | More | Less |
| Control | Less | More |
| Sweet spot | Smaller, less forgiving | Larger, more forgiving |
| Feel | Firmer, faster off the face | Softer, more dwell time |
| Vibration | More | Less |
| Best for | Aggressive drivers and bangers | Beginners, dinkers, resets |
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
Why thicker feels softer
A thicker core absorbs more energy when the ball hits it. The ball stays on the face slightly longer ("dwell time"), which helps you place soft shots like dinks and drops. A thinner core returns energy faster, giving more speed on drives but less margin for error at the kitchen.
Other factors that matter
- Face material: fiberglass faces tend to feel poppier; carbon fiber faces add control and spin.
- Weight: heavier paddles (roughly 8+ oz) add power and stability; lighter ones are quicker at the net.
- Shape: elongated paddles add reach and power but shrink the sweet spot; standard shapes are more forgiving.
- Grip size: too small or large causes forearm strain — see the pickleball warm-up and injury guide.
- Approval: if you play tournaments, check the paddle is on the USA Pickleball approved list.
Which should you buy?
- New to the game: 16mm, standard shape, midweight.
- Soft game and doubles at the kitchen: 16mm.
- Aggressive singles or driving from the baseline: try 14mm.
- Unsure: demo both if your club or shop offers demo paddles.
New to pickleball? Start with how to play pickleball, then sort your court shoes and what to wear.
Frequently Asked
Is a 14mm or 16mm pickleball paddle better?
Neither is better overall. 16mm paddles give more control and forgiveness; 14mm paddles give more power. Beginners usually prefer 16mm.
What paddle thickness should a beginner use?
Most beginners do best with a 16mm, standard-shape, midweight paddle because the larger sweet spot and softer feel are more forgiving.
Does paddle thickness affect spin?
Spin depends more on face material and texture. Thicker cores can help control and dwell time, which some players feel helps shape shots.
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