Pickleball paddle thickness: 13mm vs 14mm vs 16mm
Paddle thickness is the number on the box that people argue about most. It does change how a paddle plays. It also gets blamed for things that come from the face material and construction.
What thickness means
Thickness here means the thickness of the paddle's core, usually a polymer honeycomb, measured in millimeters. Most paddles on sale today are 13mm, 14mm or 16mm. The core absorbs some of the ball's energy on contact, and how much it absorbs shapes the feel.
13mm, 14mm and 16mm compared
| Thickness | Usually feels like | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| 13mm | Livelier, more pop, more feedback from the ball | Players who want power, drivers, singles players |
| 14mm | A middle ground between pop and control | All-court players who do not want to commit |
| 16mm | Softer, quieter, more forgiving, more control | Doubles players, dinkers, anyone who overhits |
Thicker is not always more control
A thicker core can feel dead to some players. It absorbs energy, so you have to supply more yourself on drives and serves. Players who like a lot of feedback often prefer a thinner core even when they play a control game.
Face material and construction matter as much
A 16mm paddle with a fiberglass face can play livelier than a 14mm paddle with a stiff carbon face. Core density, foam in the edges and surface texture all change the feel too. Use thickness to narrow your list, then check the face material before you decide.
How to choose
- If you play mostly doubles and want touch at the kitchen line, start with 16mm.
- If you want your drives and serves to do more work for you, start with 13mm or 14mm.
- If you are not sure, 14mm is the safe middle. Then adjust after a few sessions.
Thickness also interacts with weight and shape. Change one thing at a time when you test, or you will not know what caused the difference.