14mm vs. 16mm Pickleball Paddles: Which Thickness Is Right for You?
Quick answer: A 14mm pickleball paddle has a thinner core, so it feels firmer and livelier, with more pop and power. A 16mm paddle has a thicker core that absorbs more of the impact, giving a softer feel, more control and a more forgiving sweet spot. Thickness changes weight only slightly, often by about 0.2 oz.
Most pickleball paddles are built around a honeycomb core sandwiched between two faces. The thickness of that core, usually 14mm or 16mm, is one of the biggest factors in how a paddle plays. Here’s how to choose.
What is the difference between a 14mm and a 16mm pickleball paddle?
| 14mm (thinner core) | 16mm (thicker core) | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Firmer, crisper | Softer, more muted |
| Power and pop | More | Less |
| Control and touch | Less | More |
| Sweet spot | Smaller, less forgiving | Larger, more forgiving |
| Vibration and sound | More | Less |
| Weight (same model) | Often about 0.2 oz lighter | Often about 0.2 oz heavier |
| Suits | Drives, speed-ups, aggressive players | Dinks, resets, control players and most beginners |
General tendencies. Face material, shape and construction also affect power and feel.
Why does core thickness change how a paddle plays?
A thicker core has more material to compress and absorb the ball’s energy. That gives a softer feel, longer dwell time and more control, but less pop. A thinner core is stiffer and returns energy faster, so the ball comes off with more speed, but the paddle is less forgiving and transmits more vibration. As Pickleball Central puts it, thinner cores generally mean more power and thicker cores mean more control. Most paddle cores today fall between 14mm and 16mm, with extremes from about 11mm to 19mm.
Does a 16mm paddle weigh more than a 14mm paddle?
Usually only slightly. When a manufacturer makes the same paddle in both thicknesses, the 16mm version is typically a little heavier. Here are the listed average weights of JOOLA paddles we carry in both thicknesses:
| Paddle | 14mm average weight | 16mm average weight |
|---|---|---|
| JOOLA Perseus IV | 7.9 oz | 8.1 oz |
| JOOLA Perseus 3S | 7.8 oz | 8.0 oz |
| JOOLA Perseus CFS | 7.8 oz | 8.0 oz |
| JOOLA Hyperion 3S | 7.8 oz | 8.0 oz |
| JOOLA Magnus 3S | 7.9 oz | 8.1 oz |
| JOOLA Mod TA-15 | 7.8 oz | 8.0 oz |
Average weights from manufacturer specifications on our product listings. Individual paddles vary.
A 0.2 oz difference is small, but you may notice it over a long session. If weight matters most, compare the listed weights of individual paddles rather than relying on thickness.
Is a 14mm or 16mm paddle better for beginners?
Most beginners do better with a 16mm paddle. The larger sweet spot forgives off-center hits, and the softer feel makes dinks, drops and resets easier to control while you learn. A 14mm paddle suits players who already have good control and want more speed on drives and put-aways. Our pickleball paddle buyer’s guide covers weight, grip size and shape too.
Which is better for power: 14mm or 16mm?
A 14mm paddle generally gives more power and pop for the same swing, which helps on drives, serves and speed-ups at the kitchen line. Players who play a fast, aggressive game, or who want more help generating pace, often prefer 14mm. Players who find the ball flying long, or who rely on a soft game, often prefer 16mm.
What else affects how a paddle plays?
- Face material: fiberglass (composite) faces usually add pop, and carbon fiber and graphite faces usually add control and spin; see our composite vs. graphite paddle guide.
- Shape: elongated paddles add reach and power, and wider shapes usually have a larger sweet spot.
- Construction: thermoformed and edge-foamed paddles are designed to change feel, power and stability, so compare models as well as thickness.
- Weight and balance: heavier and more head-heavy paddles add power; lighter paddles are quicker in hand.
The bottom line
Choose 16mm for control, comfort and a forgiving sweet spot, especially if you’re newer to the game or play a soft game. Choose 14mm for more pop and power if you already control the ball well. Weight differences are small, often about 0.2 oz on the same model. Browse our pickleball paddles and keep yours playing well with our paddle care guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are thicker pickleball paddles more forgiving?
Generally, yes. A thicker core spreads and absorbs the impact, giving a larger, more forgiving sweet spot and fewer harsh mis-hits than a thinner core of the same design.
Do pros use 14mm or 16mm paddles?
Both. Many professional players use 16mm paddles for control, and others choose 14mm for extra power. It depends on playing style and on the rest of the paddle’s design.
Is a 13mm paddle the same as a 14mm paddle?
No, but it plays similarly. A 13mm core is thinner still, so it usually has even more pop and less control. Paddle cores range from about 11mm to 19mm, and most are 14mm to 16mm.
Does paddle thickness affect spin?
Not directly. Spin depends mainly on the paddle face’s texture and material, along with your technique. Thickness changes feel, power and control.
Is there a rule on pickleball paddle thickness?
No. USA Pickleball sets limits on paddle length and the combined length and width, but there is no thickness or weight limit. To be used in sanctioned play, a paddle must be on the approved list.