When shopping for a pickleball paddle, one of the most important (and often overlooked) factors is thickness. Two of the most common options you’ll see are 16mm and 14mm paddles. While just 2mm apart, they can feel like night and day on the court. Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the one that best matches your style of play.
16mm Paddles — Softer Feel, More Control
A 16mm paddle has a thicker core, which creates a softer, more controlled playing experience. Because of that extra thickness:
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Longer Dwell Time: The ball stays on the face of the paddle a fraction longer, allowing you to “feel” your shot.
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Enhanced Control: Great for soft game shots like dinks, drops, and resets where precision matters.
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Reduced Vibration: The extra core material absorbs more shock, offering a comfortable hit and helping with consistency.
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Advanced Tech Can Boost Power: While many think thicker paddles are only for control, some modern 16mm paddles with innovations like thermoforming and foam edge walls can deliver power equal to — or even greater than — many 14mm options.
This is why many control-oriented players, especially those who excel at the kitchen line, gravitate toward 16mm paddles — they reward touch and placement without necessarily sacrificing power if the technology is there.
14mm Paddles — More Pop, Speed, and Maneuverability
At 14mm, the paddle’s core is thinner, which often gives it more pop off the face and a lighter, quicker feel in the hand.
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Increased Responsiveness: The thinner core transfers energy to the ball more quickly.
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Potential for More Power: With the same materials and build quality, a 14mm paddle will usually feel “livelier” than its thicker counterpart.
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Faster Swing Speed: The slightly reduced weight in the core can make the paddle easier to accelerate, which is useful for adding pace to your drives.
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Improved Maneuverability: Particularly helpful in quick reaction exchanges and fast hands battles at the net.
The trade-off is that you lose some dwell time and softness, meaning control may take a back seat to speed.
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose 16mm if your game is built on placement, patience, and touch shots — or if you like a softer, more forgiving feel. With the right modern build, you can still achieve serious power.
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Choose 14mm if you’re an aggressive player who thrives on quick reactions, faster swing speeds, and extra pop.
Remember — thickness is just one piece of the puzzle. Paddle shape, weight, face material, and your personal swing style also play huge roles in how a paddle performs.