Quick Answer & Who This Guide Is For

If you’ve ever browsed pickleball paddles online or tested them in-store, you’ve probably noticed one specification that isn’t always obvious at first glance: paddle thickness. While weight, grip size, and material get plenty of attention, the thickness of the paddle core quietly shapes how the paddle feels in your hand, how it connects with the ball, and ultimately, how you perform on the court.

So, what’s the quick answer? In general:

• Thicker paddles (commonly around 16 mm and above) tend to provide more control, stability, and a softer feel, making them popular among doubles players who rely heavily on dinks and finesse shots.
• Thinner paddles (typically 12–14 mm) offer more “pop” and power, giving singles players or aggressive hitters extra speed on drives and serves.

But, as you’ll discover in this guide, choosing between thin and thick isn’t just about control versus power. Factors such as your playing style, arm health, and even the type of core material all interact with thickness.

This article is written for:

• New players unsure of what specs matter most.
• Intermediate players debating whether to switch paddle types.
• Competitive players fine-tuning their gear for maximum advantage.
• Clubs and schools considering which paddle types to stock for members.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, practical framework for understanding pickleball paddle thickness, testing it in real life, and selecting the right option for your game.

What is “Pickleball Paddle Thickness”? Definitions & Common Ranges

When we talk about pickleball paddle thickness, we’re primarily referring to the depth of the paddle’s core—the honeycomb or layered material sandwiched between the paddle’s two faces. This thickness is measured from one face to the other and usually expressed in millimeters (mm).

Typical Thickness Ranges

• Thin paddles: Around 10–13 mm. Rare but still found in some older or budget models.
• Standard thin/mid paddles: Around 13–14 mm. A common range for players who want quick responses and extra pop.
• Thicker paddles: 15–16 mm. Currently one of the most popular choices, offering a good balance of touch and stability.
• Extra-thick paddles: 17–19 mm. Less common but emerging as control-focused paddles, especially for doubles specialists.

How to Measure Thickness

• Calipers: The most accurate method is to use a digital or manual caliper to measure across the edge.
• Manufacturer specs: Most brands publish paddle thickness on product pages, but tolerances of ±0.5 mm are common.
• Visual comparison: Players often line paddles side by side to see differences, but actual millimeter differences can feel much larger in play.

Why Thickness Matters as a Spec

Unlike paddle weight (which you can feel immediately), thickness changes the internal mechanics of how the ball interacts with the paddle. Thicker cores usually distribute impact energy across a larger area, while thinner cores deliver quicker rebound. That’s why even a small 2 mm difference can feel like night and day during a match.

Here’s a quick reference:

Paddle Thickness	General Category	Playing Feel	Best For
10–12 mm	Ultra-thin	Extra pop, fast rebound, less forgiveness	Power hitters, singles players
13–14 mm	Thin/Mid	Good pop with moderate control	All-around players
15–16 mm	Thick	Stable, softer feel, larger sweet spot	Doubles players, control-oriented
17–19 mm	Extra-thick	Maximum control, dampened vibration	Seniors, injury-prone players

How Thickness Affects Performance: Power, Control, Dwell Time, Sweet Spot, Vibration

Now that we’ve defined thickness, let’s break down how it actually influences performance on the court.

1. Power Output

Thinner paddles (around 12–13 mm) generally create faster ball exit speeds. Why? Because they flex less, storing and releasing energy quickly like a trampoline with a tighter surface. For players who like to drive the ball hard, thin paddles deliver the crisp pop needed for aggressive baseline shots.

Thicker paddles (15–16 mm or more) absorb more of the ball’s impact, which reduces rebound speed. While this means less “free power,” it allows you to take full, controlled swings without overshooting. Power can still be generated, but it comes more from player technique than paddle spring.

2. Control & Touch

One of the main reasons thick paddles have surged in popularity is their superior control and touch. The extra core depth increases dwell time—the fraction of a second the ball spends on the paddle—making it easier to guide delicate dinks, third-shot drops, and resets.

Thin paddles, in contrast, respond so quickly that touch shots can feel harder to tame. A small mistake in angle or swing speed often results in a ball flying long or hitting the net.

3. Dwell Time

Closely related to control, dwell time is the feeling of how long the ball “sits” on the paddle face.

• Thicker cores: Longer dwell time, softer feel, more feedback for finesse shots.
• Thinner cores: Shorter dwell time, snappier feel, ideal for fast drives and volleys.

Advanced players sometimes prefer the feedback from longer dwell time because it provides better connection with the ball.

4. Sweet Spot Size

The sweet spot—the area of the paddle face that produces consistent shots—tends to expand with thickness.

• Thin paddles: Sweet spots are smaller and centered; mishits near the edge feel harsher.
• Thick paddles: Sweet spots are wider, creating more forgiveness on off-center strikes.

This difference explains why thick paddles are often recommended for beginners or players working on consistency.

5. Vibration & Comfort

Vibration transfer is another crucial factor. Thin paddles, with their stiffer cores, often send more shock into the hand and wrist, especially during off-center hits. This can aggravate conditions like tennis elbow over time.

Thicker paddles naturally dampen vibrations because the extra core material acts as a buffer. Many injury-prone players find relief by switching to a thicker paddle.

6. Spin Potential

While spin is mainly driven by paddle face texture and technique, thickness plays a secondary role. Thicker paddles, with longer dwell time, give players more window to impart spin, especially on topspin rolls and slices. Thin paddles, however, can whip through contact faster, which some spin-oriented players also enjoy.

Paddle Construction: How Core Type, Face Material, and Thickness Work Together

While thickness plays a huge role in performance, it doesn’t act alone. Paddle core type and face material significantly influence how thickness translates into feel and results.

Core Types

1. Polymer Honeycomb (Poly Core)

• Most common in modern paddles.
• Quiet, durable, and versatile.
• Works well with both thin and thick builds.
• Thicker polymer cores (16 mm) emphasize control, while thinner (13–14 mm) deliver extra pop.

2. Nomex Honeycomb

• Harder, denser core material.
• Produces loud, crisp shots with lots of power.
• Pairs best with thinner builds, as adding thickness can make it feel overly rigid.

3. Aluminum Honeycomb

• Lightweight with excellent control.
• Great feedback but can lack power.
• Often used in mid-thickness builds for balance.

Face Materials

• Graphite: Light and stiff, offering quick response. Works especially well with thinner paddles where pop is desirable.
• Carbon Fiber: Strong and consistent, adding durability and control. A popular choice for 16 mm+ paddles.
• Fiberglass: Adds flex and power, making it a good pairing with thicker paddles to bring back some pop.
• Wood: Rare in modern play but still seen in entry-level paddles; thickness matters less due to overall stiffness.

Interaction of Core, Face, and Thickness

Think of paddle design like a recipe: thickness is just one ingredient. A 16 mm polymer core with carbon fiber face plays very differently from a 16 mm Nomex core with fiberglass. Smart buyers consider all three factors—core, face, thickness—rather than isolating thickness alone.

Quick Reference Table:

Core Type	Recommended Thickness	Typical Feel	Best For
Polymer	13–16 mm	Balanced, quiet	All skill levels
Nomex	12–14 mm	Hard, powerful, loud	Singles, power hitters
Aluminum	14–15 mm	Control, light weight	Seniors, finesse players

Which Thickness is Right for Different Players & Situations?

Every player has unique priorities. Here’s how to match paddle thickness to your style and needs.

Beginners & Casual Players

• Recommended: Mid-to-thick paddles (14–16 mm).
• Why: Larger sweet spot and softer feel reduce frustration, making learning more enjoyable.

Doubles & Kitchen-Line Players

• Recommended: 16 mm or thicker.
• Why: Control and consistency are critical for dinks, resets, and hand battles at the net.

Singles & Power Hitters

• Recommended: 13–14 mm thin paddles.
• Why: Extra pop and fast rebound make it easier to drive deep shots and put pressure on opponents.

Seniors & Injury-Prone Players

• Recommended: 16–19 mm with vibration-dampening cores.
• Why: Reduced shock helps protect joints and prolongs playing comfort.

Clubs, Schools, and Programs

• Recommended: 15–16 mm polymer paddles.
• Why: Durable, forgiving, and suitable for a wide range of players.

Pro tip: Don’t choose purely on thickness. Test paddles in real play conditions whenever possible.

How to Test Paddle Thickness in Practice

Choosing based on specs alone can be misleading. Testing in real conditions reveals how thickness feels to you personally.

In-Store / On-Court Testing (HowTo Schema-Ready)

1. Grip Check: Hold the paddle naturally and notice the balance.
2. Short Dinks: Test touch control and ball placement.
3. Third Shot Drops: Gauge dwell time and forgiveness.
4. Drives & Volleys: Feel the pop, response speed, and comfort.
5. Extended Rally: Notice fatigue, vibration, and consistency.

Measuring Tools

• Use a digital caliper to confirm manufacturer specs.
• Weigh the paddle on a precision scale to check weight-to-thickness balance.

Simple At-Home Experiments

• Drop Test: Bounce a ball on the paddle face to feel rebound differences.
• Vibration Check: Hit off-center shots and notice how much shock travels to your hand.

Tips for Fair Testing

• Use the same ball type for all tests.
• Compare paddles in the same session to reduce memory bias.
• Record notes after each drill—your impressions may change after extended play.

Buying Tips, Maintenance, Tournament Rules

Buying Tips

• Prioritize feel over specs—numbers guide you, but on-court testing confirms the choice.
• If undecided, start with 15–16 mm polymer core, the most versatile setup.
• For competitive singles, consider 13–14 mm Nomex or polymer for more power.

Maintenance

• Store paddles in moderate temperatures; heat can warp cores.
• Replace grips regularly to maintain comfort and control.
• Inspect edges for cracks—especially on thinner paddles, which take more impact stress.

Tournament Rules

According to USA Pickleball (USAPA), paddles must:

• Not exceed 24 inches combined length and width.
• Meet surface roughness limits (texture for spin).
• Thickness itself isn’t capped, but extreme builds must still conform to size limits.