14mm vs 16mm Pickleball Paddles: Which Core Thickness Should You Choose?

Pickleball paddle on a court with a yellow ball

Short answer: A 16mm paddle is generally softer, more stable and more forgiving. A 14mm paddle generally has more pop on short, fast shots and a slightly smaller sweet spot. Thinner cores (11 to 13mm) push further towards pop. If you're new or play a soft game at the kitchen, 16mm is the usual pick. If you like fast hands battles and quick counters, try 14mm. Sources don't all agree on which gives more power on full swings, so try both if you can.

Last checked: 20 October 2026.

Written by Peter and Amanda, founders of Ace Sporting Goods. We make paddles in 11mm and 16mm. This guide draws on governing bodies, manufacturers and independent testers, linked at the end.

What does core thickness actually change?

The core is the honeycomb or foam layer between the two faces. Its thickness changes how the paddle feels and how much energy goes back into the ball.

Thinner (11 to 13mm) 14mm 16mm
Feel Firmer, crisper Between the two Softer, more muted
Pop on short shots Most More than 16mm Least
Control and touch Least Middle Most
Sweet spot Smaller Smaller than 16mm Larger, more even
Stability on off-centre hits Least Middle Most

This table summarises Pickleball Australia, Selkirk, Paddletek, PickleballCentral, Pickleheads and Pickleball Effect. They agree on the general direction. They don't all agree on power, which we cover next.

Is a thinner paddle more powerful?

It depends on what you mean by power.

  • Pickleball Australia, Selkirk, Paddletek and Pickleheads say thinner cores give more power or pop.
  • Pickleball Effect, an independent tester, separates the two. It describes "pop" as speed on short swings and "power" as speed on full swings. It says 14mm paddles usually have more pop, while 16mm paddles usually have more power on full swings, because of their extra mass.
  • In a 2026 update, Pickleball Effect also says some newer 16mm paddles now match the speed that used to need a 14mm core.

So the old rule "thin for power, thick for control" is a starting point, not a law. Construction matters too.

Which thickness suits which player?

  • New players: Paddletek says new players should generally use a medium or thick core. A thicker core's bigger sweet spot is more forgiving while your timing develops.
  • Soft game and kitchen players: 16mm, for touch on dinks and resets.
  • Fast hands and attackers: 14mm or thinner, if you like a crisp, quick response at the net.
  • Players with sore arms: No study has tested core thickness against elbow pain in pickleball. Pickleball Australia says thicker cores give less vibration. See our pickleball elbow guide before you change paddle for that reason.

Is there a thickness limit?

USA Pickleball and the Global Pickleball Federation set no thickness limit. UPA-A does, according to reporting on its 2025 guidelines. On the UPA-A certified list we checked on 20 October 2026, listed thicknesses ran from 12.7mm to 16mm.

Where do Ace paddles sit?

Paddle Core Thickness Price
Ace X1 Control Polymer honeycomb 11mm $98, sale $64 until 6 December 2026
Ace X1 All Court Polymer honeycomb 16mm $139, sale $90 until 6 December 2026
Ace X1 ProPower High-density polymer honeycomb 16mm $189, sale $120 until 6 December 2026
  • X1 Control: our entry level paddle. Its 11mm core gives a lively, poppy feel, and its 40.2 x 20 cm standard widebody face is the shape Pickleball Australia says has the largest sweet spot.
  • X1 All Court: our mid level all rounder, with the 16mm core most sources recommend for touch and stability.
  • X1 ProPower: our Pro level paddle. The same 16mm thickness, built with a high-density core for a firmer, more solid response.

Comparing thicknesses across brands? Our paddle comparison lists 13.5mm, 14mm, 15mm and 16mm paddles alongside ours.

Frequently asked questions

Do pros use 14mm or 16mm?

Both are legal at pro level. The UPA-A certified list, which covers PPA Tour events, includes paddles from 12.7mm to 16mm. The right thickness is a personal choice.

Is 16mm better for beginners?

Usually. Most sources describe 16mm as more forgiving, with a larger sweet spot. That suits players still finding their timing.

Does a thicker paddle last longer?

We found no source that links thickness alone to lifespan.

Can I tell the thickness by looking?

Not reliably. Check the model name or the spec on the brand's site. Many brands put the thickness in the model name.

Related guides

Sources