A Guide to Pickleball Paddle Thickness

Many pickleball players overlook a key component of a good paddle, the thickness. The thickness or thinness of a paddle can drastically affect how much control and power you have on your shot. This is one of the main things to be aware of when buying a new paddle. Don’t end up hating your new paddle simply because it does not suit your play style. To combat this problem, we have put together a quick guide to what to look for when deciding on your pickleball paddle thickness.

Thin Pickleball Paddles

The biggest selling point of thin paddles is that they give you extra power on your shot. The thinner your paddle gets the more power you will have on your shot. This also means it is harder to control. This could be good for players who are wanting to charge the NVZ and strike quickly on their opponents.

The reason thin paddles give you more power is because they have a thinner core that absorbs less of the contact of the ball. Therefore, the energy bounces quickly (and powerfully) off the paddle. 

Another important point to mention is that thin paddles are typically lighter due to there being less weight in the core of the paddle. This can be very beneficial to players who enjoy a light paddle that can free up their swinging motion.

I personally don’t play with this thin of a paddle because I feel like it makes my game more inconsistent. I enjoy feeling the control of a thicker paddle even if I sacrifice some power.

Size: The thinnest paddles you will see are typically 10mm or 12mm. 

Pros:

• More power
• Control in your wrist
• Lighter

Cons:

• Less control

What is the best thin pickleball paddle?

If you are interested in buying a good thin paddle, this is the one we recommend after reviewing hundreds of paddles. This paddle is very lightweight, provides excellent spin, and is easier to control than most other thin paddles.

Engage Pickleball Omega Evolution Elite

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Thick Pickleball Paddles

A 16mm thickness paddle is good for softness and control. It is also more forgiving because it feels to give a larger sweet spot to hit the ball compared to less thick paddles. This is the most popular thickness for most intermediate level players.

If your game is more focused on dinking back and forth over the net and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Then perhaps the 16mm is a good thickness for you. This is the size we recommend for most pickleball players.

An important point to mention is that you can still have plenty of power with this thick of a paddle. You just must put a heavier swing into the ball than with a thinner paddle. However, this can be a good thing for many people. If you struggle with hitting the bar too far out of bounds often, maybe this is a sign that you should buy a thicker paddle to regain some of that control.

Right now many paddles are popping up that are in the 14mm range that are trying to bridge the gap between thin and thick paddles. If you think this thickness suits your game, then we recommend checking out this paddle. 

Size: 15mm or 16mm

Pros

• More control
• Bigger “sweet spot”
• Most popular

Cons

• Less power
• Heavier

What is the best thick pickleball paddle?

If you are interested in buying a good thick paddle to increase your control, this is the one we recommend after reviewing hundreds of thick paddles. While this paddle is a little pricey, it is worth every penny. If you are looking to up your game then this is the best paddle you can buy on the market right now. It is used by the goat of pickleball himself, Ben Johns. 

OOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Swift

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The best budget-friendly thick paddle 

This paddle is one of the best values you can get on the market right now. Even though the paddle is currently going for $50, I feel as if this could easily be a hundred dollar paddle. A must buy if you are looking to upgrade your game on a budget.

VINSGUIR Pickleball Paddle

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Extra Thick Pickleball Paddles

If you want to go to the extreme end of the thickest paddles on the market then you will find paddles with a thickness of around 19 or 20mm. This will make your paddle feel like a pillow. It will absorb much of the energy from the ball, which will slow down your shot, but it will also provide a larger “sweet spot”.

These will definitely be heavier paddles than a regular 16mm thickness, so they are not recommended for most players. However, if you think a thicker paddle will suit your game well, then it is definitely worth trying out. Some players absolutely love a very thick paddle.

What is the best extra thick pickleball paddle?

If you are interested in buying an extra thick paddle, then here is what we recommend. Diadem is an emerging brand on the scene of pickleball that is making some very nice paddles right now. This paddle has a thickness of 19mm so it is perfect if you want to test out a thicker paddle.

Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle

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FAQ

Which thickness are most beginner paddles?

Typically, cheap beginner paddles are thin paddles because these are cheaper to manufacture. This is why it is such a jarring, fun surprise when a beginner upgrades to a thicker control paddle. The difference it can have on your game is quite drastic.

Which thickness do the pros use?

Pros will typically use a paddle thickness between 13mm and 16mm. I would argue that the majority of them use the 16mm thickness, but this is always changing depending on trends and the latest paddles being released. For example, the best pickleball player in the world, Ben Johns, uses a 16mm Joola Perseus.

Is it hard to adjust to a new thickness?

No! While it may take a few hours of game play to fully adjust to the style of your new paddle. Overall, this should not be a worry of yours. With a thicker paddle, you will have to adjust hitting the paddle with more force. With a thinner paddle, you will have to adjust the feel to get back the touch you had with a thicker paddle. With a new thin paddle, you will also have to adjust your aim as typically a thin paddle will hit shots higher than you may be used to.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your choice of pickleball paddle thickness should align with your playing style and preferences. Whether you prioritize power, control, or a balance of both, there’s a paddle out there that can help elevate your pickleball game. So, take your time, try different options, and find the thickness that suits your game best. Happy pickleball playing!