14mm vs 16mm Pickleball Paddles: What’s the Real Difference in Control?
A Game of Millimeters
In the world of pickleball, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. For players at every level—from backyard beginners to tournament veterans—the paddle is an extension of the body. Yet a quietly growing debate among gear enthusiasts is catching attention: should you play with a 14mm or a 16mm paddle?
Though just two millimeters apart, these two paddle types offer dramatically different experiences in terms of feel, control, and power. As the sport continues to explode across parks, gyms, and country clubs, understanding this seemingly minor distinction could be the edge players are seeking.
The Numbers Behind the Paddle
The “14mm” and “16mm” designations refer to the thickness of the paddle’s core. This core—usually made from polymer honeycomb material—sits between two surface layers of graphite, carbon fiber, or fiberglass.
14mm paddles are thinner, offering a firmer feel and more direct energy transfer.
16mm paddles are thicker, giving players a softer touch and better control.
At first glance, the difference may seem negligible. But to a seasoned player—or anyone looking to level up—the nuance is immediately noticeable.
What Control Really Means in Pickleball
Control in pickleball is not just about keeping the ball in play. It’s about placing the ball where you want, with the pace you intend, and the spin you choose—especially during delicate moments like dinks, drops, and resets.
A 16mm paddle, with its thicker core, absorbs more of the ball’s energy on contact. This gives players more time to react and better ability to “soften” shots during kitchen exchanges.
A 14mm paddle offers quicker rebound, which can benefit power drives and aggressive volleys—but it can make soft shots harder to execute consistently.
“Players who value finesse and control in the soft game often gravitate toward the 16mm,” says Jonny Pickens, a certified USA Pickleball instructor based in Austin, Texas. “It gives you more cushion, more forgiveness, and frankly, more confidence at the net.”
Who Prefers What—And Why
The divide between 14mm and 16mm users often lines up with playing style.
Power-Oriented Players
If you prefer to play aggressively—driving shots, taking speed-ups at the kitchen line, and attacking with topspin—14mm paddles give you that punch. The thinner core transfers energy more efficiently, translating to harder hits with less effort.
“14mm feels snappier,” says Alex Grant, a competitive player on the amateur circuit. “I like the instant feedback I get. It rewards fast hands.”
Control-Focused Players
If your game leans more toward resets, strategic lobs, and placement over power, 16mm paddles typically provide a more controlled feel. They soften ball impact, reduce pop-ups, and improve consistency in slower rallies.
“You can think of it like a suspension system,” says Grant. “The 16mm absorbs shock—great when you’re trying to slow things down and reset a rally.”
The Middle Ground: It’s Not Always Either/Or
While many brands offer only these two categories, some now design hybrid cores—15mm paddles or those with engineered layering to provide a “best of both worlds” experience. Others manipulate paddle face textures and weight distributions to compensate for core thickness.
Still, for most players choosing between 14mm and 16mm, the decision rests on feel—and feel is personal.
Testing the Difference: What You’ll Notice
When players switch between a 14mm and a 16mm paddle, they often report:
14mm: more feedback, louder contact sound, faster deflection, easier speed-ups—but less forgiveness on mishits.
16mm: quieter feel, better dwell time (how long the ball stays on the paddle), more control over direction—but less raw power unless paired with good technique.
A Question of Skill Level?
One misconception is that beginners should use 16mm and advanced players should use 14mm. In truth, it’s more nuanced. While many new players do find 16mm paddles easier to control at first, some beginners with strong tennis or racquetball backgrounds prefer the punch of 14mm paddles.
Ultimately, paddle choice isn’t about your rating—it’s about your style.
What the Pros Use
Many pro-level players use 16mm paddles. Catherine Parenteau, a former tennis standout and one of the top female pickleball pros, uses a Selkirk paddle with a 16mm core for its consistency at the net. However, top male players like Tyson McGuffin have leaned toward 14mm designs in the past for extra power.
“It’s really about what complements your technique,” said Sarah Cross, a paddle design consultant for a major pickleball brand. “A paddle doesn’t make you better—but the right paddle helps your best game show up more often.”
Things to Consider Before Buying
When deciding between 14mm and 16mm, consider:
Your preferred style: Are you more of a banger or a dinker?
Your touch game: Do you struggle with resets and soft shots?
Your physicality: Do you generate enough power naturally?
Your paddle weight: A heavier paddle can add power to a 16mm; a lighter 14mm may feel too “hot” without control.
Demo programs from leading brands like Selkirk, Engage, and Joola can help you test both versions before committing.
Final Thoughts: Thickness Isn’t Just Technical—It’s Tactical
The difference between 14mm and 16mm paddles is more than just a technical spec—it’s a tactical choice that shapes how you engage with the game. Whether you're carving out your first dinks or dialing in third-shot drops at the 4.5 level, knowing how your paddle behaves on contact can unlock new dimensions in your play.
In the ever-evolving world of pickleball, where strategies deepen and styles diversify, one thing remains constant: your paddle should be an extension of your instincts. And sometimes, those instincts come down to just two millimeters.
14mm: more feedback, louder contact sound, faster deflection, easier speed-ups—but less forgiveness on mishits.
16mm: quieter feel, better dwell time (how long the ball stays on the paddle), more control over direction—but less raw power unless paired with good technique.
A Question of Skill Level?
One misconception is that beginners should use 16mm and advanced players should use 14mm. In truth, it’s more nuanced. While many new players do find 16mm paddles easier to control at first, some beginners with strong tennis or racquetball backgrounds prefer the punch of 14mm paddles.
Ultimately, paddle choice isn’t about your rating—it’s about your style.
What the Pros Use
Many pro-level players use 16mm paddles. Catherine Parenteau, a former tennis standout and one of the top female pickleball pros, uses a Selkirk paddle with a 16mm core for its consistency at the net. However, top male players like Tyson McGuffin have leaned toward 14mm designs in the past for extra power.
“It’s really about what complements your technique,” said Sarah Cross, a paddle design consultant for a major pickleball brand. “A paddle doesn’t make you better—but the right paddle helps your best game show up more often.”