What is 13mm vs 16mm pickleball paddle? Many people are considering upgrading their paddles, and many models on the market include 13mm, 14mm and 16mm cores to choose from.  You probably know that 13 is “power” and 16 is “control,” but it’s hard to decide.

Choosing the thickness of the core is very important.  Even if a paddle has the same specifications, but the core thickness has changed, it will greatly affect the way it is played.  Core thickness is usually measured in millimeters.

While the idea of more control sounds great, does it really come at the expense of power?  Most people I know choose thicker rackets, but I’m curious if there’s any consensus.

So for 13mm vs 16mm pickleball paddle, which one do you prefer?

Paddles usually range from 11mm to 16mm in thickness.  The thinner the paddle, the more “pop” you’ll feel when hitting the ball.  A thicker paddle, on the other hand, absorbs more of the ball’s energy.  If you have the choice between a 13mm and a 16mm paddle, the 13mm one will give you more power, while the 16mm one will offer better control.

13mm and Below

When you’re picking out a paddle 13mm or under, it’s because you’re after some serious power.  These paddles give a solid punch when the ball connects, and since they’re thinner, they don’t soak up as much energy, making the ball rocket off faster.

They’re favored by folks looking to speed up the game, wrap up points swiftly, or if you need a bit of extra oomph.  Thinner paddles, however, might not be as forgiving as their chunkier counterparts.  They shine in singles matches where you’re relying more on aggressive shots to outplay your opponent.

In the realm of paddle thickness, 13mm and 16mm are the go-to options.  Yet, lately, we’re seeing paddles creeping in at 14mm and 15mm, aiming to strike a balance between thin and thick cores.  For some players, these are just right.  But more often than not, premium paddles come in either 13mm or 16mm variations.

Now, there are paddles as slim as 9mm and as hefty as 20mm.  Thinner ones tend to rattle more and struggle with off-center shots, while thicker ones offer the opposite experience.  But let’s be real, these extremes are usually not what we’re after.

16mm and Above

In the world of thick core paddles, 16mm reigns supreme as the standard. You might stumble upon a few paddles that surpass this mark, but they’re a rare find.

Opting for a 16mm or thicker paddle usually signals a desire for enhanced control. While thicker cores sacrifice some power, they often excel in blocks, resets, and drop shots. Moreover, the added thickness aids in soaking up the ball’s pace. Thick paddles tend to boast a more defined sweet spot, too.

When deciding between a 16mm or thinner core, it’s not about sacrificing power but rather about sacrificing pop. Power refers to the velocity you can impart on the ball with a full swing, while pop is about how much the ball bounces off the paddle’s face under its own momentum.

In simple terms, the thinner the core, the greater the pop, but the heavier the overall paddle, the more power it packs. So, assuming all other factors are equal, a 13mm core will offer more pop, while a 16mm core will deliver more power due to its higher swingweight.

Before making a choice, think about whether you play more singles or doubles. In singles, power becomes less crucial as you have less open space to aim for. In these situations, having a softer touch can be more beneficial, especially when you’re forced into neutral play. Additionally, in singles matches, precise placement matters a lot, even if your shots are slower.

For these reasons, paddles that offer more control tend to be more effective, in my opinion.

It’s also worth noting that players with tendinitis in their tennis elbow or arm are often advised to use faster paddles.

More Information

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