One of the most common questions I get when players are choosing a new pickleball paddle is: should I get a 14mm or 16mm?
The common answer is usually pretty simple:
14mm = more power and speed.
16mm = more control and forgiveness.
There is some truth to that. But here is where I think things get more interesting.
Not everyone responds to a paddle the same way.
A lot of players like 16mm because the thicker core generally gives them more stability and forgiveness. For many players, that translates into better control.
For me, it works a little differently.
I don't want the paddle to give me something. I want to take from the paddle what I want.
And that is one reason I generally prefer a 14mm paddle.
What is the difference between 14mm and 16mm?
The thickness refers to the thickness of the paddle's core.
A 16mm paddle will generally feel a little softer and more stable through contact. That can make it easier for many players to control the ball, especially on resets, blocks and softer shots.
A 14mm paddle will generally feel a little more lively and responsive. It can give you more pop and a quicker feeling off the face.
But thickness is only one part of the paddle.
The shape, overall weight, balance point, swing weight, surface and construction all affect how the paddle actually feels.
That is why I don't like telling someone:
"You need a 16mm because you need more control."
Maybe you do.
Or maybe you need a different paddle altogether.
If you want to compare different shapes and thicknesses, take a look at the JOOLA pickleball paddle selection at HISPORTS. We carry a good selection of both 14mm and 16mm JOOLA paddles.
Why I prefer 14mm
For my game, I like the lighter and quicker feeling of a 14mm paddle.
I also tend to like paddles with a smaller overall circumference or profile because they can feel faster in my hand.
I don't necessarily want the paddle to make the game easier for me. I want it to respond to what I am doing.
If I want more control, I can create that through my technique, contact and paddle preparation. If I want more power, I can generate it with my swing.
I want the paddle to give me a good platform to work with, rather than trying to do the work for me.
My current paddle is the JOOLA Hyperion Pro V 14mm, with a customized grip and customized weights. That setup works for me, but I would never tell every player that they should use the same paddle.
Your game is your game.
16mm can be the better choice for many players
That doesn't mean I think 16mm paddles are worse.
Quite the opposite.
For many players, the extra stability and softer feel of a 16mm paddle can make a noticeable difference.
If you are looking for a paddle that helps you absorb pace, gives you a more stable feeling on mishits and provides a little more control during resets and dinks, 16mm can be an excellent choice.
But "more forgiving" doesn't automatically mean "better."
It means the paddle is giving you a different response.
The question is whether that response fits the way you play.
You can change how a paddle feels with weight and balance
This is something I think players don't pay enough attention to.
You can customize the weight and balance of your paddle.
For example, adding weight near the top of the paddle will move the balance point upward. The paddle can then feel more head-heavy and heavier during your swing.
Put some of that weight closer to the middle or lower part of the paddle and the same total weight can feel very different in your hand.
You can use this to change the way the paddle moves, how stable it feels and how much weight you feel at the head.
At HISPORTS, we carry HISPORTS Pickleball Lead Tape so you can experiment with customizing your paddle's weight and balance.
This is one reason I don't think you should look at a paddle's listed weight and assume you know exactly how it will feel.
Two paddles can weigh the same and feel completely different.
What about the sweet spot?
Thickness and paddle shape can both influence forgiveness and stability, but they are not the same thing.
A wider paddle shape can give you more surface area and a larger sweet spot. A more elongated paddle can give you extra reach but usually has a narrower profile.
That means a 14mm paddle with a wider shape can feel very different from a 14mm elongated paddle.
The same goes for 16mm.
For example, the JOOLA Kosmos Pro V is a hybrid shape between the Perseus and Scorpeus and is available in both 14mm and 16mm.
That gives players another option if they want to experiment with both thickness and shape.
So which should you choose?
Here is my simple answer.
Choose 14mm if you generally like:
A quicker, livelier response
More pop
A lighter-feeling paddle
Fast hands and counters
A more direct connection with the ball
Choose 16mm if you generally like:
A softer feel
More stability
More forgiveness
A controlled response
A little more help on resets and mishits
But don't make the decision based only on what someone tells you.
Try them.
If you want to compare different brands, shapes and constructions, you can browse all pickleball paddles at HISPORTS.
If you're looking for a less expensive option, take a look at our HISPORTS Paddle Clearance. You can often find previous-generation paddles and great deals from brands like JOOLA, Selkirk, HEAD, Wilson and others.
Still not sure? The HISPORTS Demo Program is a great way to try a paddle before making your decision.
And if you want help figuring out what paddle actually fits your game, you can also book Lessons with Coach Alex.
Final thought from Coach Alex
There is no magic thickness.
14mm isn't better than 16mm.
16mm isn't better than 14mm.
They simply give you different characteristics to work with.
For me, I prefer a 14mm because I like the quicker, lighter feeling and I want to create the control and power I need myself.
But the best paddle is the one that gives you the response you want.
Don't let the paddle play the game for you.
Find the paddle that lets you play yours.