Why Thickness Matters: Benefits of 16mm Pickleball Paddles

Control wins points. That is why more players are gravitating toward 16mm pickleball paddles. The extra thickness changes how the ball interacts with the face, giving you accuracy on dinks, confidence on blocks, and consistency on resets. If you are chasing a steadier game that still produces spin and smart power, thickness matters. 🎯

What does 16mm actually mean?

Most composite paddles use a polymer honeycomb core. The 16mm spec refers to the thickness of that core. Compared with thinner 13mm or 14mm builds, a 16mm core adds material between the faces. This increases the paddle’s ability to absorb incoming pace and lengthens contact time with the ball. The result is a calmer, more predictable response that favors placement and feel.

Control you can feel on every touch

On soft shots, a thicker core shines. The ball spends a split second longer on the face, giving you feedback to guide drops, dinks, and resets. Incoming drives are easier to tame because the face is less “springy.” That means fewer pop-ups and more balls landing in the kitchen. For players building consistency, this is a shortcut to cleaner rally patterns and smarter shot selection.

Stability and a bigger sweet spot

Miss the center and thinner paddles can twist in your hand. A 16mm core resists that torsion, so off-center contact stays more stable. You will notice fewer mishits flying long or dying into the net. The sweet spot effectively feels larger, which is a big deal on fast exchanges at the kitchen line and when you are stretching on the run.

Softer feel, quieter sound, happier arm

Thicker cores tend to dampen vibration. That softer feel can be friendlier on wrists, elbows, and shoulders, and many players also prefer the more muted sound at contact. If you play long sessions or manage arm sensitivity, a 16mm build can reduce harsh impact without sacrificing precision. 🙌

Spin and touch, working together

Spin starts with a quality face, but thickness helps the face do its job. Because the ball lingers a touch longer on a 16mm paddle, grippy textures can “grab” better. You get reliable topspin on drives and rolls, plus confident slice on drops and serves. The pairing of a textured carbon or composite face with a 16mm core makes your shape and depth easier to repeat. 🎾

But what about power?

Yes, thicker cores can feel a bit less explosive on flat drives. The good news is that you can reclaim pop without losing control. First, swing speed still rules power, so clean mechanics go a long way. Second, paddle tuning helps. A slightly heavier overall weight or a touch of lead at 3 and 9 o’clock adds plow-through while preserving stability. Third, consider face materials and shapes that emphasize rebound if you want extra put-away speed. With the right setup, you get controlled touch on defense and confident finishing when it is time to attack. 💪

Who benefits most from 16mm?

• Control-first players who prioritize dinks, drops, and resets.
• Developing players seeking a larger margin for error and cleaner timing.
• Doubles specialists who live at the kitchen and value stability on hand battles.
• Players managing arm sensitivity who prefer a softer, quieter feel.
• Anyone in fast-paced games who wants forgiveness on off-center contact.

How to choose your 16mm paddle

• Weight and balance: Many players land between 7.8 and 8.4 oz. Head-light balances help hand speed; a bit of head weight boosts stability and power.
• Shape and swing weight: Elongated heads extend reach and add leverage. Traditional shapes feel quicker at the net. Match shape to your style.
• Face material and texture: Look for durable, high-grip surfaces if spin is a priority. Test for a clean, predictable launch angle.
• Handle length and grip: Two-handed backhands prefer a longer handle. Choose a grip size that lets your fingers wrap comfortably without squeezing.
• Feel profile: Some 16mm paddles skew plush, others more crisp. Try side-by-side if possible and trust the one that makes you swing freely.

Care tips to keep performance consistent

• Wipe the face with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and keep spin predictable.
• Avoid extreme heat, such as a closed car on hot days, which can degrade materials.
• Use edge guards or protective tape if you scrape courts or fences often.
• Periodically check for loose sounds or soft spots and address them early.

Bottom line: 16mm paddles bring calm to chaotic points. If you want more control, a steadier sweet spot, and arm-friendly comfort, this thicker core could be the upgrade your game has been waiting for.