Pickleball players often hear that “thicker paddles offer more control,” but what does that actually mean? With modern paddles now available in 14 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, and even 20 mm thickness options, players are asking a simple question: Does thickness really matter—and which one should I choose?

This guide breaks down how thickness affects touch, control, power, forgiveness, and overall feel.

What Paddle Thickness Really Changes

Paddle thickness primarily influences three things:

1. Sweet Spot Size & Forgiveness

A thicker core provides more stability across the paddle face.

• More consistent feel
• Better results on off-center hits
• Reduced vibration and shock

This is why many beginners and intermediate players prefer thick paddles.

2. Dwell Time (Contact Time)

Thicker paddles slightly increase how long the ball stays on the face.
More contact time = more control over:

• Touch/drop shots
• Dinks
• Resets
• Soft blocks

A thinner paddle releases the ball faster → more pop, less control.

3. Power vs Control Balance

Thinner cores (13–14 mm) typically offer:

• More pop
• More raw power

Thicker cores (16–20 mm) generally offer:

• More stability
• More control
• Less “trampoline” effect

14mm vs 16mm vs 20mm: What’s the Real Difference?

🔹 14mm Paddles — Power & Quick Offense

Best for: aggressive players, former tennis athletes, power hitters.

Performance Profile

• Excellent ball pop
• Fast hands at the kitchen
• More power on drives & counters
• Smaller sweet spot
• Less stability on mishits

Who should choose 14mm:

Players who want speed and punch and don’t mind a slightly smaller sweet spot.

🔹 16mm Paddles — The Modern “Balanced” Standard

Best for: most players from beginner to advanced.

Performance Profile

• Large sweet spot
• Ideal control for dinks and resets
• Solid stability
• Enough power without sacrificing touch

16mm has become the industry’s most popular thickness because it offers the best all-around performance.

🔹 20mm Paddles — Maximum Control & Stability

Best for: soft-game specialists, reset-focused players, control-first competitors.

Performance Profile

• Huge sweet spot with very stable response
• Minimal vibration, arm-friendly
• Outstanding in resets, dinks, blocks
• Less pop on drives
• Slightly heavier feel

20mm paddles benefit players who value precision over power.

How Thickness Affects Different Playing Styles

If you’re a power player:

• Choose 14mm or 14–15mm hybrid
  You get faster ball release and more punch on counters.

If you’re a control-first, patient player:

• Choose 16mm or 18–20mm
  You’ll get the stability and feel you need for resets and dinking battles.

If you’re still developing consistency:

• Choose 16mm
  You get a large sweet spot without losing too much pop.

What About Thermoformed Paddles?

Thickness interacts with construction.

• Thermoformed paddles (like Joysent Phantom Eye, Solunaris, Razor)
  → naturally produce more pop, even at 16mm.
• Non-thermoformed paddles (Arcus S1, Horizon S1)
  → softer feel, less pop, more control.

So a 16mm thermoformed paddle may feel as powerful as a 14mm traditional paddle.

Which Thickness Should You Choose? (Simple Guide)

Final Thoughts

Yes—thicker paddles generally offer more control, but the right choice depends on your playing style.

• 14mm → power & speed
• 16mm → balance & consistency
• 20mm → touch & control

With paddle technology evolving fast (raw carbon, thermoforming, foam perimeter, Gen-4 cores), thickness is just one part of the formula—but an important one that shapes how a paddle feels in your hand.