13mm vs. 16mm Pickleball Paddle: Which Should You Choose? - The Pickleball Passion (2024)

So, you’ve been getting into pickleball for a while now and are thinking about upping your game by upgrading your paddle. The issue is you’re confused between the 13mm and 16mm paddles.

It’s only understandable, as the thickness of your pickleball paddle can significantly influence your game. And you’re probably looking for quality paddles to match your playing style.

Well, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also looked at14mm vs 16mm pickleball paddlesin a separate article.

In this post, we’re reviewing 13mm vs. 16mm pickleball paddles. We’re looking at their pros and cons, including some tips when choosing a pickleball paddle suited for your physique.

Overview of Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball has been picking up a lot of attention in these recent years. Since its conception in 1965, the sport has now grown to become one of America’s most popular racket sports.

The sport’s equipment, the pickleball paddle, is made from composite materials like graphite, carbon glass, and fiber. They appear like ping pong paddles but are typically wider and thicker.

Arlen Paranto, an industrial engineer, is the man behind the prototype of the pickleball paddle. He made the first model from fiberglass and Nomex honeycomb panels.

Presently, we now have pickleball paddles of varying shapes and sizes. Standard paddles measure 16 inches long and 8 inches wide, with thicknesses ranging from 11mm to 16mm.

13mm vs. 16mm Pickleball Paddle

So, what’s the difference between a 13mm and 16mm pickleball paddle? Are lighter paddles better than heavy paddles?

The 3mm thickness difference can look inconsequential to non-players and newbies. But for serious pickleball players, the heavier weight can influence how well they play.

Should You Choose a 13mm Pickleball Paddle?

A 13mm pickleball paddle is a lightweight piece of equipment. It’s an excellent pick for players looking for a pickleball paddle to make powerful shots and fast plays.

Benefits of 13mm Pickleball Paddles

Power is one of the most prominent qualities of thinner paddles. So if your playing style involves powerful shots to keep your opponents on their toes, a 13mm is the best pickleball paddle choice.

The thinner core bounced off balls faster than thicker paddles as well. Unlike a 16mm, using a 13mm won’t cause the ball to sink onto the paddle, which will lessen the impact and reaction.

Simply put, you’ll generate more power with less effort by using a 13mm pickleball paddle. And people with smaller physiques can appreciate the extra power.

13mm cores will feel denser in hand, providing a better feel of where you’re hitting the ball. And the lighter weight means you can swing them effortlessly.

The high spin rate of 13mm paddles is another welcome advantage. If you’re a player who enjoys using spin techniques on the court, these thinner paddles can execute the job well.

Disadvantages of 13mm Pickleball Paddles

We also looked at the potential cons of using 13mm pickleball paddles. And we found several hitches you may want to consider before purchasing.

One particular issue we noticed with 13mm paddles is the smaller sweet spot. Compared to thicker paddles, 13mm cores usually have more dead spots around their edges.

The more dead spots, the less forgiving the pickleball paddle becomes. So you’re more prone to getting mish*ts on your drives with these paddles.

Getting around this hitch may not be a problem if you’re an advanced player. For intermediate players, however, dead spots can become an issue that can take away from the fun.

Another thing to consider is the vibration of thinner pickleball paddle cores. They don’t absorb energy as well as 16mms, which creates more shock with every swing at the ball.

Should You Choose a 16mm Pickleball Paddle?

16mm is the standard thickness of pickleball paddle cores. They generate less power than their 13mm counterparts, but they provide better ball control for the ball.

Benefits of 16mm Pickleball Paddles

The thicker core of a 16mm pickleball paddle delivers better ball control. So, if you’re a player who prefers to bank on your ball handle than power shots, a 16mm pickleball paddle should do the trick.

Unlike 13mms, 16mm cores will absorb energy better. It means the ball won’t bounce off as quickly and will generate less vibration on the hand.

The consistency of the paddle’s sweet spot is one thing you can enjoy with 16mm cores. You’re less prone to making mish*ts no matter which part of the paddle face the ball hits.

Thicker cores are generally more forgiving. So you won’t worry as much about hitting the sweet spot each time you swing the paddle.

This quality makes 16mm a great pickleball paddle if you want to improve your defensive shots on the court. Blocking opponent drives won’t require as much effort, offering outstanding pacing.

A 16mm pickleball paddle won’t skimp with its spin rate and is even better than 13mm. Drives using this paddle create additional spin, perfect for dipping attacks.

Disadvantages of 16mm Pickleball Paddles

16mm paddles strike the ideal balance between strength and ball command. Still, there are a few hitches to know before placing that order.

One obvious compromise when using 16mm is the lesser firepower than the thinner 13mm. Though it’s not something you won’t be able to compensate for.

The extra weight is another pain point you should be aware of. 13mm paddles will come around 7.9 to 8.3 ounces, while 16mm cores will weigh roughly 8.1 to 8.5 ounces.

Heavy paddles are for players with powerful physiques that won’t need the extra power. Otherwise, the heavier weight of a 16mm pickleball paddle can take a little getting used to.

Important Points to Remember

Here’s a quick recap of the points you should remember when choosing between 13mm and 16mm pickleball paddles.

• A 13mm core creates extra power and faster drives but reduces ball control.
• A 16 mm pickleball paddle provides excellent ball control but lesser strength.
• A 13mm is slightly lighter weight than a 16 mm paddle.
• A 16mm pickleball paddle delivers more consistent sweet spots than a 13mm.
• The price of lightweight paddles is lower compared to the price of thicker paddles.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Your Paddle?

It’s essential to get the know-how of choosing pickleball paddles if you’re new to the sport. So here are some considerations you should remember when picking your favorite sports device.

Core Material

Pickleball paddles come in four common core materials: aluminum, Nomex, carbon fiber, and polypropylene. And all of these materials offer different benefits on the court.

Nomex, for instance, is a durable material used for the first pickleball paddles. These paddles are powerful, if not loud, and slightly lacking on the “feel” side.

Most pickleball paddle brands use polypropylene. Players often prefer composite paddles for their outstanding performance—providing a balance of power and ball control.

The most expensive pickleball paddles on the market typically use graphite, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. So if you want to save some bucks, we suggest looking for a wooden paddle.

Handle Length

The handle length of a pickleball paddle can vary from model to model. And the paddle length often affects the balance and overall feel while on your hand.

So when picking up a pickleball paddle, ensure that the handle can fit snugly on your hand size. Still, it all comes down to your preference and playing style.

You’ll want longer handles if you prefer playing with a two-handed backhand. They’re generally easier to use for powerful drives and generate spins.

Handle Thickness

Length and size come in pairs when dealing with pickleball paddle handles. Picking the right handle size is vital as you’ll be holding the pickleball paddle for long periods.

Here’s a quick guide to measuring your grip size:

1. Hold out your hand open with your fingers placed together.
2. Locate the lateral crease below the middle area of your palm.
3. Get a ruler and measure from the lateral crease up to the tip of your ring finger.
4. Measure your grip size in inches wide and jot it down to match your paddle handle.

Pickleball Paddle Shape

Pickleball paddles come in two different shapes: traditional and elongated shape. Standard models are typically broader and shorter, while elongated models are slightly thinner but longer.

Like handle length, paddle shape can influence its comfortability. An elongated shape often displaces the center of gravity on the tip or bottom of the paddle.

A standard-shaped pickleball paddle will have its extra weight distributed around the circumference. It has a more consistent sweet spot than elongated paddles, which are more suited to advanced players.

Paddle Surfaces

Pickleball paddle grit is worth mentioning if you like spin attacks in your plays. And the aspect of the equipment that determines the grit level is your paddle surfaces.

You can find two types of grit material for pickleball paddles. One is a spray-on, which requires manual application, while the other is built-in with the pickleball paddle surfaces.

Final Word

Thickness can affect a paddle’s performance on the court. So choosing the right paddle thickness is crucial for smoother gameplay.

Picking between lighter paddles and heavier paddles can depend on your equipment preferences. Think about power, control, core material, comfortability, and price.

High-quality paddles to match your playing style can take time to find. So, it’s still best to try each for yourself for a more informed decision.