Does A Thicker Pickleball Paddle Provide An Advantage?

If are an aggressive player that likes to attack the ball, then you’ll like thinner polymer core paddles. If you prefer control over power, then you’ll like thicker 16mm polymer core paddles. If you want something in the middle, then you’ll like polymer core paddles at or around 14 mm thick.

Is 13mm or 16mm pickleball paddle better?

The difference in thickness (16 mm vs 13 mm) made a big difference in how the paddles played. The 16 mm was softer, easier to control and stable. The 13 mm was more powerful, had a harder feeling and was less stable.

Is there really a difference in pickleball paddles?

Fiberglass, graphite, carbon fiber—pickleball paddles are made with different materials that perform a bit differently in the midst of play. Beginner-to-intermediate paddles are usually made with fiberglass, while intermediate-to-advanced paddles are made with carbon fiber and graphite.

Why are pickleball paddles thicker?

The thicker a paddle, the more it will absorb the ball’s energy. If a paddle comes in 13mm and 16mm thicknesses, 13mm will be the “power” and 16mm will be “control”. Some brands like Gearbox, Prokennex, and Diadem only have one thickness per paddle.

What pickleball paddle do most pros use?

Thirteen pros are playing with Joola, while 11 are playing with Selkirk and 10 are playing with Paddletek. This is particularly interesting for Joola, who is a brand that just made its way into pickleball this year in early 2022. The pro players have clearly taken to the Joola paddles.

Do expensive pickleball paddles make a difference?

Typically, the cheapest paddles are wooden, and the most expensive are graphite. The effect and experience of overall performance are affected. If your budget allows for it, try to avoid purchasing a wooden pickleball paddle as they are clumsy and offer less benefit than the graphite and composite types.

Which pickleball paddle has the biggest sweet spot?

The S2 was the brainchild of US Open Silver Medalist, Tony Tollenaar. With a shorter handle than the Epic, the S2 has a larger surface area on the face of the paddle. In fact, the S2 has the largest sweet spot in the Pickleball industry!

Is it better to have a lighter or heavier pickleball paddle?

A lighter paddle gives you more control but less drive. Conversely, a heavier paddle gives you less control but more power and drive. Perhaps most importantly, a heavier paddle can cause elbow strain and fatigue in your arm. You may want to start with a paddle that is not too heavy until you build up more strength.

What is the best pickleball paddle for power and spin?

Diadem Warrior Edge Pickleball Paddle. Babolat MNSTR Power Pickleball Paddle. ProKennex Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle. Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle. ProLite Rebel Powerspin 2.0 Pickleball Paddle. Gearbox CX Pickleball Paddles.

Is carbon fiber or graphite better for pickleball?

Carbon fiber is incredibly stiff. And this stiffness makes carbon fiber the ultimate material for the facings of pickleball paddles because it gives you incredible control over where your ball goes.