13mm vs 16mm Pickleball Paddle: Noobs Guide to Core Thickness
What core thickness means on a pickleball paddle, 13mm vs 16mm in plain English, and which suits a new player.
The short answer
The core is the layer inside the paddle, and the number is how thick it is in millimetres. A 16mm core (the thicker kind) feels softer and gives more control. A 13mm core (thinner) feels poppier and gives more power. Most new players do better with 16mm.
What is a core?
Inside the paddle is a honeycomb layer, usually made of polypropylene (a tough plastic). When the ball hits, the honeycomb squishes and springs back. Thickness changes how much it squishes.
What is the difference?
| Core | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 13mm | Thinner, poppier, quicker | Players who want power |
| 14mm to 16mm | Softer, more forgiving | Control and soft shots |
A thicker core takes more of the ball's energy, which softens the return. A thinner core sends more of it back.
Which is better for a beginner?
Thicker, most of the time. The soft game (dinks and drops, the gentle shots near the net) is easier when the ball does not jump off your paddle. Players at higher levels who attack more often tend to like thinner cores.
Are there other thicknesses?
Yes. Some paddles are 11mm (more power) and some are 19mm (maximum control). Most sit between 13mm and 16mm.
Is core thickness the whole story?
No. The face material and how the paddle is built also change the feel. A 16mm paddle can still play with plenty of pop. Treat thickness as a starting hint, not a rule.
Can I feel the difference as a new player?
Probably, but not dramatically. Swap between a thin and a thick paddle at open play and the thicker one will feel softer on dinks. The thinner one will feel livelier on drives. If you can, borrow both before you commit.
What if I have a sore arm?
A thicker core absorbs more vibration, which many players find easier on the arm. It is not a medical fix. If pain keeps coming back, see a professional.
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Find My PaddleSources
- pickleballcentral.com/blog/explained-core-thicknesses (opens in a new tab)
- bounce.game/blog/13mm-vs-16mm-pickleball-paddle (opens in a new tab)
- thepickleballplayer.com/13-mm-vs-16-mm-pickleball-paddle (opens in a new tab)
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