While the faces, cores, and overall weight of pickleball paddles get a lot of attention, one often overlooked factor is paddle thickness. That deceptively small measurement can actually have a major impact on power, control, and overall feel.

Most pickleball paddles fall into one of three primary thickness categories:

Thin Paddles (6-8mm) The thinner end of the spectrum, these lightweight paddles maximize maneuverability and speed at the net. The reduced swing weight makes it easier to whip the paddle for quick dinks, resets, and reactive volleys.

The trade-off is that thin paddles don’t Transfer as much energy from the strings through to the ball. You’ll sacrifice some power, especially on serves and groundstrokes from the baseline requiring more muscle.

Thick Paddles (16-18mm)
Towards the chunkier side are thick, heavy paddles preferred by those seeking maximum power. With more mass concentrated behind the ball, these can give your shots that extra punch and pop.

However, the increased weight makes rapid paddle movements and wrist snaps more difficult. Control around the net requires more effort, though power at the non-volley line is enhanced.

Standard/Mid-Plus (10-14mm) As the name implies, these paddles in the middle provide a blend of the power and precision attributes of thin and thick options. Players looking for an all-around balanced experience often prefer this moderate thickness.

While not specialized for any particular strength, the medium weight offers a versatile combination of usable power and maneuverability across all pickleball situations.

In addition to sheer thickness, another factor is how that measurement is distributed. For instance, some paddles gradually taper or have varying thickness from the center towards the edges. This can enable different weight distributions and swing characteristics.

Ultimately, paddle thickness determines the weight players have to push through the ball along with the overall heft and inertia of each swing. It’s one of the key inputs that shapes the paddle’s overall power/control profile and general feel. For serious players, finding the right thickness tailored to your style of play can maximize your effectiveness on the court.