What Thickness Pickleball Paddle Do Most Pros Use?
In the professional pickleball circuit, the choice of paddle thickness is a strategic decision based on a player's style. However, if you look at the broad spectrum of the PPA and APP tours, the majority of pros currently use a 16mm paddle, though there is a rapidly growing shift toward 14mm.
Here is a breakdown of why pros choose specific thicknesses and which one might fit your "Competition Pickleball Paddle" needs.
1. The 16mm Paddle: The "Control" Standard
For years, the 16mm thickness has been the benchmark for professional play.
Why Pros Use It: The thicker core absorbs more energy from the ball. This provides a "plush" feel, making it much easier to perform resets, drops, and dinks—the foundational shots of high-level pickleball.
The Advantage: It has a larger, more forgiving sweet spot and higher "Twist Weight" (stability). When a pro is under fire at the kitchen line, a 16mm paddle is less likely to twist in their hand.
Notable Pros: Ben Johns (JOOLA Perseus 16mm), Catherine Parenteau (Selkirk Vanguard Control).
2. The 14mm Paddle: The "Power & Speed" Surge
With the advent of Thermoforming technology (which adds stability to thinner paddles), many aggressive pros are moving to 14mm.
Why Pros Use It: A 14mm paddle is more aerodynamic and has more "pop." In the modern pro game, where hand speed during "firefights" at the net is everything, the slight reduction in weight and air resistance is a massive advantage.
The Advantage: It allows for faster "hand speed" and more explosive drives. It is especially popular among singles players and aggressive "left-side" doubles players who want to end points quickly.
Notable Pros: Anna Leigh Waters (JOOLA Scorpeus 14mm), Tyson McGuffin (Selkirk Power Air).
Comparison at a Glance
Feature | 16mm (Thick) | 14mm (Thin) |
Primary Attribute | Control / Touch | Power / Hand Speed |
Sweet Spot | Large & Forgiving | Concentrated |
Vibration | Low (Better for elbows) | Higher Feedback |
Ball "Pop" | Absorbed (Duller) | Explosive (Sharper) |
Swing Speed | Slightly Slower | Faster / More Aero |
Which should you choose for a "Competition" setup?
If you are sourcing a Competition Pickleball Paddle for B2B distribution or personal high-level play, here is the rule of thumb:
Go with 16mm if: Your target audience values a "soft game." Most defensive players and those who play a traditional "dink-and-wait" strategy prefer the 16mm for its consistency.
Go with 14mm if: Your target audience is younger, more aggressive, or plays a lot of singles. The 14mm 18K Carbon Fiber setup is currently the "hot" item for players who want to overwhelm opponents with pace.
The Pro Trend: We are currently seeing a "Hybrid" trend where manufacturers create 14mm paddles with foam-injected edges. This provides the hand speed of a 14mm paddle with the stability and sweet spot of a 16mm, making it the "best of both worlds" for the 2026 season.
