Truth About Thickness

Selecting the right core thickness is crucial. Even with identical paddle specifications, a change in core thickness can significantly affect performance. Core thickness is usually measured in millimeters (mm). 



16mm and above
A 16mm core thickness is considered the standard for thick core paddles. While a few paddles exceed 16mm, they are relatively uncommon. Choosing a paddle with a 16mm or thicker core basically gives better control, sacrificing some power in exchange for enhanced blocking, resetting, and drop shots. The extra Thickness also helps absorb the ball's speed, and thicker paddles often have a more defined sweet spot. 

13mm and below
Opting for a paddle with a 13mm or thinner core is ideal for players seeking more power. These paddles feel stiffer upon impact and absorb less energy, allowing the ball to rebound faster. They're typically favored by players who enjoy a faster game, aim to finish points quickly, or need help generating power. However, thinner paddles tend to be less forgiving than thicker ones. They are especially well suited for single play, where more driving shots are used to outmaneuver opponents. 

What should you choose? 
Choosing the right core thickness ultimately comes down to personal preference. For new players, recommended to start with thicker paddle as control is often challenging for beginner to intermediate players, and a thicker paddle can make it easier to master those softer shots. If you find that your thick paddle feels too soft and you would like more power, try adding some lead tape that can help to boost the paddle's power.