Pickleball paddle thickness & dimensions. Which one is the best?
Pickleball paddle thickness and sizes come with a few differences due to different manufacturers. This difference in their measurements can affect the playing experience of regular players. With this guide, we will help you to choose the best paddle that will suit you according to your preferred specifications.
The difference is not only in their size but also in the materials that are used to make them, the size of the grip, and their weight as well. So, we will discuss all of the points & differences and also the standard size set by the USAPA for tournaments and competitive games for better understanding.
Standard pickleball paddle thickness.
There is no restriction on the thickness of the paddle by the officials but the standard thickness of the paddles players used to play is between 13mm to 16mm. This can be minimized up to 10mm or maximized to 18mm depending on availability and if someone can source from somewhere.
What could be changed by changing the thickness? the speed and power of the paddle. More thickness means low power and less speed but it can benefit in other things like a thicker paddle can absorb the energy applied by the ball and help to hit it back easily. For example, it can help you to block shots, reset (dropping ball into NVZ), or drop shots.
Preferred pickleball paddle thickness.
As you already know paddles come in various thicknesses so it’s better to choose the standard thickness like 14mm or 15mm. The reason behind choosing them, they are not too light or too heavy to swing. With light paddles, you will need a firm grip to absorb the ball’s energy and with too heavier paddles you will have to use extra power to tackle the shot as the ball often comes in speed.
13mm vs 16mm pickleball paddle.
The pickleball paddle thickness varies but more commonly comes between 13-16mm. The thinner paddles give more control to players while the thick paddles are used by the player who wants to play a strategic game. let’s discuss both of these individually.
16mm and above paddles specifications.
If a pickleball paddle thickness is 16mm it is counted as a standard paddle. These paddles are used by players who want to play the game strategically like like paddle helps to ease resets, dinks, and drop shots. Because of their thicker core, they help to absorb most of the energy of the ball coming towards a player.
The moving momentum of the paddle holds enough energy to bounce back the ball to the opposite court.
13mm thick paddles.
These are often used by the intermediate players and the best option is to use heavy and thin paddles for power and control. These paddles offer less flexibility because of the density of the material and help to hit the ball with more power. Due to less thickness, they do not absorb energy as much as above mentioned one so players have to make a tight grip on the paddle’s handle.
These types of paddles are used by the more active and fast players who have a flexible physique and like to play fast, and score as fast as possible. These types of paddles are considered best for playing singles matches, it helps to change the direction of the ball very easily.
Pickleball paddle dimensions.
The difference is not only in the thickness but also in the sizes/measurements. Pickleball paddles size comes in three different categories and measures in length and width. The length is measured from the top of the paddle to the bottom of the handle and the width is measured from one side of the face of the paddle to the other side.
The categories are named as standard, hybrid, and elongated and have little difference in their lenght. These pickleball paddle types play’s different role when using them in match and have benifits as well as drawbacks.
Standard pickleball paddle size.
The standard size of a pickleball paddle is (16″ or 15.75″ × 8″). The length is almost almost double as compare to the width of paddle. This could be best for the players at beginner level due to various reasons (will be discusd afterwords).
Many companies with good reputations make these paddles in standard sizes like Selkirk or Onix. The sizes are mentioned in inches by almost every company so if you want to know the size in millimeters multiply the mentioned size with 25.4.
Elongated pickleball paddles.
The average size of an elongated pickleball paddle is (16.5″ × 7.5″). This has a little more length as compared to standard and hybrid paddles but is a little wider than both as well. This little difference may not make much difference but experienced players can use it for different purposes like extra reach.
along with pickleball paddle thickness, the size can also affect a game so be wise to choose the best that suits you.
Hybrid pickleball paddle size.
This is also suitable for new players as well as for regular players. The reason behind this is, this paddle carries the middle size. It is (16.25″ × 7.5-7.75″) so you get both some extra length and also almost maximum width.
Now let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of each to make it easy for you to understand the difference in pickleball paddles and choose the best for you.
Benefits of each type of paddle.
All these paddles are different in use if one is good at something the will will be better in any other aspect. There are four main things connected to the construction and shape of the paddle that need to be considered and check on which one you can compromise to add other extra features.
| Quality | Elongated | Standard | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spin | Recommended for extra spin. | Low spin | Medium spin |
| Power | Helpful to play powerful shots. | Not much betterfor playing fast shots. | Medium power |
| Defence | Less wide so shots could be missed | Helpful for defense because of the wide face. | Medium defence |
| Reach | Good because of extra length | Shorter in length from both others. | Standing in the middle. |
On the basis of the above-mentioned table, it’s better to choose the hybrid option. You might not find the paddles with these same names so it’s better to see the sizes when finding one for yourself instead of names or types.
Uncommon pickleball paddle types.
Some types unlike (above mentioned types) are not commonly available in shops or online and are also not used by the players. Try to avoid these types to avoid any allegations when playing competitive matches or participating in tournaments.
- Widebody: As the length decreases the width will increase. Any paddle with a length lower than 16″ will be counted in this category.
- Extra-elongated: It typically measures 17″ × 7″ in size. The maximum combined length and width is allowed to 24″ and alone length an not exceed the limit which is 17″.
The combined length means if a paddle is 17″ long and 7″ wide, by adding both values we will get 24″ as the answer. To increase width we have to compromise on length, Every mm increase in width will minimize the length of the same amount.
Paddle handle sizes.
The paddle generally comes with three different sizes of handles. Some people who play with both hands use long-handle pickleball paddles for extra grip. The length is not too much but enough to hold the paddle with both hands. If a player uses a long grip paddle and plays with just one hand he might not control the paddle well because of for centre point.
This works as, if the center point of the paddle (the point where its weight balances) is close to the hand it will feel lighter in weight and you have better control over it.
What to look for in a pickleball paddle?
Pickleball paddle thickness and measurement are not everything to choosing a paddle that fits you. There are other things to consider as well like the length of the handle and the material of which the paddle is made. Understand it in easy steps,
- Material: Graphite and composite are commonly used for face materials and to make core Polymer, Nomex, and aluminum. These materials affect the weight of the paddle. The paddles made of aluminum may cause little bit vibration when hit.
- Pickleball paddle thickness: If you are a beginner-level player 16mm is best for you and if you are an intermediate player (2.5-3.5) rating player choose a thinner weighted paddle. The best paddles for experienced players are the paddles that are light in weight and also thin in thickness.
Conclusion.
It is better to go with standard-size pickleball paddle thickness and dimension to get both benefits like movement and power. Elongated paddles are often used to get extra spin so if you have confidence in yourself that you can cover your side with less width then you can choose this one.
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