If you have been shopping for an intermediate or advanced pickleball paddle, you have likely noticed that core thickness — listed as 14mm or 16mm — is one of the main specs manufacturers highlight. It is also one of the specs that most players do not fully understand. This guide breaks down exactly what the difference means for your game.
What Core Thickness Actually Controls
The core of a pickleball paddle is the internal honeycomb structure — usually made from polymer, carbon, or Nomex — that sits between the two face surfaces. Its thickness determines three key performance characteristics:
- Stiffness vs. softness
- Power vs. control
- Sweet spot size
Thicker core = softer feel, more control, larger sweet spot. Thinner core = stiffer feel, more power, smaller sweet spot.
14mm Paddles: What They Are Good For
A 14mm core produces a stiffer paddle that returns the ball faster off the face. The ball spends less time on the surface, which translates to more power with less effort.
Advantages:
- More punch on drives and attacks
- Faster ball speed off the paddle face
- Responsive feel that many power players prefer
- Slightly lighter overall weight in most models
Disadvantages:
- Less forgiveness on off-center hits
- Harder to control at the kitchen line
- Can feel "pingy" or harsh on fast exchanges
Best for: Attacking players, singles specialists, players coming from tennis who want a more racket-like response.
16mm Paddles: What They Are Good For
A 16mm core absorbs more energy at contact, which slows the ball slightly and gives you more time to direct its placement. This translates directly to better touch at the kitchen and more consistent resets under pressure.
Advantages:
- Larger effective sweet spot
- More forgiving on off-center hits
- Superior control for dinking and soft game
- Reduces vibration, which matters for players managing elbow issues
Disadvantages:
- Slightly reduced pop on drives
- Can feel "dead" to players who prefer a lively response
Best for: Doubles-focused players, baseline-to-net style players, those prioritizing consistency and kitchen control over raw power.
What the Data Says About Player Preferences
Among competitive recreational players (3.5–4.5 rating), 16mm paddles have become significantly more popular over the last two years. The shift mirrors the evolution of the game itself — as pickleball strategy has moved toward net dominance and soft game mastery, control-oriented paddles have become the competitive standard.
At the professional level, the split is closer to even — with power players favoring 14mm and control-oriented players choosing 16mm.
The Facolos Elite X Line
The Facolos Elite X series is available in both 14mm and 16mm versions, allowing players to choose the feel that fits their style without sacrificing the carbon fiber surface quality, frame engineering, or grip specifications that make the Elite X competitive at any level. Both share the same raw carbon face and ElasticPP honeycomb core technology — the only variable is thickness.
If you are unsure which to choose: default to 16mm. Most players benefit more from added control than added power — especially in doubles. You can always generate power with swing speed. Consistent placement is harder to manufacture.
Explore both versions of the Facolos Elite X at tamforma.com.