Pickleball Paddle Core Thickness: Best for Every Skill Level

From beginners to experts, the thickness of your pickleball paddle core matters more than you think. And it can be a real game changer for your performance on the court.In this guide, we will break down which core thickness suits your skill level and your playing style. We explain what core will give you more power, control or maneuverability.

This guide has it all, time to level Up and get started.Beginners will benefit from thin to mid-core paddles for maneuverability and a light weight feeling when starting out.Intermediate players thrive with mid to thick core paddles that balance power and control, for an all-round player.Experts will prefer thick core paddles for precision and reduced vibrations.

This will allow them to focus on strategy and skill execution.The Pickleball Paddle core is the unseen layer of the pickleball paddle. It is the part of the paddle that is between the paddle faces and is made of various materials, such as wood, polypropylene or the latest space age plastics.The core is usually set in a “honeycomb” pattern.

And it can change the way your paddle will feel, based on the pickleball paddle material used and the thickness of the core.More specifically, the thickness will have an impact on the power and feel of the paddle. Standard core thickness can range from 14mm to well over 16mm. Most players could pick up and play with any paddle within that range.

But the paddle may feel “weird” or not right, depending on the players skill level.That is why it’s important to learn about the differences in core thickness. This can help you select the best paddle for your skill level. And this knowledge can help minimize the choice from the hundreds of of paddles out there to choose from.

Let’s take a look at the Core Thickness Pickleball Beginners should use.Pickleball paddles with a thinner core are light weight, easier to swing and perfect for beginners. Any paddle less than 13mm is ideal with many paddles available within this range. Let’s look at some specifics.Lightweight: Thin cores are lighter, allowing beginners to easily maneuver the paddle.

This helps new players focus on developing the basics, such as improving hand-eye coordination.Less Control but More Power: Thin Core paddles can provide some great power, but have less control and less “feel” when playing. Thin Cores allow for more of the players striking energy to transfer to the ball, with less absorption by the paddle.

Beginners should start with a thin core paddle while learning how to play pickleball. The paddles “pop” and the lightweight feel will help the player get comfortable on the court. Thin core paddles are also great for more-skilled beginners that want to peel out some big shots.Beginners can also branch out into the mid-core paddles.

It may feel a little different, with less “pop” but a mid-core paddle can also work well. Let’s take a look.Mid-core (14mm to 15mm) to Thick core (16mm and above) paddles suit intermediate players that have a greater sense of their own playing style. Intermediate players will have a higher level of confidence and will want that extra level of power and control from a mid core paddle from the base line to the kitchen.

Let’s take a look.Balance of Power & Control: Mid-core paddles allow for a good blend of both power and control. This is ideal for intermediate players with a high level of experience and confidence on the court.Improved Consistency: A mid core paddle will provide more stability and control, especially for strategic shots.

A thicker core can provide more control and predictability. This will help players execute accurate shots from all corners of the court.Adaptability: Mid-Core paddles are great for players that are exploring their limits. They provide the flexibility to learn new playing styles and aspects of the game.

But thick core paddles are also a viable option for a skilled intermediate player, looking to move up the pickleball ranks.Intermediate players can also branch out into the thicker cores as a paddle to grow into. Especially as players increase their skill level and want to play with a pro-level paddle.

The only way up up, let’s take a looksie.Thick core paddles (16mm and above) dampen the impact of the ball and are known to have a better “feel” while playing. The thicker cores are popular with experienced players as they provide extra control with less popping power. But they allow for a greater margin of error when dinking and driving big shots.

Professional players like Ben Johns prefer the thicker core paddles. That extra control of a thick core suits their technical playing styles and high skill level. Lets look at some details.Enhanced Control & Precision: Expert players with advanced skills will benefit from a thicker core. The extra control and enhanced stability allows for sniper level precision.

Which is a must have for tournament play.Reduced Vibrations: Thicker cores often have better shock absorption. This can enhance comfort for long matches or for a full day of tournament play.Power Generation: Thick cores may feel different because they provide less pop compared to thinner options. This is a bonus for expert players, as they can generate their own power, making control a higher priority.

Expert players also enjoy using thin core paddles for extra power with less control. But generally, they will gravitate towards the thicker cores to produce those OMG-What the Heck shots.Matching your play stye to your preferred core thickness is is also important. As this could be a crucial deciding factor for the what type of paddle is best suited to a player.

Beginner Players are more likely to hang back and hit from the baseline, as they build their confidence to move closer to the kitchen to dink with a light, easy to swing paddle. While experienced base line power hitters may also prefer to sit back and hit a high-velocity super shot. Both types of players will appreciate a thin core paddle.

The All Round Player may like to move from the base line to the net. They will need a nice balance of power and control for all of the varied shots they need to play. These players will prefer a mid-core paddle for their Jack-of-all-trades playing style.A High Precision Expert Player who lives and dies on the kitchen line will prefer more control.

And for tournament play, they will appreciate more comfort while playing. These players will prefer the thicker core paddle for longer games and extended rallies.Understanding core thickness and your own play style can only help your game. This means your paddle will complement your game. And you will have the best paddle for your play style and ability.

The easiest way to find your ideal paddle thickness is to start low and work your way up. There are many cheap beginner paddles which have a low core thickness, and are the perfect paddle to start out with.That sliding scale of core thickness aligns with player confidence and skill level. And most players will slowly work their way up the core thickness levels until they find what works best.

This will take time with so many paddles on the market.Even if you know your skill level and playing style, it may be worth testing out a few paddles. You might borrow a friends paddle for a test run. Or you might go to a paddle store to try out the latest and greatest paddle there.But it all comes down to player preference.

Some players may be highly skilled and prefer a lighter paddle, so they will always use a thin core paddle. Or a complete beginner likes the feel of a thick core.There is no right or wrong answer. Most players will play many games, try out different paddles and they will build a preference. There is no pressure to figure this out.

Enjoy the game, have fun and most players will find what they like eventually.Pickleball paddle core thickness can impact a players game, based on their skill level and playing style. Understanding paddle cores can be a game changer for players unsure of what paddle is right for them.Any player can achieve pickleball success with any paddle, but skill level should be taken into account when finding that perfect paddle.

That is why we recommend beginners should stick with the thin to mid-core paddles for maneuverability and a light weight feel. The all-rounder, Intermediate players should use a mid to thick core paddles to balance power and control. And the Pickleball Experts will need Total control, which means a thick core paddle.

Ultimately, the right core thickness depends on a player’s individual preferences and playing style. We hope players of all different skill levels can now make a better paddle choice. And win BIG on the pickleball court.The Aussie Pickleball Bros.