Comparing Paddle Widths: Which is Better for You - 16mm or 14mm?

Many brands offer 16mm and 14mm versions of the same paddle. What’s the difference? I break down six things that are different between the different thicknesses of paddles.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
01:02 Power & Pop
02:03 Control
03:04 Forgiveness & Twistweight
03:52 Weight & Swingweight
05:13 Spin
05:45 Launch Angle

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[evanc]

Lots of players actually find it easier to hit 3rds with a 14mm which supports your launch angle theory Braydon. Nice review

[mikeweimer]

Shoutout to tourna dry grips you’re rocking on both paddles best grip ever

[EricPickleball]

Great video! Just bought and will be using a 14mm paddle for the first time

[goldenchildtheater]

I played with a 16mm prism flash for a good 4-6 months or so then I switched to a 14mm version of the same paddle and I liked the feel of it much more. At first, it felt too light and weak and I did not like it at all, however, after adding some lead tape and just sticking with it until it felt comfortable, I much more prefer my 14mm. I like the pop and speed more, I prefer the response off the paddle more than the plush feeling of the 16. I was pleasantly surprised with the 14 and will most likely continue to use a 14 going forward

[pat.sambas]

I appreciate your presentation in comparing those. Very informative and helpful when deciding a next paddle purchase. Coming from a thicker paddle, I feel ready to step into a 14mm paddle.

[kb]

I like your launch angle theory with the 14 vs 16mm paddles. I have the new Vanguard Control and feel it constantly pops it up way more often than my old Onix Z5, which is supposed to be a much poppier paddle than the Vanguard.

[matrixmulisha]

I’ve only used 16s. I’ll have to give a 14 a try!!

[tomsherwood]

4.0 senior here =I've played 14s (Diadem Icon V2 - Gearboxes - Selkirk invicta), vs 16's (Perseus - RonBus - Six Zero) ... 14s all seem to have more pop & depth, less control, touch, consistency... I use heavy spin sweep on serves & underspin returns = 16s are more consistent > 14s... Your video suggests that 14s have more spin?

[scottmanthey]

Interesting, I've mainly only played 16 except 003 and power are which are extreme opposite. 😊

[mattmershon]

Thanks for the succinct explanation of these differences. Quite helpful and informative.

[shawnwsl]

what about the prism versions are there any huge differences??

[rosariarose]

Accurate content. I play with a 14mm. It gives me the edge on handbattles, but it’s harder to control direction due to the smallee sweet spot. You add weight and then it gets heavier. It’s always one or the other lol

[joem]

I have a question about the twist weight when you add lead to a 14mm to match the weight of the same 16mm paddle. Wouldn't you potentially get a better twist weight than the 16mm since the weight difference is being added to the outside perimeter of the 14mm paddle? This is weight that came off across the full face of a 16mm paddle and is now just added on the outside edge as lead tape. I'd be curious to know how this actually measures up.

Launch Angle - I suspect that the higher launch angle with thicker paddles comes from the additional dwell time on the paddle compared to the thinner paddle. But this would really only apply when you are brushing up on the ball. The launch angles should be the same on a 100% flat shot. Does this make sense?

[robedwards]

The DBD 16mm and 14mm both have the same static weight and the swingweights are almost the same. So, is there any advantage to the 14mm DBD? Would it harder than the 16mm with lead on the baseline and at Kitchen?

[jkeiffer]

I would love to hear whether 14mm vs 16mm is better for people with elbow problems.

[michaeltflaman]

When you are talking about 'swing weight', this has nothing to do with 'cutting through the air' (i.e. as if swing weight is related to air resistance). Swing weight is simply the rotational inertia of the paddle i.e. how easy is it to rotate in your wrist (without reference to the drag through the air)..

[Crazypitbull]

Which would be better for beginners 14mm or 16mm ? And wide body or elongated? Ive played b4 its fun and im new and just want to get a pair of paddles to play with friends!

[GregSieber]

Great video, but I think you may be confusing trajectory with launch angle. The increased power from the 16mm will improve trajectory, making it seem like launch angle is greater. You will need to mount the paddles to something at an angle and drop balls on them to get a better measure.

[susanscandles]

I am just getting ready to start playing pickleball and decided on paddle: Vatic pro prism flash but unsure of 14 vs 16. Your video was very informative. Great job. I went back and forth through video changing my mind. Suggestions?

[MarkDoehrman]

Hmm, looking for a backup paddle to my bread n butter filth, it seems the 14mm may be close and at a cheaper price. Any thoughts on that one? Im kinda basing it on how o generate my own power. Sometimes i take my gearbox gx5 out just to keep my game soft, and i can still generate decent power with it with its stock weight. So kinda wanting to give 14 mm a try. Maybe itll be all the paddle i need playing at 4.5 level.