14mm vs 16mm Pickleball Paddles: How Thick Should Yours Be?
Last updated: September 2026
Start 16mm. 14mm only if you already like a thin core.
Buy 16mm unless you already know you like a thinner core. Friday Aura Widebody ($119 with PRH) and Enhance Turbo ($99.99 with PRH) are the 16mm paddles we send first. RPM Q2 Widebody is 16mm at $212.49 with PRH 15%. Jade 14mm is a preorder that ships September 30 at $229.49 with PRH 15% — not a first paddle. Static ounces on the box still lie. Read swing weight too: /articles/best-paddle-swing-weight-2026.
How we tested
Every paddle we cover goes through the same on-court protocol - individual play, head-to-head comparisons, and tournament use before anything gets written down. Every paddle below has a full review on the site; click through to see scores, specs, and the deal we found for each.
The rankings
Each category below links to the full review for that paddle.
PRH PRH PRH Codes on the shop buttons above match our /deals table. Most money brands use PRH (HEAD uses PRH15). Tap a button — we pass the affiliate link; paste the code at checkout if the brand asks.
Shop Friday Aura Widebody or MPP Turbo Widebody with the live code
Each button is a tracked affiliate link at the sale price we list. Copy the code chip on the full review or use the code shown on the button label.
The short version
Thickness is the foam (or honeycomb) in the middle. 16mm is the modern default because it holds the ball a hair longer and is easier to reset. 14mm pops more and forgives less. People ask for ounces first. Ounces are the worse number. Swing weight is the one that tells you if the paddle will be late at the kitchen.
16mm paddles we actually sell
- Friday Aura Widebody — $129 → $119 with PRH $10 off. Doubles 16mm.
- Enhance Turbo Widebody — $119.99 → $99.99 with PRH $20 off.
- Luzz Glider 2026 — $119 → $101.15 with PRH 15%.
- RPM Q2 Widebody 16mm — $249.99 → $212.49 with PRH 15%.
When 14mm is not a trap
Only if you already play thin and you like the extra pop. RPM lists Jade Widebody 14mm at $269.99 → $229.49 with PRH 15%, ships September 30. Friction Pro 14mm hybrids exist at $212.49 with the same 15%. Do not preorder 14mm Jade as your first foam paddle. Start Q2 16mm or Aura.
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 16mm better than 14mm?
For most doubles players, yes. 16mm is easier to reset. 14mm is a specialist thickness.
Does a 14mm paddle weigh less?
Not always in the hand. Swing weight can still be high. Read that number, not just ounces or millimeters.
What is the bottom line of 14mm vs 16mm Pickleball Paddles: How Thick Should Yours Be??
Buy 16mm unless you already know you like a thinner core. Friday Aura Widebody ($119 with PRH) and Enhance Turbo ($99.99 with PRH) are the 16mm paddles we send first. RPM Q2 Widebody is 16mm at $212.49 with PRH 15%. Jade 14mm is a preorder that ships September 30 at $229.49 with PRH 15% — not a first paddle. Static ounces on the box still lie. Read swing weight too: /articles/best-paddle-swing-…
Which paddles does 14mm vs 16mm Pickleball Paddles: How Thick Should Yours Be? recommend?
This guide ranks or compares: 16mm doubles default; 16mm under $100; 16mm RPM; 14mm Jade (preorder). Open each linked full review for scores, specs, and the current promo code before you buy.
Where do I find active pickleball promo codes for these paddles?
Use PaddleReviewHub’s deals page for verified codes (often PRH). Brand promo landings under /promo list how to apply the code at checkout. Always re-check the brand cart total before paying.
How current is 14mm vs 16mm Pickleball Paddles: How Thick Should Yours Be??
Last editorial stamp: September 2026. We refresh rankings and codes when major paddles, certifications, or partner discounts move — re-check linked reviews and /deals before checkout.
Related guides
PRH PRH PRH Paste the code at checkout — then buy.
Brands on this page: Friday Pickleball, Enhance, RPM Pickleball. Codes are on each shop button and on /deals.