Best 16mm Pickleball Paddles — Plush Control and Stability

Updated September 2025

Spend enough time around the courts and you’ll notice a pattern. The players who look unbothered in kitchen battles, calmly absorbing speed ups and resetting points, usually have one thing in common: a thicker paddle, usually, 16mm.

If 13mm builds are the caffeinated speed demons and 14mm is the all around balanced ‘ol faithful, 16mm is the laid back specialist. These paddles trade raw pop for a plush feel on contact, a noticeably larger sweet spot, and an uncanny ability to settle the ball down. That combination makes them a favorite in doubles, where stability often wins more points than sheer firepower.

However, not every 16mm paddle plays the same. Some sneak in extra pop through raw carbon faces. Others lean fully into control, catering to dink-first players. This guide cuts through the noise and shows you which models in 2025 are actually worth your time.

Who Should Pick Up a 16mm Paddle

Not every player benefits equally from a thicker core. Here’s who stands to gain the most:

• Doubles players who prioritize resets, blocks, and kitchen control.
  
• Control first players who want stability on mishits and a predictable launch angle.
  
• Seniors or anyone with arm sensitivity, since the thicker core softens vibration.
  
• Intermediate players moving beyond budget fiberglass paddles and craving consistency.
  

If you’re a singles baseliner hunting power, you’ll probably find 16mm too muted. But if you’ve ever thought “my drops sail too far” or “my paddle feels twitchy on blocks,” this category is built for you.

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What to Look For in a 16mm Paddle

Not all 16mm paddles deliver the same experience. Here’s what matters most:

• Face material: Raw carbon dominates in 2025, giving you spin to complement control. Graphite still shows up in classics like the Tempest Wave Pro for that softer feel.
  
• Swingweight: A paddle can be 16mm thick but still feel light if balanced well. Look for numbers in the mid-110s if you want quick hands, higher if you prefer rock-solid stability.
  
• Handle length: Most thicker paddles hover around 5.25” handles, but elongated builds can give singles players more reach.
  
• Twistweight: The unsung hero. Higher twistweight means less torque on mishits, which is what makes 16mm builds shine in fast hands battles.
  

What 16mm Actually Changes on Court

Think of 16mm paddles as shock absorbers. The extra millimeters of polymer honeycomb trap more energy from the ball before it travels into your hand. This means:

• A quieter feel on contact. Shots feel muted compared to the sharp “crack” of a 13mm paddle.
  
• Better stability on blocks. Mishits don’t twist the paddle as much, making defense easier.
  
• More control over launch angle. Dinks and drops stay lower and more predictable.
  
• Slightly less free power. You’ll need to generate more of your own pace, but you gain precision in return.
  

Combine this with face materials (carbon for spin, fiberglass for liveliness, graphite for classic touch) and you start to see why not all 16mm paddles play the same.

Best 16mm Pickleball Paddles of 2025

Here are five standouts that prove thicker doesn’t mean boring. Each one brings a different flavor of stability, forgiveness, and feel.

16mm vs 13mm vs 14mm: Where It Fits

If you are coming from a 13mm paddle, you’ll immediately notice less pop but way more forgiveness. Drops stop flying long and resets land more consistently. Compared to 14mm, the difference is smaller but still noticeable, 16mm paddles feel slower in hand but add a touch more comfort and calmness in kitchen play.

Singles players often stick with thinner builds for pace, while doubles players lean thick for control. If you play both, you might even rotate between them depending on format. (We covered this balance in our 14mm paddle guide, where you can see why the middle ground has its own fan club.)

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Common Myths About Thick Paddles

• “Thicker means heavier.” Not true. Many 16mm paddles come in midweight builds under 8 oz.
  
• “You can’t hit hard with 16mm.” Also false. With proper mechanics, you can still rip drives; it just requires more of your own swing speed.
  
• “They are only for seniors.” Wrong again. Plenty of pros and competitive rec players use 16mm cores for the consistency advantage.
  

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Care Tips to Extend Paddle Life

A good paddle should last at least a year of regular play, but 16mm builds still need care. Here’s how to get more life out of them:

• Use a paddle cover. Options like the Selkirk SLK Paddle Cover or JOOLA Neoprene Cover prevent scratches and UV wear.
  
• Clean with microfiber cloths. Wipe sweat and grit off after play, something as cheap as MagicFiber Microfiber Cloths works great.
  
• Rotate grips often. Replace with Gamma Supreme Overgrips or Tourna Grip XL to keep the handle dry and stable.
  

Avoid extreme heat. Leaving it in your car trunk on a summer day is one of the fastest ways to ruin a paddle face.

Wrapping It Up

If you want a calmer, more forgiving game, 16mm paddles deliver. They are built for players who love control, stability, and long rallies rather than highlight reel winners. From JOOLA’s pro level Perseus to Gamma’s underrated Obsidian, there’s a thick paddle for nearly every style and budget.

And if you’re still unsure, remember this: a 14mm paddle will give you a taste of balance, but a 16mm will show you what patience and control really feel like.

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FAQ: Best 16mm Pickleball Paddles