Best 14mm Pickleball Paddles — Balanced Thickness for All Court Play
Updated September 2025
Pickleball has become a game of extremes. On one end, 13mm paddles are thin, powerful, and packed with feedback. On the other, 16mm paddles are plush, forgiving, and control-oriented. Sitting right in the middle are 14mm paddles, a category that has quietly become one of the most popular choices for all-court players.
A 14mm build strikes balance. You get enough feedback to drive the ball with confidence, but not so much vibration that your joints take a beating. You get control around the kitchen without sacrificing the ability to finish points. That middle ground explains why more brands are now offering 14mm versions of their flagship models.
Who Should Consider a 14mm Paddle?
The real beauty of 14mm paddles is versatility. They aren’t pigeonholed into one style of play.
- Doubles players love them because resets, dinks, and blocks feel stable without losing the ability to counter hard drives.
- Singles players find they can still generate speed and spin without feeling like the paddle is too soft.
- Intermediates often see the biggest benefit, since the paddle supports them across scenarios without being too specialized.
- Players with mild joint issues appreciate that 14mm builds reduce sting compared to 13mm models, yet don’t feel overly muted like some 16mm paddles.
In short, if you want one paddle that does a bit of everything well, 14mm is where you should start.
What to Look for in a 14mm Paddle
Thickness alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Here are a few other features that matter when shopping:
- Face material: Raw carbon is king in 2025 for spin and consistency. Fiberglass is livelier, while graphite remains crisp and lightweight.
- Core design: Polymer honeycomb is standard, but foam-injected edges or thermoformed builds can alter how a paddle feels at impact.
- Balance: Swingweight determines how fast a paddle moves in your hand. Twistweight determines how stable it feels on mishits.
- Handle length: A 14mm paddle with a 5.5” handle will cater to two-handed backhands, while a shorter handle increases paddle face size for control.
Top 14mm Pickleball Paddle Picks for 2025
Here are the 14mm paddles worth your attention this year. Each is widely available, well reviewed, and proven in competitive play.
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus
- Why It’s Here: The Perseus is JOOLA’s pro-level carbon offering, and the 14mm version blends precision with surprising pop. It has all the spin you’d expect from JOOLA’s carbon technology but stays quicker in the hand than its 16mm sibling.
- Specs:
- Thickness: 14mm
- Face: Raw carbon
- Weight: 7.8–8.0 oz
- Handle length: 5.5”
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta
- Why It’s Here: Selkirk’s Power Air line is designed for aggressive play, and the 14mm Invikta delivers just that. Foam injection along the edges increases stability, while the hybrid face brings both pop and spin.
- Specs:
- Thickness: 14mm
- Face: Hybrid carbon/fiberglass
- Weight: 7.8–8.1 oz
- Handle length: 5.3
CRBN-2X Power Series
- Why It’s Here: CRBN made its name on spin, and the 14mm 2X Power model keeps that legacy alive. It’s thermoformed, stable, and designed for players who want to play aggressively while still enjoying a control focused thickness.
- Specs:
- Thickness: 14mm
- Face: Raw T700 carbon
- Weight: 7.9–8.2 oz
- Handle length: 5.5”
#4 Diadem Edge 18K 14mm
Diadem Edge 18K 14mm
- Why It’s Here: The Model E has long been one of the most stable elongated paddles on the market. The 14mm version balances control and spin beautifully while maintaining the long reach players love.
- Specs:
- Thickness: 14mm
- Face: Raw carbon
- Weight: 7.9–8.2 oz
- Handle length: 5.5”
#5 Electrum Model E 14mm
Electrum Model E
- Why It’s Here: The Model E has long been one of the most stable elongated paddles on the market. The 14mm version balances control and spin beautifully while maintaining the long reach players love.
- Specs:
- Thickness: 14mm
- Face: Raw carbon
- Weight: 7.9–8.2 oz
- Handle length: 5.5”
How 14mm Stacks Up Against 13mm and 16mm
- 13mm paddles feel quicker and livelier but are less forgiving on mishits. They’re best for players chasing raw power and spin.
- 16mm paddles excel in control and plush feel but can feel sluggish for fast exchanges. They’re great for kitchen specialists and defensive-minded players.
- 14mm paddles live in the middle ground, giving you speed without harshness and control without sluggishness.
That adaptability explains why 14mm is often the go-to choice for intermediates or players who can only own one paddle.
Misunderstandings About Paddle Thickness
A common myth is that thicker paddles are always heavier. In reality, weight depends more on materials and design. A 14mm paddle can feel just as quick as a thinner build if it has a smart balance.
Another misunderstanding is that 14mm is “average” or “boring.” The truth is, many brands intentionally tune their 14mm paddles to maximize spin and power. With foam filled edges and thermoforming, a 14mm can sometimes outperform a 13mm or 16mm in versatility.
Care Tips for Your 14mm Paddle
To keep your paddle performing at its best:
- Clean the face with a damp microfiber cloth (brands like Tourna and Selkirk sell cleaning cloths designed for paddle faces).
- Store it safely in a paddle cover, such as JOOLA’s neoprene case or Selkirk’s premium cover.
- Maintain your grip by replacing it regularly with overgrips from Gamma or Yonex. Fresh grips ensure stability and comfort.
- Avoid heat by not leaving your paddle in a hot car or direct sunlight for hours.
- Rotate paddles if you play daily. This helps extend the life of each paddle.
Wrapping It Up: Why 14mm Fits Most Players
If you’re unsure which paddle thickness to choose, 14mm is the safest and most versatile bet. It gives you the pop to drive, the forgiveness to block, and the balance to transition between singles and doubles.The best advice is to test one of the proven models above, like the JOOLA Perseus or CRBN-2X, and see how it feels in your hands. Odds are, you’ll find that 14mm really is the sweet spot for modern pickleball.
FAQ: Best 14mm Pickleball Paddles
Is 14mm the best paddle thickness for most players?
Yes. While not perfect for everyone, 14mm paddles strike a balance between power and control that suits a wide range of players.
Do pros use 14mm paddles?
Several professionals prefer 14mm builds because they provide spin and responsiveness without being too harsh or too muted.
Is 14mm better for spin or power?
It sits in the middle. Compared to 16mm, 14mm has more spin and power. Compared to 13mm, it has more control and comfort.
Are 14mm paddles good for beginners?
Absolutely. Beginners often benefit from the forgiveness of a 14mm while still having enough pop to feel competitive.
How does 14mm compare to 16mm in comfort?
16mm paddles absorb more vibration, making them slightly softer on the arm. But many players find 14mm comfortable enough without feeling muted
What’s the difference between 14mm and 13mm paddles for singles?
Singles players often prefer 13mm for faster drives, but a 14mm can still generate plenty of pace while adding more forgiveness.
Are 14mm paddles durable?
Yes. In fact, they often last longer than 13mm paddles, which take more stress, and they face fewer delamination issues than some 16mm models.
Which 14mm paddles are USAPA approved?
All the models listed above — including the JOOLA Perseus, CRBN-2X, and Selkirk Power Air — are USAPA approved for tournament play.
What is the lightest 14mm paddle available?
Some CRBN and JOOLA models come in around 7.8 oz, which is among the lightest in this category.
Can 14mm paddles help reduce joint strain?
Yes. While not as soft as 16mm, the added thickness compared to 13mm reduces vibration and makes the game more comfortable for players with mild joint issues.
