So many brands are available for pickleball paddles. They always try to make something different from others. Even a small change in features can affect your pickleball performance.
We have already seen a lot of change and improvement in shapes, designs, weights, and colors. But the latest trendy thing is the thickness of pickleball paddles.
Are thicker pickleball paddles better than thin or standard paddles? Why should you play with this type of paddle since they are relatively heavier?
Thicker paddles can absorb shock efficiently. They are good at ensuring excellent stability and increasing control. You can play consistently with thicker paddles. They are less likely to twist in your hand.
But, these paddles come in thin, standard, and thicker options. People’s preference varies. But it is true that a considerable number of people prefer to play with thicker pickleball paddles.
How Pickleball Paddles’ Thickness Level Changed?
Previously, composite paddles were the most popular and standard in the market. Most professionals used them to play pickleball. The thickness level of these pickleball paddles was .375″ to .400″.
However, the design of pickleball paddles has evolved dramatically a lot, especially the thickness level. Many new paddles come with a thickness level of .562″ to .700″+.
Image from: JustPaddles
You may think it is a small proportion of change. But ironically, the thickness level has increased by about 56%. However, thicker paddles have more weight than thinner paddles.
Why Should You Choose Thicker Pickleball Paddles?
Thicker paddles usually mean they have a thicker core. They allow you to play more consistent shots. Its whole surface gives you almost a similar feedback when the ball touches the surface.
Twisting in your hands is a more uncommon scenario for a thicker paddle the ball directly touches the edge of the paddle. The stress ratio in a thicker paddle body to the corresponding strain is lower than in a thin pickleball paddle.
Hence, the paddle surface will feel less stressed even after playing continuously for a long time. Its higher modulus of elasticity makes it more resistant to damage and deformation. The paddle’s extreme stiffness will benefit your gameplay in several aspects.
Does Pickleball Paddles’ Thickness Matter?
Different parts of the pickleball surface area will not react in the same manner. When the ball touches a particular spot of your pickleball surface, its accuracy, power, speed, and direction will vary from other areas.
That’s why new players often struggle to hit the ball in the right direction. They don’t initially know the best spot from where to hit the ball. After all, it takes time and practice to become familiar with the sweet spot.
When the ball doesn’t touch the sweet spot, it may go out of the court or hit into the net directly. Or, it may go in the wrong direction where you will lose points. You always need to hit the ball from the sweet spot area. The center area of a pickleball paddle is the best spot.
Inconsistency is often a common issue for thinner paddles. You may hit the ball too hard or too soft if the ball touches the dead spots. You will likely play poor and inefficient pickleball shots if you miss the target.
What Type Of Core Used For Thicker Pickleball Paddles?
Different companies designed thicker core paddles to ensure consistent shots with great energy. Paddletek is the first manufacturer to bring a thicker core paddle to the market. This type of core is called polypropylene core.
But earlier, manufacturers only used to manufacture Aluminum and Nomex core. This kind of core has an average thickness level of 0.400 inches thickness. But the thickness level of a polypropylene core is around 0.500 inches.
Polypropylene cores have excellent chemical-resistant properties. Their semi-crystalline nature makes them incredibly flexural and strong. This type of core has a relatively slippery surface than traditional-based cores.
Moreover, this type of core paddle has a decent impact strength. They have excellent durability since they are made from elastomeric materials, which have a higher density than other materials.
Manufacturers mainly use a plastic blend with giant honeycomb cells to create this type of thicker core paddle. They can provide a perfect balance of power and control. This kind of core is good at absorbing a significant amount of noise and vibration.
This unique core is well-known as one of the quietest paddles in the market. They are incredibly soft and flexible to dampen the shot efficiently.
Advantage Of Choosing Thicker Pickleball Paddles
Since our preference varies, we don’t use a similar type of paddle. However, thicker paddles have become a popular choice among different types of players.
1. Great Energy Absorption
Whether you are playing volleyed dinks or hitting back your competitor’s shot, thicker core paddles can effectively disappear the ball’s energy into a pickleball racquet. This gives you more control over the gameplay.
2. Incredible Stability
Apart from the center of the paddle, you will get a solid and stable feel for the whole face of the pickleball paddle. It can effectively dampen the ball’s energy. This allows you to play like a pro to play dinks, volleys, or drop shots.
3. Larger, Forgiving Sweet Spot
Compared to thinner or standard pickleball paddles, thicker pickleball racquets have a larger and more forgiving sweet spot. As a result, your accuracy of shots is less likely to be compromised. You can hit the ball in your preferred direction at the right angle and speed.
4. More Power and Control
Thicker core paddles are good at generating immense power. The ball will move towards the opponent more quickly. If you prefer ample power with impressive touch and consistency, thicker paddles are the best choice.
Thick Pickleball Paddles
here’s a list of a few thick pickleball paddles.
- Diadem Warrior: 19 mm
- Diadem Warrior Edge: 16 mm
- Electrum Model E: 16 mm
- Engage Encore MX 6.0: 15.24 mm
- Engage Pursuit MX BLEMISHED: 15.875 mm
Conclusion
Are you still wondering about this question: Are thicker pickleball paddles better? A thicker paddle comes in handy if you have a habit of playing with heavier paddles and don’t need too fast-hand motion. You will have consistency and accuracy in your gameplay with greater touch.
However, due to technological advancement, some thicker pickleball paddles come with lightweight construction. You will feel like playing with a lightweight thicker paddle. But a good number of thicker pickleball paddles are weighty. You just need practice to get used to them.
