Pickleball Paddle Sizes Explained: 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm (2024)

Beginners

By Kasen Holbrook

Pickleball Paddle Sizes Explained: 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm (1)

Pickleball, a sport beloved by players of all ages and skill levels, has seen a surge in popularity. An essential factor for every player is choosing the right paddle. With various options available, selecting the ideal paddle can be overwhelming. Holbrook Pickleball offers a range of paddles in different sizes, including 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm, each designed to suit specific playstyles and preferences

Understanding Paddle Thickness

Paddle thickness plays a crucial role in a player's performance. Holbrook's Power Pro pickleball paddles come in three sizes: 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm. The thickness of the paddle core directly impacts the game, influencing control, power, and maneuverability​

Pickleball Paddle Sizes Explained: 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm (2)

12mm Paddles: Features and Benefits

The 12mm paddles from Holbrook are the thinnest and lightest, providing enhanced speed and maneuverability. These paddles are perfect for players who prioritize power, drive and pop. Typically, it has a slightly smaller sweet spotbut when you hit that sweet spot there's enormous power behind it.

14mm Paddles: A Balanced Choice

Holbrook's 14mm paddles offer a balanced blend of speed and power. This intermediate thickness caters to a wide range of playing styles, making it a versatile choice for many players. It's an excellent option for those who are refining their technique and require a paddle that can adapt to various shots.

16mm Paddles: Power and Stability

The 16mm paddles, like the Mav Pro 16mm and Mav Pro E 16mm, are designed for players who seek maximum power and stability. These paddles feature a 16mm polypropylene core and a carbon fiber face, providing a perfect blend of power and control. The Mav Pro E 16mm, with its extended handle, is ideal for players who prefer a two-handed backhand grip, allowing for precise shot placement and great control over the ball. The thick core offers a responsive touch, making it ideal for precise shot placement and finesse play.

Pickleball Paddle Sizes Explained: 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm (3)

Spin and Control with Holbrook Paddles

Spin is a critical element in pickleball, and thePower Pro series from Holbrook is designed to maximize spin. TheUnibody Force-Tec Unidirectional T700 Carbon Fiberconstruction creates a gritty surface on the paddle, enhancing spin capabilities. The wide face and contoured edges of these paddles also aid in generating more spin without sacrificing control​​.

The Importance of Weight in Paddles

Weight is a key consideration when choosing a paddle. Holbrook paddles, weighing between 7.8 to 8.0 ounces in the Pro Series and around 7.8 ounces for performance and sport models, offer a balance between control and power. Lighter paddles provide better control and quicker reaction times, ideal for long matches, while heavier paddles enhance power, driving the ball effectively across the court.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Paddle

When selecting a paddle, consider your skill level, playing style, and physical attributes. Other features like grip size, paddle shape, and material also play a role in the overall feel and performance of the paddle.

Choosing the right paddle thickness is crucial in pickleball. Whether you prefer a light and fast 12mm paddle, a balanced 14mm, or a powerful 16mm paddle, the best choice depends on your individual playing style and needs. Experimenting with different sizes can help you find the perfect match for your game.

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Oliver Allen

Power pro

I took a chance on this paddle based on how responsive the company was with their customer service and help. They promised me I would love the paddle and they absolutely delivered with this product! The Power Pro is fantastic. I am able to drop shots I never could before with the control of the 14 mm. It has good power to help with my drives. On top of all of that, I love the look of the paddle. Highly recommend this company and the Power Pro!

Alex Carr

Pro - Power Pro

03/20/2024

Best PB bag ever!

Ok so I have gone through numerous PB bags looking for the perfect one. Still have not found it, but the Holbrook Podium PB comes really close and I love it! I have had the Joola tour, CRBN (backpack & tour), Selkirk, and a few others. This bag has a nice spot for everything and is super stylish. I miss not having a thermal lined pocket for the paddles, but not a deal breaker for me. Few other things I might tweak a little, but overall it is a great bag! Not too big and not too small. :)

K.H.

Podium Pickleball Bag

03/20/2024

1st time user

I just received this Power Pro E paddle and used it for the 1st time yesterday - it exceeded my expectations. The sweet spot was larger than I expected; the control over my shots (either dink or power) was better than previous paddles. I'm guessing this won't be my last Holbrook paddle!

Scott Glover

Pro - Power Pro E

03/19/2024

Great Value

This is an excellent all around paddle. As a taller player with larger hands, I appreciate the grip size and feel. It has a very nice combination of power and control. It is on the lighter side which I prefer. It compares positively to several paddles I tried out that are at least 2x the cost.

Jerod Dinkin

Pro - Mav Pro

03/18/2024

Mav pro

Love my new paddle:) The handle is longer with a soft grip. More control for me and I like the gritty surface!

RCoffland

Pro - Mav Pro

03/18/2024

Power Pro

Purchased your top of the line paddle for my son’s birthday. He’s an intermediate player and was using a fairly decent competitor’s brand. LOVES! This new paddle: The shape, feel, grip, and overall handling. His other paddle is history! Zero regrets with this purchase. Super fast shipping, very communicative sales team, but do wish the cover had been included considering the price as previously noted by another customer.

Sharron Wyman

Free Unlimited Return for Store Credit or Exchanges + Package Protection

03/16/2024

I purchased the Power Pro 16 (Blue). I love it, but a little disappointed that it didn't come with a cover. Every high-end paddle that I have purchased before all have come with a cover.

David Farr

Free Unlimited Return for Store Credit or Exchanges + Package Protection

03/09/2024

Great paddle

Holbrook is a great company makes quality Pickleball paddles

Rich Estes

Free Unlimited Return for Store Credit or Exchanges + Package Protection

03/07/2024

Power Pro E

I have approximately 20 paddles, everything from the Vatic's to the Selkirk labs and I can truly say that this paddle is the BEST I have used, to date!
The control and pop are exceptional...power is good enough...I feel i can put my dinks and drops anywhere i want to...love the feel of this paddle! The closest other paddle I can compare it to is the CRBN 3x 16.....but this has much better feel....

Customer

Holbrook Pickleball

03/01/2024

Power Pro

Honestly probably one of the best pickleball paddles out there. I bought the 16MM and I have so much spin and control when I play! I’ll definitely purchase another when the time comes!

Kevin Escobar

Pro - Power Pro

02/10/2024

Instant Inprovement

Recently purchased a 16-mm Power Pro and found an instant improvement in my game. Makes for more fun!

Randy Gee

Pro - Power Pro

02/09/2024

Very nice. Good quality!

Josh

Performance Paddle Grip

02/07/2024

Good grips priced reasonably.

Todd

Comfort Tour Overgrips - 12 Pack

02/06/2024

Pickleball paddle case

Amazing case. Matches Very well and a good price. Fits my paddle perfectly and I will definitely buy another one if I need one. Overall just an amazing paddle case and definitely worth the money. Highly recommend

Kyle L.

Holbrook Pickleball

02/01/2024

2nd paddle in family

I was using a Mav pro 16mm, wanted a little more pop so I am now playing the power pro E 14. It Definitely has a ton of spin and more pop. But…it also has a dead spot just above the handle. Must still get used to it.
Also agree with others. No white wrap, looks dirty after 3 weeks.
Holbrook paddles have improved my game so so much. Lots of players are asking me about my Holbrook’s. I let all demo them just so they can see how good they are!!!

Jenny Craig

Pro - Power Pro E

02/01/2024

The Holbrook Promise

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Pickleball Paddle Sizes Explained: 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm (2024)

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