If you are shopping for pickleball paddles in Brampton or anywhere in the GTA, one number comes up again and again: paddle thickness, usually 13mm or 16mm. It is not just a spec on a box. Thickness changes how a paddle feels at the kitchen line, how much power you get on drives, and how forgiving it is on off-centre hits. Here is a simple guide to choosing between them.
What paddle thickness actually means
A pickleball paddle's core thickness is measured in millimetres. A 13mm paddle has a thinner core, a 16mm paddle has a thicker core. The face material, shape and weight matter too, but thickness alone tells you a lot about how a paddle will play.
13mm paddles: faster hands, more power
A 13mm paddle is generally lighter in the hand and quicker through the air. That makes it popular with players who like fast hands at the net, quick resets and extra pop on drives and serves. The trade-off is a smaller sweet spot and a firmer feel, so mishits can feel harsher and dinks need a softer touch.
Choose 13mm if you play an attacking game, you like to drive the ball, and you already have fairly clean contact.
16mm paddles: more control, softer feel
A 16mm paddle has a thicker core that absorbs more pace. That gives a softer, more controlled feel, a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness on dinks, drops and blocks. Many players find the third-shot drop and the soft game easier with a 16mm paddle. The trade-off is slightly less raw power and a touch less hand speed.
Choose 16mm if you are building your soft game, you want consistency at the kitchen line, or you are moving up from a beginner paddle and want more control.
13mm vs 16mm at a glance
- Power: 13mm usually wins on drives and serves.
- Control and touch: 16mm usually wins on dinks, drops and resets.
- Sweet spot: 16mm is generally more forgiving.
- Hand speed: 13mm is generally quicker.
- Best for beginners: 16mm is often the easier starting point, because control and forgiveness help while technique develops.
There is no wrong answer. The best thickness is the one that suits how you actually play, not how you wish you played.
Other things to check before you buy
Shape matters: a widebody paddle gives a bigger face and more forgiveness, while an elongated paddle gives extra reach. Grip size matters too: a grip that is too big or too small makes the paddle harder to control. Weight matters: a heavier paddle can add power but tire your arm over a long session. If you can, hold a few paddles before you decide, and think about whether you play mostly doubles, where the soft game and quick hands matter most.
Buying pickleball paddles in Brampton and the GTA
Local players do not need to guess from an online listing alone. At FIPCO Suppliers in Brampton, you can see pickleball paddle sets in person, including the FIPCO paddle set at $60 CAD, which includes 4 balls and a fancy bag, and the SLK Atlas Max set of 2 at $90 CAD on sale. With PPA Canada Toronto coming up November 26-29 in North York, now is a good time to settle on a paddle and get some practice in with it before tournament week.
The bottom line
If you want power and fast hands, try 13mm. If you want control, a softer feel and a more forgiving sweet spot, try 16mm. Either way, pick the paddle that helps your game today, and upgrade as your game grows.
FIPCO Suppliers, Dockside Court, Brampton, 647-573-0547, open daily 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Thefipco.com.
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