Pickleball Paddle Core Thickness Explained
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Core thickness is one of the biggest factors in how a paddle actually feels, but it's often overlooked in favour of flashier specs like weight or carbon grade. Here's what it actually does.
What Core Thickness Actually Changes
- 16mm+ cores are softer and more forgiving, with a larger effective sweet spot, ideal for control and consistency
- 14mm cores sit in the middle, a genuine balance between control and power
- 13mm or thinner cores are crisper and more responsive, but less forgiving on off-centre hits
Why Thicker Isn't "Worse" for Better Players
There's a common assumption that thinner cores are automatically better because pros use them. That's not quite right; a thicker core absorbs more shock and gives a quieter, more controlled feel, which is exactly why it's the right choice for a huge range of players, not just beginners.
Our Take at MPS
Every paddle across our own range, RYFT, VYRO, and KYNX, uses the same 16mm core. That's a deliberate choice: consistent, controlled feel across the entire lineup, letting the face material do the work of stepping up power and spin as you move through the range.
How This Pairs With Other Specs
Core thickness doesn't work in isolation. Want the full picture? Our buying guide covers core thickness alongside weight, grip size, and shape together, or dive into our paddle weight guide for the other pieces of the puzzle.