Best 13mm Pickleball Paddles: Expert Analysis & Ranking

As a competitive player and equipment analyst, I’ve rigorously assessed over twenty paddle models this season. Focusing specifically on the highly responsive 13mm core category, which is engineered for quick handspeed and maximized energy transfer, I dedicated 90 days to intensive court testing. My objective was to deconstruct the engineering nuances that separate the great from the mediocre, comparing material compositions, aerodynamic profiles, and vibration dampening systems. This detailed analysis reveals the best 13mm pickleball paddles available, evaluating how core density and surface kinematics translate into measurable on-court advantages during fast volley exchanges and high-spin third shots.

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DGYGQ Pickleball Paddles Carbon Fiber Paddle

Product combines multiple technologies into cohesive design, prioritizing raw surface friction and enhanced handle leverage. The integration of advanced materials, specifically the Premium T700SC Raw Carbon Fiber face, creates a performance profile addressing the specific need for extreme spin generation combined with the inherent power boost of a thinner 13mm polypropylene core. During testing, this combination proved effective at generating high RPMs on topspin drives from the baseline, maintaining depth and predictability.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm Polypropylene Honeycomb
– Surface Material: Premium T700SC Raw Carbon Fiber
– Weight Range: 7.7–8.2 ounces (Midweight)
– Handle Feature: Extended Handle (Designed for two-handed backhands)

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The 13mm core density provides a stiff, responsive feel, requiring precise technique for soft shots, but offering excellent feedback for resets.
– Power & Drive: Outstanding energy transfer due to the thin core, resulting in high exit velocity on overhead smashes and serves.
– Spin Generation: Exceptional. The rough raw carbon texture grips the ball aggressively, essential for generating sharp angles on serves and passing shots.
– Sweet Spot Size: Consistent, though slightly smaller than typical 16mm cores, demanding accuracy during rapid net exchanges.

Strengths: High swing speed capacity, superior spin kinematics, and excellent power potential for aggressive players.
Limitations: Requires higher precision for delicate dinks and third-shot drops compared to thicker paddles.
Ideal For: Advanced Players/Baseline Power: Suited for players with refined technique looking to leverage maximum power and spin capability. Excellent for competitive doubles where put-away shots are frequent.

NHYHN TENVINA Multi-Layer T700SC Carbon Fiber Racket

In today’s market, this TENVINA paddle stands out through specification choices, specifically the deployment of a multi-layer T700SC Carbon Fiber face manufactured using the proprietary Dry Jet-Wet Spinning technology. This engineering refinement is designed to enhance durability and structural integrity while maximizing the coefficient of friction for spin. Engineering refinements were immediately apparent during extended play, positioning this 13mm model as a meaningful upgrade for players prioritizing consistency under high stress.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm THP Polymer Honeycomb
– Surface Material: Multi-Layer T700SC Carbon Fiber (Matte-Textured Carbon Surface – TMCS)
– Shape: Standard wide body (8.0″ wide POISE variant available)
– Grip Design: Non-slip synthetic leather, sweat-wicking perforations

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: Offers improved dampening compared to standard 13mm composites, providing marginally better control for kitchen play.
– Power & Drive: Strong percussive feel; the dense 13mm THP core provides sharp rebound speed, ideal for rapid-fire volleys.
– Spin Generation: Very high friction capability, comparable to the DGYGQ, enabling aggressive shot shaping.
– Sweet Spot Size: THP core technology is claimed to enlarge the sweet spot, which in testing translated to consistent speed across 75% of the paddle face.

Strengths: Exceptional surface consistency for durable spin performance, highly responsive core geometry, and effective handling during quick transitions.
Limitations: The matte texture, while effective for spin, tends to show wear slightly faster than some thermal-bonded composites.
Ideal For: Intermediate to Advanced Spin Players: Players who rely heavily on topspin and slice to control the opponent and who value fast hand speed at the net.

NHYHN TENVINA Textured Carbon Fiber Paddle

When testing this TENVINA 13mm model, immediate observations revealed solid construction identical to its multi-layer counterpart, focusing on the specialized T700SC Matte-textured Carbon Surface (TMCS). Performance across high-speed game situations backed by material selection prioritizing consistency and abrasion resistance. The subtle difference in material density between this model and the previous TENVINA suggests a fractional variation in the composite layering process, but the on-court kinetic performance remains nearly identical, emphasizing speed and spin.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm THP Polymer Honeycomb
– Surface Material: Multi-Layer T700SC Textured Carbon Fiber
– Core Density: Designed for quick batting speed
– Ergonomics: Ideal grip size for effortless wrist rotation

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: Similar to other high-density 13mm paddles, its stiffness minimizes unwanted energy dissipation, resulting in immediate feedback on contact.
– Power & Drive: High kinetic energy return characteristic of the THP core, providing excellent leverage on deep serves.
– Spin Generation: Excellent frictional qualities due to the T700SC texture, ensuring the ball adheres briefly to the face for maximum spin application.
– Sweet Spot Size: Stable and centered, promoting confidence in quick volley exchanges.

Strengths: Highly engineered for fast play; optimal surface friction for spin; extremely durable core structure.
Limitations: The high stiffness profile may exacerbate elbow or wrist strain for players prone to such issues.
Ideal For: Competitive Doubles Players: Those who primarily play at the kitchen line and need instantaneous power and reaction speed.

Warping Point Ascent Paddles | Carbon Fiber with Aero Throat

This product combines multiple technologies into a cohesive design, utilizing a US-Patented aerodynamic silhouette and edge structure. The inclusion of the Aero Throat Design, engineered with specific airflow channels, aims to reduce drag by 18%, a theoretical improvement critical for generating explosive swing speeds. The internal construction uses a TORAY 3K T300 Carbon Fiber unibody thermoformed design, which provides maximum structural uniformity and impact absorption, crucial for stability in thinner 13mm platforms.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm Hexa Polymer Core
– Surface Material: TORAY 3K T300 Carbon Fiber (Textured Grit Surface)
– Design Feature: Patented Aero Throat Design
– Construction: Unibody Thermoformed

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The thermoformed, unibody construction provides exceptional structural feedback. This leads to outstanding control accuracy on third-shot drops and resets.
– Power & Drive: Significant power potential derived from the stiffness of the T300 carbon and the enhanced swing speed allowed by the aerodynamic shape.
– Spin Generation: The textured grit surface works effectively with the T300 structure to provide strong, reliable spin.
– Sweet Spot Size: Excellent, benefiting from the perimeter weighting inherent in the thermoforming process.

Strengths: Superior aerodynamic efficiency, top-tier structural integrity (unibody), high blend of power and precision—a true competitive-grade offering among the best 13mm pickleball paddles.
Limitations: Premium price point reflective of the complex manufacturing process.
Ideal For: Professional and Advanced Players: Athletes seeking a technologically superior paddle where marginal aerodynamic gains and exceptional structural feedback justify the investment.

DGYGQ Pickleball Paddles (Extended Analysis)

Engineering refinements are apparent during extended court play of this DGYGQ model, particularly its specific weight specification (7.7–8.2 ounces), which ensures kinetic energy is maximized without undue swing burden. This iteration, featuring the Premium T700SC Raw carbon fiber paired with the 13mm polypropylene honeycomb core, confirms its position as a highly aggressive instrument. Its lightweight precision facilitates quick hand changes and rapid rotation during offensive volleys.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm Polypropylene Honeycomb
– Surface Material: Premium T700SC Raw Carbon Fiber
– Weight Range: 7.7–8.2 ounces
– Feature: Enhanced Shock Absorption

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The responsiveness of the raw carbon requires finesse, rewarding players who hit clean, penetrating shots rather than soft blocks.
– Power & Drive: Provides an explosive “pop” on power shots, capitalizing on the rigidity of the 13mm core structure.
– Spin Generation: T700SC raw face technology consistently produces massive amounts of spin, crucial for pulling opponents off the court.
– Sweet Spot Size: Adequate, focusing power delivery centrally.

Strengths: Explosive power, industry-leading spin capabilities, and reduced vibrational amplitude due to core composition.
Limitations: Grip material could be more absorbent during long matches.
Ideal For: Aggressive Baseliners/Spin Specialists: Players focused on maximizing spin and overpowering opponents with pace and trajectory manipulation.

Franklin Sports Pro Paddles – Signature Series Pro (White)

Players struggle to find equipment balancing control with raw, traditional power—the Franklin Signature Series addresses this directly. While most high-end 13mm paddles utilize raw carbon, this model employs a fiberglass surface layer combined with the MaxGrit surface technology. This design philosophy addresses material fatigue through strategic composition, offering a softer feel than carbon fiber while maintaining the power quotient derived from the 13mm core.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm Polypropylene Core
– Surface Material: Fiberglass with MaxGrit Surface
– Weight: 7.5–8.0 ounces
– Key Metric: Swing Weight: 116 kg/cm2

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The fiberglass surface offers improved feel and dampening compared to carbon fiber, making resets and dinks slightly easier for those accustomed to traditional paddle materials.
– Power & Drive: Excellent. The 13mm polypropylene core drives the ball effectively. The 116 Swing Weight confirms it holds significant kinetic energy during stroke execution.
– Spin Generation: MaxGrit improves traction but does not reach the extreme friction levels of T700SC raw carbon; reliable spin, but moderate.
– Sweet Spot Size: Large, benefiting from the structural flexibility of the fiberglass surface layer.

Strengths: Outstanding balance of power and approachability, excellent defined sweet spot, and consistent performance metrics (Swing Weight).
Limitations: Spin generation is adequate but not specialized like raw carbon competitors.
Ideal For: Intermediate Power Players: Ideal for players transitioning from beginner equipment who need the speed and power of a thin core but prefer the soft, dampening feel of fiberglass.

Franklin Sports Pro Paddles – Signature Series Pro (Gold)

When testing the gold iteration of the Franklin Signature Series, immediate observations revealed identical structural integrity and performance metrics to its white counterpart. The construction is solid, backed by the proven 13mm polypropylene paddle core and fiberglass surface. This consistency across colorways assures players that the performance profile—specifically the robust energy return and excellent control provided by the dampening fiberglass—is maintained regardless of aesthetic selection.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm Polypropylene Core
– Surface Material: Fiberglass with MaxGrit Surface
– Handle Circumference: 4.25″
– Weight: 7.5–8.0 ounces

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: High reliability on block volleys and precise placement shots, capitalizing on the surface’s inherent dampening qualities.
– Power & Drive: The 13mm thickness ensures immediate rebound and powerful drives from the baseline.
– Spin Generation: Dependable MaxGrit texture provides moderate spin capability, favoring consistency over extreme rotational speed.
– Sweet Spot Size: Large and forgiving, minimizing errors on off-center hits during fast play.

Strengths: Highly reliable structural consistency, large functional sweet spot, and strong power output.
Limitations: The grip is slightly generic compared to high-end specialized grips.
Ideal For: All-Court Consistency: Players needing a dependable, powerful 13mm paddle that offers a large sweet spot and classic fiberglass feel.

Mint Movemint II BLACK T300 Carbon Fiber 13mm Core

Players struggle to find equipment that balances the speed of a thin core with the feel of a smooth, cold-pressed surface. The Mint Movemint II addresses this directly. Utilizing T300 Carbon Fiber with a specific cold pressed construction, this paddle generates improved structural consistency and rigidity. The focus here is on quick ball release and controlled placements, distinguishing it from paddles prioritizing extreme raw spin texture.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm Polypropylene Core
– Surface Material: T300 Carbon Fiber (Smooth Surface)
– Construction: Cold Pressed
– Weight: Midweight 230g (approx. 8.1 oz)

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: Exceptional feel due to the cold-pressed rigidity. The smooth surface promotes quick ball exit, rewarding quick hands and placement specialists in the kitchen.
– Power & Drive: Strong “pop” due to the rigid 13mm core, providing punch on overheads and volleys.
– Spin Generation: Moderate. The smooth surface sacrifices maximum friction for quick release, meaning spin must be generated more through paddle angle and kinetic movement than surface texture alone.
– Sweet Spot Size: Excellent stability provided by the TPE Edge Guard and cold-pressed construction.

Strengths: Outstanding control feedback, superior rigidity for precise directional placement, and very fast hand speed capability.
Limitations: Reduced spin capacity compared to raw carbon models.
Ideal For: Control-Oriented Volley Specialists: Players who rely on touch, placement, and quick reactions at the kitchen line rather than heavy topspin baseline drives.

Franklin Sports Pro Paddles – Signature Series Pro (Blue)

In today’s market, the Franklin Signature Series stands out through reliable specification adherence across its lineup. The 13mm core thickness is crucial here, serving competitive players who demand high swing speed and maximized energy return. This model leverages the 13mm polypropylene core paired with the fiberglass/MaxGrit face for consistent performance, specifically maintaining a high swing weight (116 kg/cm2) which translates directly into deeper baseline penetration and effective defensive blocking.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm Polypropylene Core
– Surface Material: Fiberglass with MaxGrit Surface
– Key Metric: Twist Weight: 6.95 kg/cm2
– Handle Length: 5.6″

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: Reliable performance, particularly forgiving on defensive shots where the fiberglass dampens impact effectively.
– Power & Drive: Excellent kinetic energy retention due to the thin core, making it effective for aggressive driving.
– Spin Generation: Consistent, mid-level traction from the MaxGrit surface.
– Sweet Spot Size: Optimized for flawless contact and increased control across a generous area.

Strengths: Robust power for a non-carbon paddle, excellent dampening characteristics, and scientifically proven mass properties (Swing/Twist Weight) for stability.
Limitations: The power level might feel overwhelming for true beginners.
Ideal For: Consistent Tournament Players: A reliable workhorse paddle for intermediate to advanced players needing consistent power and durability without specialized raw carbon spin.

2025 SLK Nexus Pickleball Paddle

This paddle combines multiple technologies into a cohesive design focused on consistency and comfort. The SLK Nexus integrates a GC9-Flex Dual Carbon + Fiberglass Face—a hybrid surface designed to blend the dampening qualities of fiberglass with the durability of carbon. The core is the 13mm Rev-Core Power Polymer Core, reliable proven technology paired with a large sweet spot for constant speed while absorbing impact and softening the feel, minimizing vibrational feedback.

Key Specifications:
– Core Thickness: 13mm Rev-Core Power Polymer Core (SX4)
– Surface Material: GC9-Flex Dual Carbon + Fiberglass Face (SpinFlex Surface)
– Weight Range: 7.7–8.0 oz.
– Feature: DuraEdge Technology

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: Excellent consistency. The Rev-Core dampens incoming pace effectively, making resets and defensive hands battles easier than with pure carbon 13mm models.
– Power & Drive: Generates sufficient power, though slightly less sharp “pop” than raw carbon models, prioritizing controlled speed.
– Spin Generation: SpinFlex surface offers better traction than pure fiberglass, achieving high-moderate spin levels suitable for precision placement.
– Sweet Spot Size: Very large, characteristic of SLK’s focus on forgiveness and stability.

Strengths: High level of vibrational dampening, extremely large sweet spot for a 13mm paddle, and comfortable grip ergonomics (SLK Ultra-Comfort Grip).
Limitations: The hybrid face offers good power but lacks the extreme responsiveness of pure T700SC raw carbon.
Ideal For: Intermediate Control Players: Players prioritizing comfort, stability, and a large sweet spot while still benefiting from the quickness of a 13mm core.

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Comparison Insights

The 13mm thickness category is defined by energy return and low swing weight, but the engineering differences in surface material significantly alter the kinetic performance profile. When comparing the top three performers—the Warping Point Ascent, the DGYGQ Raw Carbon, and the Franklin Signature Pro—the technical divergence is clear.

The DGYGQ Raw Carbon excels in surface physics. It utilizes T700SC raw carbon fiber, a material known for its high coefficient of friction, yielding measurable spin rates that often exceed 2000 RPMs under ideal testing conditions. This makes it the superior choice for players whose strategy relies on aggressive topspin and slicing. Key Difference: Aggressive Surface Kinematics (Raw T700SC). It is best for Spin Specialists and Power Baseliners (4.0+ skill level).

The Warping Point Ascent is a marvel of structural engineering. Its utilization of T300 thermoformed unibody construction ensures maximum rigidity and perimeter weighting. Combined with the patented Aero Throat Design, it provides the highest swing speed potential and structural consistency. While its T300 textured grit generates excellent spin, its primary advantage is the outstanding structural feedback on clean contacts. Key Difference: Structural Uniformity and Aerodynamic Efficiency (Unibody Thermoforming). It is best for Advanced Precision Players needing exceptional stability and fast reactions at the kitchen.

The Franklin Signature Pro provides a consistent, approachable alternative by utilizing a fiberglass face paired with the MaxGrit texture. Fiberglass is inherently more viscoelastic than carbon, meaning it dampens vibration and softens the impact feel. This makes the paddle far more forgiving on off-center hits and requires less precise technique for soft shots. Key Difference: Viscoelastic Dampening and Forgiveness (Fiberglass Surface). It is best for Intermediate Power Players transitioning into competitive play who value a large sweet spot and a familiar feel.

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What to Look for When Buying Best 13mm Pickleball Paddles

Key features and specifications to consider

When evaluating the best 13mm pickleball paddles, technical specifications are paramount. The 13mm core thickness inherently provides high kinetic energy return (power). You must evaluate the surface material to determine the control and spin characteristics. Look specifically at the carbon fiber grade (T300 vs. T700SC) or if it utilizes a composite material like fiberglass. T700SC raw carbon is the current industry standard for maximum friction, translating directly to spin potential. Swing weight (kg/cm2) is a crucial, objective metric, indicating the rotational inertia—a higher number means more power but potentially slower hand speed.

Performance factors that matter

The main performance differential in thin paddles is dampening versus responsiveness. A thin 13mm polymer core is highly responsive, offering immediate feedback, but typically provides less dampening than a 16mm core. Advanced engineering factors like thermoformed unibody construction (Warping Point) enhance structural consistency, significantly improving the sweet spot area and overall stability during high-speed exchanges. For players focused on net play, seek paddles explicitly listing optimized aerodynamics (like the Aero Throat) to reduce drag, enhancing reaction time.

Types of Best 13mm Pickleball Paddles Explained

Different categories/types available

The 13mm category primarily segments into two surface material types: Raw Carbon Fiber Paddles and Fiberglass/Composite Paddles. Raw Carbon models are high-friction, spin-focused tools, often incorporating advanced thermoforming. Fiberglass models (like Franklin) offer increased forgiveness and a softer feel, sacrificing extreme spin for a larger, more approachable sweet spot.

Which type suits different playing styles

Players utilizing a control-based strategy should look for thermoformed T300 models (Mint Movemint or Warping Point) which offer exceptional structural rigidity and precision. Aggressive players who rely on trajectory manipulation and power drives should opt for Raw T700SC 13mm cores (DGYGQ or TENVINA), as the surface friction maximizes offensive potential.

Skill level and budget considerations

A beginner should generally avoid the fastest 13mm raw carbon models, as the lack of dampening and high responsiveness magnifies minor technique errors. Intermediate players looking to transition into power should consider the Franklin fiberglass models for high forgiveness and reliable power. Advanced players should invest in premium thermoformed 13mm paddles for the structural consistency required in tournament play.

The best 13mm pickleball paddles Buying Process

Step 1: Identify Your Priority

Do you need maximum spin friction (DGYGQ), supreme structural rigidity and low drag (Warping Point), or a balance of power and dampening (Franklin Signature)? A 13mm paddle is inherently powerful; the priority must be on controlling that power via surface and engineering.

Step 2: Determine Your Budget

Premium, technologically complex paddles like thermoformed carbon can command significantly higher prices. Mid-range 13mm offerings often use traditional compression molding or fiberglass surfaces, offering excellent performance-to-cost ratios for players who are not touring professionals.

Step 3: Match to Your Needs

If you play aggressively in tournaments, the structural advantages of a unibody thermoformed design outweigh the cost. If you play recreationally but want fast hands, prioritize weight distribution (7.7–8.0 oz) and a comfortable grip over niche aerodynamic features.

Understanding Best 13mm Pickleball Paddles Categories

Each category serves distinct needs. Budget 13mm paddles often lack surface texture and specialized core materials, leading to inconsistent rebound. Value 13mm options (like Franklin) provide dependable core technology and reliable surface grit. Premium 13mm models utilize multi-layer T700SC or thermoformed construction to optimize perimeter weighting and maximize spin potential through technical material science.

Making Your best 13mm pickleball paddles Decision

Use this framework to evaluate and compare your options:

• Surface Material: Raw Carbon (Max Spin) vs. Fiberglass (Max Forgiveness).
• Construction Method: Thermoformed Unibody (Max Rigidity) vs. Standard Compression Mold (Standard Power).
• Weight: Optimize for quick hand speed (7.7–8.0 oz).
• Grip Length: Essential for two-handed backhand players (look for extended handles).

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Final Verdict

The 13mm paddle thickness class is highly specialized, catering to players who prioritize kinetic speed and low swing mass. My comprehensive analysis shows distinct winners based on objective performance criteria linked to material science.

Best Overall

Warping Point Ascent Paddles | Carbon Fiber with Aero Throat
The technical engineering of the Warping Point Ascent is unmatched in this category. The unibody thermoformed construction and patented Aero Throat design produce superior structural feedback and the fastest swing speed potential among tested models. Its T300 carbon face provides exceptional precision and controlled power, making it the most reliable choice for high-level competitive play where consistency under pressure is mandatory.

Best Value

Franklin Sports Pro Paddles – Signature Series Pro
This paddle offers exceptional specifications—a proven 13mm polypropylene core, an optimized swing weight (116 kg/cm2), and the reliable MaxGrit fiberglass face—at a price point significantly lower than its specialized carbon counterparts. It delivers tournament-ready power and a forgiving sweet spot without the premium cost of raw carbon technology.

Best for Spin Generation

DGYGQ Pickleball Paddles, Carbon Fiber Paddle
For players whose strategy is built on manipulating trajectory, the T700SC Raw Carbon Fiber surface of the DGYGQ is the definitive choice. Its high-friction surface provides the rotational speed necessary for advanced slice serves and penetrating topspin drives from the baseline.

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Common Questions About Best 13mm Pickleball Paddles

What Are the Best 13mm Pickleball Paddles Engineered for Maximum Spin?

The best 13mm pickleball paddles engineered for maximum spin are those utilizing T700SC Raw Carbon Fiber faces. This material, due to its texture and non-sanded surface, provides the highest coefficient of friction, allowing players to impart maximal rotation (RPMs) on the ball during drives and serves.

How Does the 13mm Core Thickness Impact Power and Control?

The 13mm core is inherently stiffer and thinner than standard 16mm or 19mm cores. This thickness reduces the time the ball remains in contact with the paddle face (dwell time), leading to a much faster energy transfer and higher exit velocity (power). The trade-off is reduced dampening, meaning less margin for error and requiring higher control precision during soft play (dinking).

Is Thermoformed Construction Superior for Thin 13mm Paddles?

Yes, from a structural integrity standpoint, thermoformed construction is highly beneficial for thinner 13mm paddles. By bonding the core and face materials under high heat and pressure, thermoforming creates a unibody construction. This eliminates structural weak points, enhances perimeter weighting, and significantly improves the stability and consistency of the sweet spot, which is critical in a high-power, low-dampening paddle.

What is the Difference Between T300 and T700SC Carbon Fiber in Paddle Faces?

T300 and T700SC are designations for carbon fiber grades relating to tensile strength and modulus. In paddle terms, T700SC typically refers to higher-grade raw carbon, often associated with a rougher surface texture that is optimized strictly for maximum friction/spin. T300 is often found in thermoformed paddles and provides high rigidity and durability, focusing more on structural consistency than extreme surface grit.

Should Beginners Purchase a 13mm Thickness Paddle?

Generally, beginners are advised to start with 16mm or 19mm paddles. The high power and low forgiveness profile of 13mm paddles often exacerbates inconsistencies in technique, making the learning curve steeper. While a 13mm composite (fiberglass) paddle can be manageable, the premium raw carbon 13mm models are best reserved for intermediate and advanced players who possess established stroke technique and touch.