Key Differences Between Pickleball Paddle Cores: Which One Is Right for You?

If you’ve ever shopped for pickleball paddles, you’ve probably noticed that each one has some kind of “core” material and people seem to have a strong opinion about which one is best.

It’s easy to get lost in the jargon, especially if you’re just getting started.

The truth is, your paddle’s core material makes a huge difference in how the paddle feels, how much control you have, how hard you can hit, and even how long the paddle lasts. However, there’s no one-size-fits all, best core for pickleball paddles.

In this post, we’ll cover the four most common core materials, Nomex, polymer, aluminum, and SST, and explain how each one performs. We’ll also go over how core thickness affects your game and help you narrow down what to look for when it’s time to buy pickleball paddles.

What is a Pickleball Paddle Core?

The core is the inner section of the paddle, sandwiched between its two face surfaces (usually fiberglass or carbon fiber). It’s the material that gives the paddle its structure and determines how much energy is transferred from the paddle to the ball.

While the paddle face influences surface spin and grip, the core handles impact, power, and control. The shape and material of the core affect how much “pop” the ball gets off your paddle and how much feedback you feel with each shot.

Each core material brings its own balance of weight, power, softness, and responsiveness—so choosing the right one can impact how your paddle performs on the court.

1) Nomex Core Pickleball Paddles

Nomex is one of the original core types used in pickleball. It’s made from a paper-like material formed into a honeycomb structure and then coated with resin.

Nomex cores provide a strong, responsive feel with plenty of power behind each shot. They also tend to be louder than other options.

Advantages:

High power and responsiveness
Very durable over time
Ideal for aggressive or fast-paced play

Drawbacks:

A loud sound, which may not be allowed in some communities or clubs
Lower touch sensitivity for soft shots
Less forgiving for new players

Nomex core pickleball paddles are often preferred by experienced players who prioritize power and speed over finesse.

2) Polymer Core Pickleball Paddles

By far the most common core on the market today, polymer core pickleball paddles (also called poly cores) are constructed from a plastic honeycomb structure. These paddles offer a balanced mix of power, control, and comfort.

Polymer cores provide a softer feel with less vibration and a quieter sound. They’re especially good for control-based gameplay.

Advantages:

Quiet and smooth on contact
Balanced power and control
Excellent for dinking and drop shots

Drawbacks:

Slightly less power compared to Nomex
May wear down faster with heavy use

If you’re new to the sport or looking for reliable, all-around performance, polymer paddles are a great place to start. Many pickleball paddles for beginners feature polymer cores because they’re more forgiving and easier to manage.

3) Aluminum Core Pickleball Paddles

Aluminum is another honeycomb material that’s been around for a while. Aluminum core pickleball paddles are known for being lightweight with excellent control. However, they don’t give you much in terms of power.

Advantages:

Very light (great for people with wrist or elbow issues)
High level of control
Good for quick net play

Drawbacks:

Lacks power
Can dent easier than other cores
Harder to find high-end paddles with aluminum these days

Aluminum core paddles are more manageable for finesse players or those with physical limitations. But if you’re trying to dominate with speed and strength, it may fall short.

4) SST Core Pickleball Paddle

SST stands for “Solid Span Technology,” a newer and more premium option. The SST core pickleball paddle features vertical carbon fiber tubes instead of the traditional honeycomb structure. It’s designed to give consistent rebounds, reduce vibration, and offer an ultra-smooth feel.

Advantages:

Ultra-consistent rebound
Minimal vibration
Durable, high-quality construction

Drawbacks:

Higher price point
Can take time to adjust
Less common on the market

SST paddles are gaining traction among competitive players, particularly those who emphasize control and comfort.

Core Thickness: Why It Matters

Core thickness is another important factor that affects paddle performance. Most paddles range from 11mm to 16mm in thickness. The difference may sound small, but it changes the feel of your paddle significantly.

Thicker cores (typically 16mm): More control and less pop. Best for soft game players or those focused on dinking and accuracy.
Thinner cores (typically 13mm or less): More power and quicker response, but reduced control and feel.

When evaluating the pickleball paddle core thickness, think about how your control versus power needs. Many experienced players choose thicker cores for control-based strategies, while beginners or aggressive players may lean toward thinner cores to maximize energy transfer.

Verdict: Choose What Feels Right—Not Just What’s Popular

Don’t just follow trends or buy the priciest paddle on the wall. Instead, ask yourself a few questions:

Do I prefer power or control?
Am I comfortable with a louder paddle, or do I need something quieter?
Do I play with finesse, or do I swing big and fast?
Is weight or vibration a concern for my wrist or elbow?
Am I still learning, or do I have a more advanced skill set?

Once you know the answers, it’s a lot easier to buy pickleball paddles that help you play better.

If you’re brand new, start with a pickleball paddle set or a few pickleball paddles for beginners that use polymer cores and medium thickness. That’ll give you room to grow without overwhelming you right out of the gate.

As you get more competitive, try out paddles with different cores to find what suits you best. And if possible, test them out before you buy.

Final Thoughts

Your paddle’s core is more than just an internal component—it directly affects how you play, how you improve, and how much you enjoy the game. With so many pickleball paddle core material options on the market, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the differences between them.

At Boomer Pickleball, we make it easy to find a paddle that works for your game. Our collection features the latest polymer core paddles built for reliable performance and all-day comfort.