Best intermediate Pickleball Paddles

Are you starting to feel like your pickleball skills are outgrowing your beginner paddle? Congratulations! This means that you have entered the intermediate stage of pickleball and are ready for a more professional pickleball paddle.

Your performance on the court can be greatly impacted by your choice of paddle. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect intermediate pickleball paddle. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best intermediate pickleball paddles for 2024.

JOOLA Method CTS 12 Pickleball Paddle

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Price *$99.95	Sold ByJoola USA	Shop Amazon

85 Overall Score

For the novice player seeking the most power and control possible. It gives off a lot of spin and has a sizable sweet spot. Increased edge guard protection to aid in maintaining the paddle core's structural integrity and preventing surface delamination. The rough Carbon Flex3 surface grabs the ball to increase spin. Reduces vibration and has a wide sweet spot that is perfect for dinks, blocks, and drives. It also has incredible feedback, feel, and control.

Product Details

Specifications

Avg. Weight: 8.2 ozLength: 15.5”Width : 8.3”Thickness: 12 mmHandle Length: 5.5”Handle Shape: ElongatedGrip Size: 4” (may vary)Face Material: Carbon touch surfaceCore: Honeycomb polymer-smoothShape: TraditionalSpin: 85/100Grip: Perforated sure-gripEdge Guard: YesColors: 1

Pros

USAPA approvedGenerous sweet spotControl rating 93/100Power rating 86/100Spin rating 85/100

Cons

Limited warranty- 6 monthsPaddle is a bit shorter than others

SLK Omega Pickleball Paddle

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Price *$128.00	Sold BySelkirk	Shop Amazon

90 Overall Score

Low profile, edgeless paddle design. The DuraEdge technology is intended to prolong the paddle's lifespan. Huge sweet spot offering amazing power without sacrificing control. produced in the USA.

Product Details

Specifications

Weight: 7.7-8.0 ozLength: 16"Width: 7.85"Thickness: .5"Handle Length: 4.85"Handle Shape: TennisGrip Size: 4.25"Face Material: GC9-Flex Dual Carbon and Fiberglass Core: Rev-Core Power Polymer Edge Guard: No

Pros

High amount of spinWell balanced. Head neutral.Similar to the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air at a much lower price pointUSAPA approvedControlLarge sweet spot

Cons

A tad lightEdgeless design makes the paddle prone to scratchedCan lose power and control if hitting on the edge

Big Dill Original Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

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Price *$89.99	Sold ByBig Dill	Shop Website

86 Overall Score

Are you sick of dull paddles? With amazing designs that make you smile every time you play a game, this business brought the fun factor into functionality. But fear not—the paddles are balanced and adaptable to suit a wide range of players.

Product Details

Specifications

Weight: 7.8 ozLength: 15.6"Width: 7.8"Thickness: .5"Handle Length: 4.75"Grip Size: 4.5"Face Material: Carbon fiberCore: Polypropylene honeycombGrip: Padded, absorbentEdge Guard: Yes

Pros

Limited lifetime warrantyUSAPA approvedCover includedUSA based company

Cons

30 day return period if unusedFace is smooth (non textured)States the paddle is for all playing levels, but it is best for beginners to intermediate

Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle

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Price *$129.99	Sold ByPaddletek	Shop Amazon

90 Overall Score

Graphite is used in the core of the Paddletek Tempest Wave II's Tempest PolyCore, which reduces vibrations while maintaining the paddle's lightweight design. Playing at the net is where this paddle shines. This paddle will appeal to those who take great pleasure in their strategic play and control. This model isn't what you need if you're searching for a power paddle. A significant improvement over many novice paddles is offered by the Tempest Wave II. This paddle is a great option for an intermediate player who wants to improve their accuracy and ball control given its affordability.

Product Details

Specifications

Weight: 7.4-7.8 ozLength: 15 ⅞”Thickness: 12.7mmHandle Length: 5.25 ”Grip Size: 4.25”Face Material: GraphiteCore: High Grade Carbon Fiber Polymer Composite HoneycombGrit: TexturedGrip: Perforated -High tack performance grip

Pros

Available in 5 colorsTextured grit surfaceUSAPA approvedLightweight with low vibrationLimited lifetime guarantee

Cons

Average spin for more advanced playersNot optimal for power

Play Nettie Pro Control/Power Pickleball Paddle

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Price *$79.99	Sold ByNettie	Shop Website

84 Overall Score

We can state with confidence that the Play Nettie Pro paddle is a game-changer in the pickleball world after using it extensively. While the pro-control utilizes 3k twill carbon fiber, the pro-power uses 18k twilled raw carbon fiber. This is the most advanced surface material technology available for pickleball paddles. The premium carbon fiber surface is the toughest available. Their pro power paddle, which is marginally thinner but still offers more pop and power, is my personal favorite. All things considered, the handle is smooth, the design is quite clean, and the performance is on par with paddles in the same price range.

Product Details

Specifications

Weight: 7.9-8.1 ozLength: 15.75”Width: 7.75”Thickness: 13 mmFace Material: 18K Twilled Carbon FiberCore: Polymer HoneycombGrip: Vegan leather, Perforated Sweat Proof , CushionedColors: 4

Pros

USAPA ApprovedOption to purchase as a set of 2 (paddles, balls and headbands)Gift box for the set make a wonderful gift presentationComfortable grip

Cons

Expensive

On Holiday Pickleball paddle

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Price *$70.00	Sold ByOn Holiday	Shop Website

83 Overall Score

With its colorful and whimsical design that includes waves, beach chairs, and palm palms, the On Holiday Pickleball Paddle sticks out and gives your gaming a tropical feel. This paddle has a playful look, but it's made for serious performance. Its fiberglass face and robust polypropylene core make it lightweight and strong. Beginners looking for better accuracy and consistency will find its wider shape, which offers a larger sweet spot, ideal. It guarantees hours of comfortable play for players of all skill levels with a slightly smaller circumference and a comfortable cushioned grip.

Product Details

Specifications

Material: FiberglassCore: HoneycombGrip: Condensed foamGrip Size: 4.25"Weight: 7.5 - 8 OZ

Pros

Good for power

Cons

Not USAPA approved

Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle

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Price *$150.00	Sold BySelkirk	Shop Amazon

92 Overall Score

With its broad face and short grip, the Selkirk Amped S2 paddle is perfect for beginning to intermediate players. The paddle comes with a choice of grips and weights. Among the Amped portfolio, the S2 boasts the largest face. Fiberflex technology and a thicker core work together to reduce vibration. The well-balanced Amped S2 paddle provides good control and a large sweet spot. It does have medium power and considerable top spin. But, until you have learned control, you should avoid playing with a lot of strength.

Product Details

Specifications

Weight: 7.4-8.4 ozLength: 15.75”Handle Length: 4.5 ”Face Material: FiberglassCore: X5 honeycomb polypropyleneGrit: Textured

Pros

USAPA approvedLimited lifetime warrantyMade in the USAGood for small handsVery large face=excellent sweet spot

Cons

Short handle

Best Intermediate Pickleball Buyer’s Guide

The pickleball paddle is the number one essential piece of equipment for pickleball players and here we go over a few specifics for choosing the right pickleball paddle for an intermediate player.

• Weight: Weight is the other facet of your paddle that can really impact how much control you have, and how much power you can generate. A medium-weight paddle is a reasonable compromise for the intermediate player.
• Core: The core of the paddle is one of the most significant aspects. The core can be either polymer or composite. Polymer cores make a softer feeling paddle that gives you more touch and control. Composite cores are denser, making a harder paddle that gives you more power. If you are an intermediate player, go with a paddle that has a composite core to add power to your shots.
• Grip: The paddle will be uncomfortable and you’ll lose control if it’s too small. You’ll experience muscle fatigue if the grip circumference is too large. The best way to do this is to reach into a point halfway through the shaft’s length with your relaxed grip: there should be room for your index finger to fit between your palm and tip of your fingers.
• Design: On the other hand, design refers to the last aspect of the paddle. A person’s preference can lead them to select a traditional, rectangle-shaped or a modern, more elongated paddle shape. One must try out various designs before they can conclude which one fits their comfort zone and is most natural for them.

The Best Pickleball Paddle For Intermediate Players— Things to Consider

1. The Face Size

The face size of a paddle matters the most. However, you get options of different sizes, from regular, narrower ones to longer, square ones when looking for that perfect pickleball paddle. However, among all the options, the square paddle is the one that is most helpful for beginners to intermediate players when taking shots because of their bigger sweet spots, i.e., the part where you hit the ball.

Paddles with narrow face sizes are easier to move, but your aim might need to be more accurate.

Also Read: What Are The Top Pickleball Paddle Brands

2. Material of the Paddle

When looking for the best pickleball paddle, the material it is made of really matters a lot. The material of a paddle decides how well it will work regardless of the size of the pickleball court.

Pickleball paddles are mostly made from—

Remember, when choosing the material keep your playing style in mind—whether you like attacking or defending, is important.

3. The Grip/Length of the Handle

The most important part of your paddle is the handle. The better the grip the better your shot. Make sure your grip is neither too tight nor too loose—so you can hold your paddle confidently while playing.

4. The Weight of the Paddle

The weight of a pickleball paddle is very important, especially when it comes to intermediate players. The paddle with the right weight helps players to hit the ball harder without any difficulty.

For example, a paddle that is heavy can be difficult to handle or move while playing. On the other hand, if it is too lightweight, hitting the ball with full power and speed might be challenging too. Therefore, paddles weighing around 5-8 ounces are best for intermediate players. They are not only easy to handle but also have the right and appropriate amount of strength to hit the ball hard enough.

Also Read: What is Pickleball Ranking – Skill Levels & Ratings

The Importance of Getting Yourself the Right Paddle

Improves Performance—

• Selecting the right paddle is like almost winning the match. It not only improves your playing ability but also helps get the right shot.
• The right weight, balance, and design of a paddle enhance the ability to control the ball and showcase your playing strategies effortlessly.

A Hit or a Miss Depends on Your Paddle—

• In pickleball, the result of every hit depends on your paddle. The comfortable grip and the right weight can only decide whether your shots are powerful or not.

You Can Score Better with a Suitable Paddle:

• The right paddle is the one whose design and specifications blend seamlessly with your playing style and technique. If you are a player who prefers finesse and control while playing, a paddle with a smaller hitting surface might be a great choice. However, a larger hitting surface might work best for players who are good at power shots.
• When your paddle compliments your playing style it is easier to win a match.

The Right Paddle Provides an Enjoyable and Satisfying Playing Experience:

• Playing with the right paddle gives you a feeling of joy and excitement while going for a match. It also decreases the chances of tiered hands or wrist strain.

Take time to choose the right paddle that aligns with your playing style and requirements to improve your pickleball game.

Final Thoughts— Compare to Find the Best Pickleball Paddle For Intermediate Players with Pickleball Advisor!

Conclusion:

Picking the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players is extremely important as it can help them improve their game and make the journey from an intermediate to a professional player much easier.

Luckily, with Pickleball Advisor, you can easily compare before you make your decision. We help you figure out which paddle works best for you and take your pickleball journey as an intermediate to the next level.