There will be a time where you move past the beginner stages of pickleball. Your skills surpass entry-level and your playing requires a paddle of a higher caliber. As you move into this intermediate stage, you may start to feel like your fist paddle just isn’t cutting it anymore. You need a more professional paddle that can keep up with your skill level.
There are dozens of intermediate pickleball paddles and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Choosing the right pickleball paddle however, can have an immediate improvement in your performance on the court. We’ve researched dozens of top rated trusted brands to provide you with our selection of best intermediate pickleball paddles for 2023.
JOOLA Method CTS 12 Pickleball Paddle
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| $99.95 |
Joola USA |
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For the beginner player looking for maximum control and power. It offers a generous sweet spot and provides tons of spin. Enhanced edge guard protection to help strengthen the solidity of the paddle core and help keep the surface from delaminating. Carbon Flex3 textured surface that grips the ball to create more spin. Provides reduced vibration and a generous sweet spot with amazing feedback, feel, and control necessary for dinks, blocks, and drives.
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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| $128.00 |
Selkirk |
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Edgeless paddle with a low profile design. DuraEdge technology designed to extend the life of the paddle. Large sweet spot providing stellar power while maintaining control. Manufactured 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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| $89.99 |
Big Dill |
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Tired of boring paddles? This company put the fun in functional, with awesome designs that bring a smile to your face with every game. But don't worry, the paddles are versatile, and balanced for many types of players and play.
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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| $129.99 |
Paddletek |
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The Paddletek Tempest Wave II includes the Tempest PolyCore which features graphite
in the core to dampen vibrations while keeping the paddle lightweight. This paddle
excels when playing at the net. Those who pride themselves on strategic play and
control will enjoy this paddle. If you’re looking for a power paddle, this model is not for
you. The Tempest Wave II provides a big upgrade from many beginner paddles. For the
price, this paddle is a good deal for an intermediate player looking to hone in on
accuracy and ball control.
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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| $79.99 |
Nettie |
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After using the Play Nettie Pro paddle extensively, I can confidently say that this paddle is a game-changer in the world of pickleball. The pro power uses 18k twilled raw carbon fiber, while the pro control uses 3k twilled. This is the leading technology in surface materials for pickleball paddles. The high-end carbon fiber surface is the most durable around. My personal favorite is their pro power paddle which is slightly less thick but allows for greater power and pop. Overall, the design is very clean, the handle feels smooth, and the performance is equivalent to a paddle in its 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
On Holiday Pickleball paddle
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| $70.00 |
On Holiday |
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The On holiday paddle is a great option for beginners looking for a durable paddle with a lot of power.
Product Details
Specifications
Material: FiberglassCore: HoneycombGrip: Condensed foamGrip Size: 4.25"Weight: 7.5 - 8 OZ
Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle
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| $150.00 |
Selkirk |
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The Selkirk Amped S2 paddle has a large face and short handle, ideal for beginners to
intermediate players. You can oder the paddle in various weights and grip options. The
S2 has the largest face in the Amped lineup. The Fiberflex technology dampens the
vibration along with a thicker core. The Amped S2 is a well balanced paddle offering
decent control and a vast sweetspot. It does offer some top spin along with average
power. However, you do not want to play with robust power until you have mastered
control, and this paddle is geared toward a beginner to intermediate player. This model
is great if you are a tennis player looking to get into pickleball. or simply a beginner
looking to take their game to the next level.
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
Best intermediate pickleball buyer’s guide:
Material
As you surely know by now, paddle material plays a crucial role in the game of pickleball. It’s time to dump the graphite and wooden paddles and upgrade to a more durable carbon fiber paddle. The companies listed in this guide all offer higher end durable paddles made with quality materials
Spin
At an intermediate skill level you should be able to start playing around with spin. Look for paddles that have a textured face. Learning how to place spin on the ball is something that will really put your opponents on edge.
Balanced to tailored specs.
For beginners we recommend sticking to less expensive paddles that are more forgiving. These paddles are mid-range in areas such as weight, control, power, and price. At an intermediate level you should be able to determine if you prefer something more lightweight or heavier. You understand whether you like a more powerful or controlled paddle.
Things to consider:
Amount of time spent
Pickleball is an extremely quick sport to pick up. Within a few months of consistent play, your probably graduating to the intermediate level.
Mindset
Confidence is key here. It’s easy to get frustrated when so many recreational players seem to crush it. But remember, everyone started somewhere and an upgraded paddle can definitely take you to the next level!
