Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players

1. Weight

• Lightweight Paddles (6.5-7.2 ounces): Offer more control and maneuverability but less power.
• Mid-weight Paddles (7.3-8.4 ounces): Provide a good balance of power and control, ideal for intermediate players.
• Heavyweight Paddles (8.5-9.5 ounces): Offer more power but less control and can cause arm fatigue.

2. Grip Size

• Small Grip (4-4.25 inches): Allows for better wrist action and spin, suitable for players with smaller hands.
• Medium Grip (4.25-4.5 inches): Provides a balance of control and comfort, fitting most players.
• Large Grip (4.5+ inches): Offers more stability and reduces stress on the arm, ideal for players with larger hands.

3. Material

• Graphite: Lightweight, provides excellent control and touch, ideal for finesse players.
• Composite: Made from a mix of materials, offers a good balance of power and control, and is slightly heavier than graphite.
• Wood: Generally heavier and less expensive, suitable for beginners but not recommended for intermediate players looking to improve.

4. Core Material

• Polymer Core: Most common, offers good power and control, quieter.
• Nomex Core: Harder and louder, provides more power and a responsive feel.
• Aluminum Core: Lightweight, offers excellent control but less power.

5. Shape

• Wide-Body Shape: Offers a larger sweet spot, which is more forgiving and helps with consistent shots.
• Elongated Shape: Provides more reach and leverage, good for players who rely on powerful shots.
• Standard Shape: Balanced option for a mix of control and power.

6. Surface Texture

• Smooth Surface: Provides less spin but more consistent shots.
• Textured Surface: Allows for more spin and better control over the ball’s trajectory.

7. Price

• Intermediate players should look for paddles in the mid-range price category (around $50-$150). Higher-end paddles offer better technology and materials but can be more expensive.

1. Selkirk Amped S2

• Features: A large sweet spot, FiberFlex fiberglass face, and a X5 polypropylene core.
• Pros: Great balance of power and control, comfortable handle.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive.

2. Onix Z5 Graphite

• Features: Graphite face, Nomex honeycomb core, and a wide-body shape.
• Pros: Lightweight, excellent touch and control, affordable.
• Cons: Less power compared to heavier paddles.
• Check Amazon

3. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

• Features: Textured graphite surface, Tempest PolyCore.
• Pros: High level of control, good for spin, lightweight.
• Cons: Higher price point.
• Check Amazon

4. Engage Encore 6.0

• Features: FiberTEK skin, Core and PowerControl technology.
• Pros: Superior control and spin, large sweet spot.
• Cons: Can be heavier than other options.
• Check Amazon

5. ProLite Titan Pro

• Features: Carbon fiber face, QuadCore polymer core.
• Pros: Excellent touch and control, durable.
• Cons: Expensive.
• Check Amazon

6. Gamma Needle

• Features: Textured graphite surface, Sensa Poly Core.
• Pros: Great control and precision, affordable.
• Cons: Limited power.
• Check Amazon

7. HEAD Radical Pro

• Features: Composite face, Optimized Tubular Construction.
• Pros: Good balance of power and control, comfortable grip.
• Cons: Heavier than some competitors.
• Check Amazon

8. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16

• Features: Carbon friction surface, reactive polymer core.
• Pros: High control and spin potential, comfortable.
• Cons: Higher cost.
• Check Amazon

Tips for Choosing a Paddle:

• Weight: Intermediate players often prefer mid-weight paddles (7.5-8.5 ounces) for a balance of power and control.
• Grip Size: Choose a grip that feels comfortable. Smaller grips allow for better wrist action; larger grips provide more stability.
• Material: Graphite and carbon fiber faces offer better control and touch, while composite paddles provide more power.
• Shape: Wider paddles offer a larger sweet spot, which can be beneficial for consistency.

Conclusion:

Each of these paddles has been well-reviewed and is suitable for intermediate players looking to improve their game.

Consider your play style, preferences for power vs. control, and budget when selecting the best paddle for your needs.