Pickleball is an interesting game, and players who have mastered the basic skill set of this game can move to the intermediate level and must have the right pickleball paddles to move to the advanced level briskly. The best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players are lightweight, durable, strong, and comfortable for players to play with this gear for a long time. Choosing the perfect paddle for the play style is not easy, with too many options available.
You can improvise the game by upgrading the paddle. Pickleball paddles for 3.5 players are specifically designed to cater to intermediate-level players who have developed a certain level of skill and technique in the sport. These paddles offer a balance of control, power, and maneuverability to complement the playing style of 3.5 players.
| 1. | XS XSPAK 1.0 Pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 2. | Joola Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 3. | Vinsguir graphite pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 4. | Amazin aces classic graphite pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 5. | Rally PX graphite pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 6. | Onix graphite Z5 | Buy it On Amazon |
| 7. | Head extreme tour lite pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
While investing in the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players can certainly elevate your game, for a comprehensive training experience, you might also want to explore our guide to the Best Pickleball Machines, which can help enhance your skills and provide invaluable practice opportunities.
Best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players
We have reviewed the top 7 best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players with pros and cons. The reviews will help you choose the right one that fits your budget and play style. We have narrowed down the choices and picked only seven after a thorough review. These are known for performance and control over the game and give you the required power to hit powerful shots.
1. XS XSPAK 1.0 Pickleball paddle
XS XSPAK 1.0 is one of the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players. It is made of solid material to last longer despite playing intensive matches or long tournaments. Players of different levels can use this paddle to play pickleball. However, it is ideally made for intermediate players. The graphite-faced paddle has a light texture and ample power and spins to bounce the ball. You will get the required speed to hit the ball with high accuracy. The polymer honeycomb core will produce less sound when hitting the ball. With the honeycomb core holes, it absorbs the sound and lets you enjoy the game without causing any disturbance to others. The paddle is 8 inches in width and 15.6 inches in length. It is ideal for all the players to play the game. The paddle size offers a wide sweet spot to hit accurate and powerful shots.
Intermediate players love playing with this lightweight paddle that is 8-ounce. Players who are injured can play with this paddle. With this mid-weight paddle, you can enjoy great shots that balance power and control. It uses a perforated texture that is free from sweat and offers comfort to the hand to enjoy the game for a long time. There is a 1/5 edge cover to improve the longevity and safety of the paddle. For additional protection, there is also a portable bag that comes with this paddle set.
Specifications
- Size – 15.6 inches
- Grip size – 4 ¼ inches
- Material – Carbon fibre
- Skill level – Beginner to intermediate level
- Frame material – Carbon fiber
- Shaft material – Graphite
- Weight – 8 ounces
Pros
- It is equipped with a protective cover to protect the paddle
- USAPA approved
- Offer excellent spin and control over the game
- Perfect for hitting spin shots
Cons
- Not a good option for power hits
When considering the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players, it’s worth exploring specialized options like those designed for spin. For players looking to add more spin to their shots, check out our guide to the Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin, where we review paddles that offer enhanced grip and surface technology to help you achieve greater control and spin on the court.”
2. Joola Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball paddle
Joola Ben Johns is one of the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players that is USAPA approved and is an ideal choice for players of different skill levels, and exclusively it is for intermediate players. The 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core will compress and absorb shocks produced when you hit hard shots. The honeycomb core-made paddle makes this gear lightweight, durable, and easy to carry when going to tournaments and practice games.
The ridged grip does not let the sweat have an impact on the game. There is a non-slippery grip that lets you hold the racquet tight to enjoy the game to the core. The grip length is 5.5 inches and is ideal for playing two-handed backhands. Players with small hands will not make you feel comfortable playing with this paddle. The carbon abrasion surface not only offers spin but also enough power while playing the game. The weight of the paddle is 8.3 ounces, which is slightly heavier. It also comes with a warranty to offer a replacement if there is any damage during the warranty period.
Specifications
- Size – One size
- Grip size – 5.5 x 4.25 Inches
- Material – plastic
- Skill level – all
- Frame material – graphite
- Weight – 0.52 pounds
Pros
- Offer excellent spin
- Suitable for players to play the game with different skill levels
- Gives a smooth feel when you hold this to play the game for hours together
Cons
- Expensive
3. Vinsguir graphite pickleball paddle
Vinsguir is one of the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players using which you can practice the game rigorously and take part in competitions. Many features are offered by this paddle, especially wonderful colors and attractive design. The paint also remains the same despite being exposed to UV rays. The polymer honeycomb covers the racquet on both sides with carbon fiber sheets. Honeycomb is an ideal choice to be used in paddles to have moderate control over the game for players. The graphite surface is lightweight and lets players hold this longer to hit accurate and better spin shots. Using these materials, you can boost the racquet’s life.
The 7.8-ounce paddle weight improves the speed and agility of the game. You can also swing the paddle as long as you want without getting tired. The paddles are made in a way that the weight is distributed between the handle and face of the paddle to offer a great balance. The handle used is smooth and comfortable to hold. It is non-slippery at 4.92 inches and has a grip length of 4.25 inches circumference, making it ideal for players to use. These are perfect to be used to reduce noise and vibrations while playing.
Specifications
- Size – Medium
- Grip size – 4.92 inches
- Material – Graphite
- Skill level – Beginner to intermediate
- Frame material – Polypropylene
- Shaft material – ABS
- Weight – 0.22 kilograms
- Age- Adults
Pros
- Comes with an indoor ball
- A travel bag is of superior quality
- Offer comfortable grip
- The perfect paddle for causal as well as professional players
Cons
- The paddle is found to be thin
4. Amazin aces classic graphite pickleball paddle
Amazin is one of the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players. This comes with two paddles, four pickleballs, and a carrying bag that will let you keep the whole paddle set in one place. The mid-weight design is ideal for intermediate players. It offers great control and power. It comes with a comfortable grip that lets you play the matches for a long time and hours together without feeling fatigued. The high-performance polymer core makes this paddle ideal for playing indoors without producing much noise while hitting great shots. It is good to be used in communities where noise is restricted.
The soft and flexible paddles offer a middle ground for players to enjoy the game and have better control over it. The graphite face and wide sweet spot will let them hit successful shots. The edge guards will offer protection and increase the life span of the pickleball paddle. It comes with a year’s warranty. With this, you can fix or replace the paddle if it has any breakage or damage.
Specifications
- Grip size – 4.5 inches
- Material – Graphite
- Skill level – Beginners to intermediate level
- Frame material – Graphite
- Shaft material – Graphite
- Weight – 1.85 pounds
- Age- Adults
Pros
- The grip is hand-stitched to offer the comfort required
- Easy to handle
- Lightweight
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not USAPA approved
- Not suitable to be used for playing tournaments
5. Rally PX graphite pickleball paddle
Rally PX graphite pickleball paddle is one of the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players. However, it can also be used by beginners to practice or play tournaments with this paddle. It is lightweight and easier to move flexibly in different directions or angles. The weight of the paddle ranges from 7.8 to 8 ounces. It is ideal for players of different skill levels and prevents elbow injuries. The graphite face with Nomex core offers resistance to paddle from dents. The paddle gives power to the players to play. With the wide graphite carbon face and sweet spot, the player gets enough space to hit great shots. There are also chances for you to miss the target when hitting off-center shots.
With this paddle, you can have more control over the ball and spins. The construction of the paddle is also solid and durable. With the honeycomb composite polymer core, it offers you a smooth surface to hit shots without producing much noise and keeping the vibrations at bay. The paddle is 5 inches long and 4.25 inches in circumference, which is an ideal fit for the majority of players. The handle is smooth to hold and absorbs sweat without letting you experience slipperiness while playing in scorching summer or matches back-to-back.
Specifications
- Size – Extra large
- Grip size – 4 ¼ inches
- Skill level – all
- Frame material – Carbon fiber
- Shaft material – Graphite
- Weight – 0.48 pounds
- Age – Adult
Pros
- USAPA approved
- Suitable for people who are suffering from arthritis
- Available in a myriad of colors
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable to play in the green zone communities
- An edge guard is not as expected
6. Onix graphite Z5
Onix is one of the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players. It can be used by beginners too. It offers you a lot of features to enhance your gaming performance on the court and is available at an affordable price. The shape of the paddle will be in the shape of a tennis racquet. It is made with a Nomex honeycomb core and a wide body shape to hit powerful shots. The graphite surface of the paddle offers you great speed and control over the game. The mid-weight paddle is also ideal for people who are suffering from tennis elbow.
Although the paddle has some durability issues, this is what you can expect for the money spent. It also has an edge guard that keeps the paddle safe despite extreme wear and tear during the game. You can have this paddle to play with for hours together and longer matches.
Specifications
- Size – one size
- Grip size – 4 ¼ inches
- Material – Plastic
- Skill level – Beginner to intermediate level
- Frame material – Carbon fiber
- Shaft material – Graphite
- Weight – 0.51 pounds
- Age- adults
Pros
- Light to mid weight to hold this comfortably and play longer gaming sessions
- Comfortable grip to absorb sweat and reduce slipperiness
- Graphite surface to reduce vibrations and let the ball bounce
Cons
- Some players find the handle length of the paddle to be shorter
If you’re a tennis player transitioning to pickleball, you may find our guide to the Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players particularly helpful. We explore paddles specifically designed to cater to the needs and playing style of tennis players transitioning to pickleball, offering familiarity and performance that can enhance your experience as a 3.5 player.
7. Head extreme tour lite pickleball paddle
The Head Extreme Tour Lite pickleball paddle is one of the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players to win the games on the court. It is the ultimate choice for many top players. Also, it is USAPA-approved and perfect to be used to enjoy playing multiple tournaments. Despite this paddle being pricey it offers the right shape and control over the game. Having this paddle, you can enhance your gaming performance and hit shots with great precision. Another great advantage you can reap from having this paddle with you is that it is lightweight. With the head of the paddle being reduced, it makes you feel lighter when you are playing the game with this paddle. You can swing and maneuver the paddle in different directions. It gives a lightweight feel for players who are playing the game for multiple rounds or practicing intensively.
The grip offers great comfort to hold and immense satisfaction for players. However, it is not satiable for players who expect a lot of power with this paddle. With the paddle being lightweight, you must use a lot of force to add speed to the ball when you hit great shots. The surface of the paddle is made with graphite material to offer better spin and control. The ergo grip gives a great feel and lets you play the game for hours together. It is ideal for players who prefer to have a lightweight paddle with them.
Specifications
- Size – 4 1/8 inches
- Grip size – 4 1/8 inches
- Material – graphite
- Skill level – all
- Frame and shaft material – Graphite
- Weight – 204 grams
Pros
- Lightweight
- Better control over the game
- Diamond shape
Cons
- Pricey
- Not so powerful
Once you’ve chosen the perfect paddle from our list of the Best Pickleball Paddles for 3.5 Players, it’s important to pair it with the right pickleball balls. Check out our guide to the Best Pickleball Balls, where we review top-quality options that complement the playing style of intermediate players and provide an optimal playing experience
Characteristics of pickleball paddles suitable for 3.5 players may include
- Control-oriented design: Paddles with a larger sweet spot and forgiving face help players maintain control during shots and reduce mishits.
- Medium weight: Paddles with a medium weight provide a good balance between power and maneuverability, allowing players to generate adequate swing speed while maintaining control.
- Polymer core: Many 3.5-level paddles feature a polymer core that offers a blend of power and touch, providing good ball responsiveness and control.
- Comfortable grip: Paddles with cushioned and ergonomic grips help prevent hand fatigue during prolonged play and provide a comfortable feel.
- Durable construction: 3.5-level paddles are often built with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of regular play and maintain their performance over time.
It’s important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the best paddle for individual players, so it’s recommended to try different paddles to find the one that suits your playing style and preferences the most.
Conclusion
We have listed down the top 7 best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players. We have considered the materials, features, and flexibility that this paddle offers to the player to enjoy the game. All the paddles listed in this article offer great control over the game. The paddle is also sturdy, lightweight, and durable to use.
Most of them are USAPA-approved. If you have decided to take part in the tournament or want to practice a pickleball game every day; you can choose any of the listed paddles above.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pickleball paddles for 3.5 players:
Q: What does it mean to be a 3.5-level pickleball player?
A 3.5-level pickleball player is considered an intermediate player. They have developed a moderate level of skill and technique, with a good understanding of the game’s fundamentals, including proper shot placement, court positioning, and strategy.
Q: What should I look for in a pickleball paddle as a 3.5 player?
A: As a 3.5 player, you may want to look for a paddle with a balance of control and power. Consider factors such as weight, grip size, paddle face material, and core technology to find a paddle that suits your playing style and preferences.
Q: Should I choose a lightweight or heavyweight paddle as a 3.5 player?
A: The weight of the paddle is a personal preference. Some 3.5 players prefer a lightweight paddle for increased maneuverability and quick reactions, while others may prefer a slightly heavier paddle for more power and stability. It’s recommended to try different weights to find what works best for you.
Q: What is the importance of a larger sweet spot in a paddle for 3.5 players?
A: A larger sweet spot in a paddle is beneficial for 3.5 players as it provides a larger hitting area, making it easier to make consistent and accurate shots. It helps reduce mishits and provides better control over the ball, especially during intense rallies.
Q: Can a 3.5 player benefit from using a paddle with a polymer core?
A: Yes, a paddle with a polymer core can be advantageous for a 3.5 player. Polymer cores are known for offering a good blend of power and touch. They provide a responsive feel, allowing for better control and enhanced shot placement on the court.
Q: Are there specific paddle brands that are recommended for 3.5 players?
A: Many reputable paddle brands offer options suitable for 3.5 players. Some popular brands known for producing paddles suitable for intermediate players include Selkirk, Paddletek, Onix, Engage, ProKennex, and Gearbox. It’s recommended to try different brands and models to find the paddle that suits your preferences.
Q: Can a 3.5-player benefit from upgrading to a higher-quality paddle?
A: Upgrading to a higher-quality paddle can benefit a 3.5 player by providing improved performance, durability, and overall playing experience. Higher-quality paddles often offer better construction, materials, and technology, which can enhance control, power, and touch on the court.
How can I determine the right grip size for my pickleball paddle? The right grip size is crucial for comfort and control. To determine your ideal grip size, measure the distance from the middle crease in your palm to the tip of your ring finger. Different paddle brands provide sizing charts to help you choose the appropriate grip size based on your measurement.
Remember, the best pickleball paddle for a 3.5 player may vary based on individual preferences, playing style, and comfort. It’s recommended to try different paddles and seek advice from experienced players to find the paddle that suits you best.