Pickleball is gaining huge popularity amongst sports enthusiasts of every age. If you are playing this game regularly and have recently been promoted to the intermediate level, then it is time for you to upgrade the equipment too. The most important sports equipment you need to have with you is the Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players. With so many options available, it is tough for you to find the one that suits your needs and budget. Therefore, we have listed out the top 7 best intermediate pickleball paddles with pros and cons.
Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. As an intermediate player, choosing the right pickleball paddle can significantly enhance your game.
Discover the ideal blend of control, power, and precision with our expertly curated list of the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players. Whether you’re looking to finesse your shots, enhance your gameplay, or take your skills to the next level, our comprehensive guide will help you make the perfect paddle selection. Elevate your performance on the pickleball court and gain the competitive edge you need as an intermediate player with our top recommendations and in-depth insights.
| 1. | Onix Z5 graphite | Buy it On Amazon |
| 2. | Selkrik SLK Evo Hybrid Max | Buy it On Amazon |
| 3. | JP WinLook Speedy Pickleball paddle | Buy it On Amazon |
| 4. | Head racial elite | Buy it On Amazon |
| 5. | Vinsguir pickleball paddle set | Buy it On Amazon |
| 6. | Ronbus R1.16 | Buy it On Amazon |
| 7. | Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro | Buy it On Amazon |
Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
You can go through the review of each and choose the one that suits your needs. The paddle you choose from the list will help you improve the game. At the intermediate level, you will start to learn to play powerful shots, generate power, and impart a lot of spins on the ball.
The paddle also helps you to master drops, resets, and dinks in the game. Once you evolved the game and have better control over it, then the paddle you choose must be comfortable in hand to suit your evolved gaming style and technique. We have spent ample time reviewing each one and listing out the best ones that truly add value to the game. We narrowed down Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players, which improve the game performance and durability and add high value to the money.
If you’re a female intermediate player looking for specialized pickleball paddles, don’t miss our previous article on the best pickleball paddles for women, where we’ve highlighted top-notch options tailored to suit your playing style.
1. Onix Z5 graphite
Out of all the best pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players, this model is one of them that offers better power and control over the game. The racket helps the player enjoy the game thoroughly. It can be used by beginner to intermediate-level players. Playing with this paddle will boost the experience of the pickleball game with its great touch and control over the game. The unique shape of the handle fits comfortably in the hand. The paddle allows you to maneuver in different positions to hit great shots, thus making it ideal for intermediate pickleball players to excel and advance in the game.
With the latest technology and great design, the paddle will give you an edge to win. It is made with carbon fiber construction to boost performance and durability. The edge guard also protects from extreme wear and tear, thus making it an ideal choice for pickleball paddle players.
The honeycomb core offers excellent power and control for the money you spend. The weight of the paddle is 7.5 to 8.2 lbs, thus making it the perfect size paddle for all players who would want to have control over the game. It is ultra-lightweight to hold and play for a long time. With its high-tech construction, the durable paddle will let you enjoy the game to the core. The large sweat spot lets you play great shots. The comfortable grip absorbs sweat and lets you play without fatigue.
Specifications
- Size – One size
- Grip size – 41/4 inches
- Material – Plastic
- Frame material – carbon fiber
- Shaft material – Graphite
- Weight – 0.51 pounds
- Age- Adult
Pros
- Exceptional quality
- Perfect for beginners and intermediate players
- Give enough control over the game
- Lightweight
Cons
- The tape that holds the grip will start to peel off sooner
2. Selkrik SLK Evo Hybrid Max
It is one of the Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players. The brand has made this paddle that can offer power and control over the game. The C6 fiberglass face will give control over the game’s everyday game, thus making this paddle ideal for you to play the game regularly. With a huge sweet spot, comfortable grip, and great price, the brand paddle offers unmatched performance for both beginners to advanced-level players. The Rev core power polymer core will make sure that every shot that is hit with this paddle is precise and exceptional. The weight of this paddle is just 7.6 ounces, thus making it a lightweight paddle for players to play with this longer.
The paddle is ideal for players who want to have quick hands over the net while having better control. The easy grip and flexible movement of the paddle make it excellent for players of different skills to play with this paddle. The comfortable grip will ensure you have long hours of gameplay while hitting powerful shots. You can also have better control over the game while playing with this paddle. The grip area has a band that will absorb sweat and allow you to enjoy the game without feeling fatigued despite playing the game for multiple rounds. The prominent sweet spot gives easier control over the ball and hit it where you want the ball to go. It is also USAPA-tested and approved, thus making it ideal for serious players.
Specifications
- Grip size – 41/4 inches
- Material – Fiberglass
- Frame material – Fiberglass
- Age range – Adult
Pros
- Has a huge sweet spot
- Offer excellent surface control to hit a lot of spins
- Grip to hold the paddle comfortably
Cons
- The handle is short to hold
3. JP WinLook Speedy Pickleball paddle
It is another top yet Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players. The premium quality paddle is ideal for seasoned players to enjoy playing with this paddle for hours. The cutting-edge paddle will have a lightweight honeycomb core with a graphite face to offer exceptional balance and power to play the game. It is perfect for the ones to provide a cushiony soft, and non-slippery grip for players. It is perfect for players to enjoy the game for an extended time without feeling any discomfort. The graphite face will provide excellent performance and better durability. With great design, it offers balance, comfort, and control over the ball for players. The paddle also helps the players to improve their gaming skills and have better play.
The pickleball is ideal to be used indoors and outdoors. Irrespective of the light conditions, you are playing with the reflective strip for a long time. The accurately drilled holes will deliver a great flight path and reduce interference. It also comes with a travel bag to protect the paddle and play in style. The paddle is made of quality material to withstand extreme wear and tear despite competitive play.
Specifications
- Size – one size
- Material – Graphite
- Skill level – beginner and professional
- Shaft material – Graphite
- Frame material – Graphite
- Age group – Adult
Pros
- Easy to hold and comes with a beautiful pattern
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to hold in hand
Cons
- Balls are too heavy to hit powerful shots
4. Head racial elite
The Head Racial Elite is the best pickleball paddle game for competitive players to enjoy the game to the core. It is the paddle that offers a great feel and ample power for gamers to play. The fiberglass hitting surface will offer an excellent feel and control over the ball while giving ergonomic grip and comfort during long game plays. The sleek design will take the game to another level and your performance. This paddle is made of fiberglass makes it lightweight and powerful. The paddle is ideal for those who want to have a perfect touch all the time with fewer vibrations. The polypropylene honeycomb core, when paired with a great grip, will give a wonderful feel and control, while the new head shape will offer greater accuracy. This model of pickleball is ideal for intermediate players to boost their skills and performance.
Specifications
- Size – one size
- Grip size – 4 ¼ inches
- Material – Polymer
- Frame material – graphite
- Shaft material – Graphite
- Weight – 14 grams
Pros
- Wonderfully designed racket
- Soft grip
- Grip size is comfortable for many players
Cons
- The handle is separated from the head
5. Vinsguir pickleball paddle set
Be you a seasoned player or a beginner who is entering the world of pickleball games; this paddle is perfect for you and one of the Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players. The paddle is USAPA-approved and is of top quality. It is perfect for you to use both indoors and outdoors to enjoy the game with your playing style. The set comes with paddles and balls in a hand-carrying bag. The pickleball in hand will come with a cross-body bag to store the paddle. You can take this bag keeping all the pickleball gear inside it when going to the court or tournaments. The paddle is extra light and is best for novice to intermediate players to hit great shots consistently.
The paddle is made with graphite and would hit the balls, which keep bouncing and let you hard hit the balls just by touching its sweet spot area. The paddle is made using a polymer honeycomb core that is sandwiched between graphite sheets to make the racket highly stable and durable. The paddle offers a comfortable grip and comes with a band where you can hold the handle of the racket and have long training or gaming sessions. It absorbs sweat and offers great grip without letting you feel the slipperiness. The ergonomic shape of the handle gives more control and power over the shots. The handle is excellent for players to enjoy high gaming performance. You can maneuver the bat as you want to hit top spins. The paddle is perfect for hitting great smashes and swings.
Specifications
- Size – Medium
- Grip size – 4.92 inches
- Material – graphite
- Skill level – Beginner to intermediate
- Frame material – Polypropylene
- Shaft material – ABS
- Item weight – 0.22kg
- Age – all ages
Pros
- Thick paddle with superior quality
- Reasonable price
- Great paddle for beginners and intermediate players
Cons
- Smell is terrible
6. Ronbus R1.16
The Ronbus R1.16 is ideally the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players. The paddle offers great spins, control, and power required to win the game or practice this game rigorously. It has a wide sweet spot to hit wonderful shots. The weight is equally distributed to give a better feel.
It is ideal for players who are looking for a soft feel to hit dinks, drops, and resets. It offers great balance and a wonderful feel in the hands. This gives the player a fast hand at the net. The handle length of 5.5 inches of length is perfect for people who would want to use two-handed backhands in the game.
The 16mm core makes the paddle ideal for drinking and resets in the game. Having this paddle with the intermediate player gives them a lot of confidence to play a soft game. It is USAPA-approved and tested rigorously for quality and durability. It comes with a soft and grippy band to hold this racket in the handle without feeling slippery during the long gaming session. The shape of the paddle is aerodynamic to hit powerful shots.
Specifications
- Size – length (16.5 inches), width (7.5 inches), and grip length (5.5 inches)
- Grip size – 4 ¼ inches
- Material – Carbon fibre
- Skill level – All
- Frame material – Carbon, Polypropylene, and carbon fiber
- Weight – 8.1 ounces
Pros
- Has great feel
- Wide sweet spot
- Distribute weight evenly across the racket
- Offer better control over the game
Cons
- The handle is bigger compared to what is shown in the ad
7. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
The intermediate pickleball players would love to have this brand paddle in their gear as it gives an edge in the game. The weight is what impresses people. It is lightweight to hold and hit great shots. You can also twist this racket in different positions to hit shots in different angles. It is just 7.6 to 8 ounces with a length of 15 7/8 inches. It is comfortable to hold in hand and gives you control over the paddle and, thereby the game.
The texture graphite surface would let you hit great shots using this paddle. It offers excellent spin and power that lets you send the ball over the net with ease. The paddle has an impressive and consistent sweet spot. It also gives enough confidence to the players to hit hard shots with more control over the game. It offers great performance, power, a large sweet spot, and a textured graphite surface to give enough control. The paddle is for the ones who would want to take the game to another level.
Specifications
- Size- Standard grip
- Material – Graphite
- Skill level – Professional
- Frame material – Graphite
- Shaft material – Graphite
- Item weight – 0.49 pounds
- Age- adults
Pros
- Power and performance are offered with a textured graphite surface
- Huge sweet spot
- Wonderful grip and balanced weight
Cons
- The grip size is small and not suitable for all players
If you’re an intermediate player looking to add more spin to your shots, you may be interested in exploring paddles specifically designed to enhance spin potential. For a detailed guide on paddles that excel in this aspect, check out our article on the “Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin.” These paddles are ideal for players who want to take their game to the next level by incorporating more spin and finesse into their shots.
Factors of Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
When it comes to pickleball paddles for intermediate players, there are several factors to consider such as material, weight, grip, and paddle face. Here are some characteristics that are generally recommended for intermediate-level players:
- Material: Pickleball paddles are commonly made of three materials: wood, composite, and graphite. For intermediate players, composite and graphite paddles are popular choices due to their lightweight nature and better performance characteristics compared to wooden paddles. They offer a good balance of power and control.
- Weight: Intermediate players often benefit from a paddle with a medium weight. This typically ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 ounces. A moderate weight allows for a good balance between power and maneuverability.
- Grip: The grip size is crucial for comfort and control. Most pickleball paddles come in small, medium, and large sizes. Intermediate players should choose a grip size that feels comfortable in their hand, allowing for a relaxed grip and better control over the paddle.
- Paddle Face: The surface of the paddle face can vary in texture and finish. A textured or rougher surface tends to provide more spin and control, which can be advantageous for intermediate players looking to add more finesse to their shots. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
- Price: The price range for intermediate-level pickleball paddles varies. You can find quality paddles in the $60 to $120 range. Consider your budget and look for paddles that offer good value for their features and durability.
Remember, the best pickleball paddle for an intermediate player ultimately depends on personal preferences and playstyle. It’s recommended to try out different paddles if possible, either by borrowing from friends or visiting a local pickleball pro shop, to find the one that suits you best.
If you’re an intermediate player with a background in tennis, you may be interested in exploring paddles that cater specifically to tennis players transitioning to pickleball. For a comprehensive guide on paddles that are suitable for tennis players, check out our article “Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players.”
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the pros and cons of the top 7 pickleball models for intermediate players. You can choose the right one that suits your play style. All the paddles are perfect for intermediate players to have a balance of power and control over the paddle and the game. It is lightweight and comfortable for players to hold.
With so many options, it is always challenging to choose the right one. With the above list of Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players, you can narrow down the choices and choose the paddle that is right for you.
If you’re an intermediate player who has experienced or wants to prevent tennis elbow, it’s crucial to choose a paddle that can help alleviate strain on your arm. For detailed information on paddles that are specifically designed for players with tennis elbow, refer to our article “Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Elbow.”
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players:
Q1: What is an intermediate player in pickleball?
A1: An intermediate player in pickleball typically has a decent understanding of the game’s fundamentals, has developed basic skills and techniques, and can maintain a rally with consistency. They are looking to improve their game and require a paddle that offers a good balance of control and power.
Q2: What are the key features to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle for intermediate players?
A2: Some key features to consider include the paddle’s material (composite or graphite), weight (moderate weight around 7.5-8.5 ounces), grip size (comfortable and suitable for your hand size), and paddle face (textured for enhanced spin or smooth for consistent ball response).
Q3: Can an intermediate player use a beginner’s paddle?
A3: While it’s possible for an intermediate player to use a beginner’s paddle, it may limit their ability to progress and execute more advanced shots. Intermediate players usually benefit from paddles designed to provide better control, power, and responsiveness.
Q4: How much should I spend on an intermediate-level pickleball paddle?
A4: The price range for intermediate-level pickleball paddles varies, but you can find quality options in the $60 to $120 range. Consider your budget and look for paddles that offer good value for their features and durability.
Q5: Should I demo paddles before making a purchase as an intermediate player?
A5: Yes, if possible, it’s a good idea to demo different paddles before making a purchase. Trying out paddles allows you to feel their weight, grip, and overall performance, helping you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and playstyle.
Q6: Can I use a paddle that is popular among professional players as an intermediate player?
A6: While professional players may use certain paddles, it’s important to remember that their skill level and playing style might differ significantly from an intermediate player. It’s advisable to choose a paddle that suits your skill level and offers the right balance of control and power for your game.
Q7: How often should I replace my intermediate-level pickleball paddle?
A7: The lifespan of a pickleball paddle can vary based on factors such as usage, maintenance, and the quality of materials used. Generally, if your paddle starts to show signs of significant wear, damage, or loss of performance, it may be time to consider replacing it.
Remember, the best pickleball paddle for an intermediate player depends on personal preferences and playstyle. Take the time to research and try out different options to find the one that suits you best.