Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players – Top 5 Options

Congratulations on becoming an intermediate pickleball player! Although this doesn’t mean that you’re a pickleball expert, it does mean that you’re due for a paddle upgrade.

The paddle you use can make a huge difference in your competitive edge and the game’s fun. Some paddles produce more power, others make for more control, and others have more spin. This is why you need to carefully consider your options to find the one that best suits your playing style.

Fortunately, our list has made it easier to find the perfect paddle to complement and improve your game. The following are the top five best pickleball paddles for intermediate players. Alternatively, if you are just starting out playing pickleball, then make sure to view our best pickleball paddles for beginners.

Top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players

For an intermediate player, the SLK Pickleball Paddle is among the best choices on the market. The Evo Hybrid provides unrivaled performance value thanks to its soft yet controlled feel, big sweet spot, comfy grip, and reasonable price. The handle mixes tack and comfort to ensure a strong grip that’s slip-resistant. The edge guard makes the most of the available surface area while protecting you from bumps and scrapes as you play.

This paddle has a G8-Flex Carbon Fiber face that provides extended durability while remaining gentle to the touch and providing excellent feedback to the user. It offers ultimate control, putting you in complete control of the game.

The SLK Evo Hybrid comprises Ultra-Comfort Grip material, providing maximum comfort. Furthermore, it allows you to play without getting tired after long periods of gameplay.

The paddle is the ideal combination of power and technology, as well as comfort, balance, and affordability for players of intermediate skill levels.

Pros

• Offers an ultra comfort grip
• USAPA approved
• The paddle provides maximum control
• Absorbs impact while delivering all the power you’ll need at the court

Cons

• Does not come with a protective cover
• Feels too light

2. The Uteeqe Pickleball Paddles – Durable and High-Quality Paddle

The Uteeqe Pickleball Paddles feature a premium graphite face and polymer technology that fosters unyielding performances. This premium set has practically everything you might need to excel at the sport.

These paddles’ lightweight edge guard provides extra safety by preventing damage on ground impact without making it too head-heavy. It also has a stable and durable grip that keeps you comfortable with excellent maneuverability, even if you’re an intermediate player. The grips are also uniquely stitched to give you complete control.

Also, the perforated surface wicks sweat away from the skin for improved traction and comfort while playing. Its lightweight construction allows for a short reaction time at the net.

Pros

• Excellent power and control
• It makes a perfect gift
• It has a firm grip
• USAPA approved
• Great craftsmanship and design

Cons

• It has a rough surface
• The handles are too short

3. AOZINTL Graphite Face Pickleball Paddles – Best with Premium Comfort Grip

The AOZINTL Graphite Face Pickleball Paddles are made with a honeycomb structure. This gives you more precise ball control and swing strength. Also, the paddle creates less noise, has more power, and boasts a perfectly balanced control level to help any intermediate player overcome any challenges on the court. The set comprises four graphite face pickleball paddles, six pickleball, and one convenient bag to store your pickleball paddles set.

AOZINTL Pickleball Paddles are made following USAPA’s standard. They are made with high-quality materials and exclusive craftsmanship to give you the ultimate experience. This paddle also features a perforated handle for sweat absorption. Asides from that, it is slip resistant and comfortable.

Pros

• Soft-sided guards protect it from tearing and abrasion
• USAPA approved
• Perfectly balanced
• The handle provides a comfortable ergonomic grip
• Enables maneuverability

Cons

• It gets heavy when used for several hours in a row
• Tough to clean

4. JOYAIRE Pickleball Paddles – Best Paddle with Less Noise

The JOYAIRE Pickleball Paddles are incredibly lightweight with high elasticity. They are made of carbon fiber that keeps the surface of the paddle smooth and stable. Furthermore, with the high-temperature adoption technology, they are highly durable.

In addition, they’re well-designed with a large sweet spot that provides a good rebound and reduces hitting mistakes. They also help improve your handling, which makes them suitable for intermediate players.

The honeycomb structure is combined with a graphite fiber that reduces the impact noise of the pickleball paddle and makes it paddle properly. Additionally, it lets you play for long intervals without getting unduly tired.

The sturdy edge guard protects the pickleball paddles from breaking. In essence, whenever you bump a paddle against the ball or something else, the edge guard protects it and doesn’t leave any mark.

Pros

• Comfortable handle
• Balanced control
• Highly flexible
• USAPA approved
• Large sweet spot

Cons

• The handles are too short
• They get worn out easily

5. HEAD Graphite Pickleball Paddles – Best Graphite Paddle

The HEAD Graphite Pickleball Paddle is ideal for many intermediate pickleball players. It combines a massive sweet spot with pretty impressive power. The hybrid hitting surface also offers an unrivaled combination of stability, comfort, and control.

This pickleball paddle provides players with the best experience and offers complete comfort and stability. The premium gravity model is ideal for intermediate players thanks to its extreme 3D Spin and Handle Stabilizer Technology.

This paddle also features an exquisite design that takes advantage of hybrid technology. Also, it has an excellent surface for challenging shots.

Pros

• It offers a better grip on the ball
• Designed for intermediate players
• USAPA approved
• Offers a good performance
• It has an extreme spin texture
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• No cover included
• No warranty

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players

Here are a few vital factors you need to keep in mind when selecting a pickleball paddle.

Material

Pickleball paddles should generally be built out of materials that reduce the ball’s vibration without affecting the player’s ability to return the ball in a controlled manner. Carbon fiber and fiberglass composites are two materials that manufacturers often use to create top-of-the-line paddles due to their ability to help players deliver spin and speed on the ball with every hit.

Handle Length

A pickleball paddle’s handle length plays an important role in controlling it. Longer handles are more difficult to control and require more hand and wrist strength and general expertise. Shorter handles are much easier to control but don’t have a lot of reach.

Size

The size of the paddle also has an impact on your power and control. A thicker paddle (14-16mm) provides a softer, more controlled feel by dampening the vibration from the ball. However, a thinner paddle (less than 14mm) increases power.

Grip Size

A paddle’s dimensions influence how comfortable it feels in your hand. A larger grip can make your paddle feel unstable and insecure if you aren’t accustomed to its size. Therefore, most start small and gradually increase overgrip. So, a 4.25-inch grip size is the most common and safe choice.

Weight

Another factor to consider is weight. A heavier paddle (eight ounces or more) increases power and stability at the expense of hand speed. However, a lighter paddle allows for intermediate players’ use.

Strengths and Weaknesses

It’s important to keep your strengths and weaknesses in mind when choosing a pickleball paddle. Your paddle can either help you compensate for your weakness or inhibit your strength. For example, if you have a lot of power but find that your hand speed is a bit slow, you’d be better off with a light but hard paddle. If you’re fast but often lose control, a paddle with a good grip and more flexibility would be your best bet. Assess your strengths and weaknesses before making any decisions so that you can find a paddle that’ll enhance your game.

FAQs

1. Which pickleball paddle for intermediate players has the most significant sweet spot?

The JOYAIRE Pickleball Paddle is large, so it has a pretty big sweet spot.

2. What are the three essential things to remember when selecting a pickleball paddle?

The three primary things to look out for when buying a pickleball paddle are the price, weight, and material type.

3. Which material is best for an intermediate pickleball paddle?

Strictly speaking, the best material for making pickleball paddles is carbon fiber because it is the most durable and flexible. However, manufacturers also use graphite and fiberglass composite.

Graphite is cheaper than carbon fiber. It’s also quite stiff and lightweight, allowing for greater hand speed. Fiberglass composite is heavier, reducing speed but allowing for more powerful plays. However, it is harder to control.

Conclusion

By now, you should have an idea of what pickleball paddle you want. Or maybe you’ve already purchased one of our recommended options. Each pickleball paddle has distinct characteristics which might make it the perfect one for you. Carefully consider our list of factors before buying anything to ensure you get the best pickleball paddle for your intermediate stage.