If you’re looking for the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players, you’ll want to consider a few factors. First, think about the weight of the paddle. Paddles range from 6 ounces to 12 ounces, and the weight you choose will partly be determined by your strength and partly by your preference.
Second, consider the grip size. You’ll want to hold the paddle comfortably in your hand, so try out a few different sizes before settling on one.
Third, take a look at the paddle’s edge guard. This strip of rubber or plastic runs along the paddle’s edge and helps protect against wear and tear.
I’ve tested 22 different paddles for mediocre players, and JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pro ranks among the best. The performance is outstanding, thanks to the high-quality materials and strict manufacturing standards. And the comfortable grip means that you can play for hours without fatigue.
Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking for a leisurely game, the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion Pro is the perfect paddle for you.
List Of Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players
I selected the following pickleball paddles as the best for average players based on a number of factors. Firstly, I looked for a paddle that was on the heavier side. A heavier paddle provides more power and control, ideal for players still developing their skills.
I also wanted a paddle with a large sweet spot and plenty of grip. This ensures that shots are hit with accuracy and spin, giving the player more control over the game.
Finally, I chose lightweight paddles with balanced weight distribution. This makes them easy to maneuver and gives players the agility they need to stay competitive.
With all these factors in mind, I believe these paddles offer intermediate players the best chance to improve their game and take their skills to the next level. You can check the comparison table of pickleball paddles at the end of this post.
01. Joola Ben Johns Hyperion Pro – Overall Best Pickleball Paddle For Intermediate Players
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Reasons to Buy
- Carbon-Flex5 technology provides exceptional durability
- Textured surface offers more power and spin
- The large sweet spot for easy ball striking
- The carbon handle ensures a comfortable grip
Reasons to Avoid
- Some players may find the paddle to be too heavy
If you’re looking for a new pickleball paddle, you might want to check out the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pro. This paddle has a hitting surface made with Carbon-Flex5 technology, designed to last longer than other paddles on the market.
The textured surface also provides more power and spin than a traditional paddle. The specialized foam also makes the paddle lighter and easier to control, while the large sweet spot makes it easy to hit the ball. Plus, the carbon handle provides a comfortable grip.
Expert’s Opinion
I’ve repeatedly tested the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pro with the performance of my serve and smashing power, and I have to say I’m thoroughly impressed.
I also found the control to be much better than I anticipated, considering it’s a bit heavier than what I’m used to playing with.
If you have short hands, you would need to adjust your grip a little, but overall I found the paddle to be extremely comfortable and well-balanced.
Regarding comparisons, I would say the Hyperion Pro outperforms the Head Gravity Paddle in about every respect. If you’re looking for a high-quality paddle that can take your game to the next level, I would highly recommend giving the Hyperion Pro a try.
02. Amazin’ Aces Signature – Affordable Pickleball Paddle for Mid Level Players
Reasons to Buy
- Graphite face provides excellent power and control
- Honeycomb polymer core offers superb responsiveness
- Cushioned grip for added comfort
- beautiful design
- Very Affordable
Reasons to Avoid
- Some players may find the paddle to be too light
- It May not provide enough spin for some players
Graphite pickleball paddles are becoming increasingly popular among players of all skill levels. The graphite face provides excellent power and control, while the honeycomb polymer core offers superb responsiveness.
The Amazin’ Aces Signature Pickleball Paddle also features a cushioned grip for added comfort and a beautiful design sure to turn heads on the court. USAPA approved, this paddle is ideal for serious players looking for an edge on the competition.
Why I Like This Pickleball Racket
I had a lot of fun playing with the Amazin’ Aces Signature Pickleball Paddle. I used it primarily during league play and found that I had more control over it than with other wooden rackets.
I also liked the bit longer handle – it made serving and smashing easier. I didn’t notice any difference in ball spin, but I felt I had better control overall. I recommend this paddle to anyone looking for an upgrade from their beginner paddle.
03. Selkirk Amped – Best Pickleball Racket for Average Players under 150
Reasons to Buy
- Midweight design is great for a variety of players
- FiberFlex Fiberglass surface provides excellent ball spin and accuracy
- Polypropylene X5 Core helps to reduce vibrations for a smooth feel
- Comfortable grip
- Updated design for increased durability
Reasons to Avoid
- May not provide enough power for some players
The Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle is one of the best selling paddles on the market. The wide body shape and mid weight make it a great choice for a variety of players. The FiberFlex Fiberglass surface provides excellent ball spin and accuracy, while the Polypropylene X5 Core helps to reduce vibrations for a smooth feel.
The paddle also features a comfortable grip and an updated design for increased durability. This paddle is an excellent choice for players looking for a high-quality, affordable option.
The Selkirk Amped is hard to beat when it comes to quality pickleball paddles. With a large surface area and a long handle, it provides plenty of power for two-handed swings.
Most importantly, though, the Selkirk Amped is designed for quality play. It’s one of the few paddles that can give you an edge on the court. So if you’re looking for the right pickleball paddle, don’t settle for anything less than the Selkirk Amped.
Personal Experience & Opinion
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle, and I have to say that I was impressed. This paddle is the midweight version of Selkirk’s starter paddles and is designed for indoor and outdoor play.
I found that the paddle performed well in all areas. The ball comes off it effortlessly, making it ideal for fast volley shots. And yet, it also responds well to soft dinks.
I tried to spin the ball a few times, and while it didn’t always go where I wanted it to, the paddle had no problem generating enough power for a hard smash.
04. Gamma Sports 2.0 – Best for Maneuverability and Control
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight design is ideal for players who want a fast paddle
- Textured graphite face provides excellent ball control
- Aramid core gives the paddle a responsive feel
- Smooth, comfortable grip
- Large hitting surface
Reasons to Avoid
- Not for Beginners
- Suitable for Large hands Only
The Gamma Sports 2.0 Pickleball Paddle is one of the top fiberglass pickleball paddles on the market. With a weight of only 7.9 oz, it’s one of the lightest fiberglass paddles.
The textured graphite face provides excellent ball control, and the aramid core gives the paddle a responsive feel. The paddle also has a smooth, comfortable grip and a large hitting surface, making it ideal for players who want power and control.
The Gamma Sports 2.0 Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for any player looking for a top-quality fiberglass paddle.
The Gamma Sports 2.0 Pickleball Paddle is also a great choice for advanced players looking for a light paddle that can still pack a punch. This paddle is USAPA approved and features a sweat-absorbing grip that helps you keep your grip even on the hottest days.
The paddle absorbs shock well, making it easier on your arm and shoulder when you make contact with the ball.
Expert’s Opinion
When I tested the Gamma Sports 2.0 Pickleball Paddle, I found it to be an excellent choice for mid level and professional players who are looking for a paddle that can hit hard and generate a lot of spin.
The edgeless design and balanced feel make it easy to control, and the handle is comfortable for large hands. However, I would not recommend this paddle for beginner players or those looking for a paddle that can be used for dinking and kitchen play.
The noise level is moderate, and the paddle is best used with two hands when playing.
05. Engage Encore EX 6.0 – The Sweet Spot is Large
Reasons to Buy
- Great power and spin
- ControlPRO II polymer core increases control
- Wide body paddle with a large sweet spot
- The standard weight of 7.8 – 8.3 oz
Reasons to Avoid
- Not Any Serious Drawbacks
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up the Encore EX 6.0. I’d been using the same paddle for years and was suspicious of change. But when I tested it against 12 different paddles, the Encore EX 6.0 quickly became my favorite.
It’s got great power and a large sweet spot, and the vibration control is excellent. Plus, forgiveness and spin are both top-notch.
The Engage Encore EX 6.0 is a popular pickleball paddle among recreational and competitive players. It features a high compression fiberglass face that provides great power and spin, as well as a controlPRO II polymer core that helps increase control.
The dimensions of the paddle are 16″ x 8″, making it a great choice for those who want a wide body paddle, and the 4 1/4″ grip ensures a comfortable and secure grip.
The standard weight of the paddle is 7.8 – 8.3 oz, making it one of the lighter paddles on the market. The sweet spot on the paddle is large, making it an excellent option for those who want to increase their power and accuracy.
Overall, the Engage Encore EX 6.0 is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality pickleball paddle.
Expert’s Opinion
8 months ago, I decided to purchase Engage Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle after reading several online reviews. In my own experience, I have found that the paddle is reasonably priced, and the honeycomb grip feels good in the hand.
The polypropylene honeycomb core provides good volleys, and the large enough handle size helps control. The elongated shape also makes it easier to reach across the table.
Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and recommend this paddle to anyone looking for good quality, reasonably priced one.
06. GAMMA Discovery – Best Fiberglass Paddle for Beginners & Average Players
Reasons to Buy
- Honeycomb grip
- Polypropylene honeycomb core
- Large sweet spot
- Good power and control
- Reasonably priced
Reasons to Avoid
- It could be too light for some players
If you’re looking for a fiberglass paddle that’s sure to give you an edge on the court, the Encore EX 6.0 is a great option. With a honeycomb grip and an ergonomic design, it’s comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.
The polypropylene honeycomb core provides excellent power and control, while the graphite composite ensures durability. Plus, the balanced weight makes it one of the top pickleball paddles on the market.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Encore EX 6.0 is a great choice for anyone who wants to up their game.
How Do You Pick The Right Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players?
As you become a more intermediate player, you will notice certain differences in pickleball paddles. For example, there are wooden paddles and composite paddles.
The main difference between the two is that wooden paddles are typically heavier and have a more traditional feel, while composite paddles are usually lighter and offer more paddle technology. Another difference is the size of the paddle.
Traditional pickleball paddles are 8 inches wide, but some elongated paddles are now available for players who want more reach. Regarding weight, most experts agree that mid-weight paddles are the most versatile.
However, the ideal weight range will vary from player to player. The best way to find the right paddle weight is to try out different paddles and see what feels comfortable. And finally, remember that as an intermediate player, you will need to be able to move your paddle quickly to be successful.
The Core Of The Pickleball Racket
The paddle’s core is important, as it can affect the paddle’s weight, feel, and performance. Different types of cores are available, but the polymer is usually the best option for intermediate players.
The surface of the paddle also plays a role in its performance. You’ll want to choose a paddle with a smooth surface to help you achieve better control over your shots.
The Face Of The Paddle
As far as materials go, graphite is always a good choice for intermediate players. It provides a good balance of power and control and can help you deliver some solid shots. Composite paddles are also a great option if you’re looking to add a bit more spin to your game.
They tend to be a bit heavier than graphite paddles, but this weight can help you generate more spin on the ball. Whatever type of paddle you choose, make sure it feels comfortable in your hand and matches your playing style.
The Paddle’s Handle
For intermediate players, it’s generally best to choose a paddle with a long handle. A short handle can be difficult to swing, and it may not be comfortable for everyone. Another factor to consider is the size of your hand.
You may want to choose a paddle with a smaller grip if you have small hands. You’ll also want to take into account the weight of the paddle. A heavier paddle can offer more power, but it may be more challenging to control.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right paddle is to experiment with different options and see what feels comfortable for you.
Is A Wider Pickleball Paddle Better For Intermediate Players?
Paddles range from small to large, and the size that’s right for you depends on your experience level and playing style. Many beginner players start with an oversized paddle, giving them a larger hitting surface and more forgiveness when making mistakes.
However, as players become more advanced, they often prefer a smaller paddle that they can control more easily. So, what about intermediate players? Is a wider paddle better for them?
The answer isn’t necessarily simple. It depends on what you’re looking for in a paddle. If you want more power, a larger paddle will give you a bigger hitting surface and more mass to transfer energy to the ball.
On the other hand, if you want more control, a smaller paddle will be easier to maneuver and will absorb less of your hitting energy. So, it really comes down to your preferences as an intermediate player.
There are no hard and fast rules about what size paddle you should use. Just experiment with different sizes and see what feels best for you. And don’t forget to talk to your fellow pickle ballers. They might have some good insights about what size paddle works best for intermediate players.
What Is The Intermediate Level In Pickleball?
An intermediate pickleball player typically has a USPA rating of 3.0 to 3.7. This means they have a good understanding of the game and can execute most shots precisely.
They also have a decent amount of power and control and can rally with their best. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, becoming an intermediate pickleball player is a great goal. Here are a few things that you’ll need to work on:
Improve Your Footwork
One of the most significant differences between beginner and intermediate players is how well they move around the court. Intermediate players have much better footwork, which allows them to get into position to make cleaner shots.
If you want to improve your footwork, start by working on your lateral movement. Then, once you’re comfortable moving side-to-side, focus on improving your backhand.
Increase Your Serving Speed
Another critical difference between beginner and intermediate players is their serving speed. Intermediate players typically have more powerful serves, which can be challenging for beginners to return.
If you want to increase your serving speed, start by practicing your backhand serve. This is the most common type of serve in pickleball, and it’s relatively easy to learn. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try adding more power to your serve.
You can also try different types of serves, such as the slice serve or the topspin serve. Just remember to focus on accuracy first and foremost.
Develop A Killer Backhand
A lot of beginner players rely too much on their forehand, which can make them one-dimensional. If you want to take your game to the next level, you need to develop a strong backhand.
This will not only give you another weapon to use during rallies but also make you a more well-rounded player. So, how do you develop a killer backhand? Start by practicing your strokes in a controlled environment, such as a practice court or your backyard. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try playing point-based games with a friend.
Comparison Table for Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
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