The Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

Each level of pickleball playing comes with unique challenges to move to the next skill level. While the USAPA uses a number system to rate your skills, choosing a pickleball paddle doesn’t require such specificity. Before you know it, you’re ready for a paddle designed for intermediate players., even if you’re still relatively new to the game.

The PaddleTek Temptest Wave Pro is a paddle that can be used by all skill levels, although most beginners are nervous when they see the price tag. If you’ve advanced to an intermediate skill level and want to keep improving, this paddle is the one for you!

PaddleTek puts it all in this paddle with smart response technology, a large sweet spot, and well-controlled power behind every shot. A textured graphite surface makes getting a good spin on the ball easy, while a perfectly balanced weight makes it easier to maneuver the ball. 

This paddle may not be cheap, but it is one of the best pickleball paddles your money can buy.

The Gamma Fusion 2.0 is an incredible budget option for intermediate players. It’s comfortable enough to use as a beginner but advanced enough to keep up with intermediate-level gameplay. This paddle features a large 8” face, so hitting the sweet spot is a breeze. 

A honeycomb grip, durable edge guard, and honeycomb core prove this paddle isn’t trading quality for the price. You’ll get all those features plus a textured fiberglass face, all for less than $60!

Pickleball paddles that provide good power need to be well constructed with quality materials that can handle a hard hit. A heavier paddle makes it easier to get more power in every shot. The Gearbox GX6 Paddle is available in 4 different weights, so you can choose how much power you prefer.  

A large surface area of carbon fiber helps prevent mishits and handle hours of hard playing. A polymer core absorbs vibration, so you can still control the ball. The power model of this paddle features a thinner face that transfers more power to the ball in every shot. The carbon fiber face is also textured for great ball control and spin.

Carbon fiber paddles are some of the most popular among the pros, and you’ll understand why after holding this paddle for the first time!

Spin is a powerful tool on the pickleball court. Controlling how the ball spins can make the difference between winning and losing when you have a tough opponent. A paddle with a textured surface is key to a good ball spin. Texture allows the paddle to grip the ball, so you can control which direction it spins when you hit it back. 

The best pickleball paddle for spin for intermediate players is the Vaught Sports Pickleball Paddle. This paddle has a high grit carbon fiber face, perfect for spinning the ball. The midweight design makes it easy to maintain ball control without compromising power. 

Players who review this paddle cite using more arm motion than wrist motion, similar to a tennis paddle.

Pickleball paddles come in a range of different weights. Heavier paddles tend to be preferred by former tennis players, while a lighter paddle may be preferred by players prone to muscle fatigue or arthritis. Of course, you can have a weight preference just because you like how it feels in your hand too!

The Pro Kennex Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is a great lightweight option suitable for intermediate players up to pro players. The carbon and diamond frost face connects with the ball effortlessly. A cushioned grip and cloud cell poly core will keep you comfortable through long tournament play. 

The pickleball paddle weight is just 7.3 – 7.85 OZ.

Selkirk is known for being a high-quality brand for pickleball paddles, so it’s no surprise they have the best fiberglass paddle for intermediate players. The Selkirk Amped paddle uses a fiberglass face and an extra thick polypropylene core to create one of the best pickleball paddles money can buy.

The textured fiberglass paddle face helps achieve a good ball spin and control, while the extra thick core creates an ultra-smooth playing experience. No more wrist pain from feeling the vibrations of the ball! Choose your paddle weight for a personalized playing experience. You can choose a medium-weight paddle or a lightweight one. 

A comfortable grip size makes this a quality paddle with modern paddle technology that’s revolutionizing the pickleball paddle market!

Graphite pickleball paddles are popular because of their extreme durability and comfortable paddle weight. Graphite paddles offer an ultra-hard paddle face that hits the ball off with ease. 

There are a lot of graphite paddles to choose from, but the Gamma Needle graphite pickleball paddle is at the top of the list.

An elongated handle makes reaching the ball on the court easier, while the huge sweet spot creates a good hit every time. An edge guard makes this paddle durable enough to last for all your upcoming practices, matches, and tournaments. Gamma also implemented a polymer core to absorb vibration and a universal grip size that’s comfortable for all players.

The Onix Evoke Premier Paddle was co-developed by pickleball pros Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova. The minimal coating on the composite face of this pickleball paddle provides the traction you need without interrupting the flow of your shots. 

Composite paddles have gained popularity in recent years as more players realize the versatility and durability that a composite pickleball paddle offers. A precision-cut polypropylene core takes this paddle a step above other composite pickleball paddles.

The core works to absorb vibration, while the rock-hard composite surface adds power with every shot. This versatile paddle performs well at the baseline and in the kitchen. 

Pickleball paddle sets are a good choice if you have a partner you usually practice with. Buying a set makes it easy to have two paddles with comparable skills. Plus, you’ll look uniform on the court. Pickleball paddle sets can be found all over, but finding a good set is a different story.

The best pickleball paddle set for intermediate players is the Selkirk paddles with graphite and fiberglass faces. The multilayer face features both graphite and fiberglass. A 3-layer honeycomb core and ultra-light design will prevent tennis elbow.

This set comes with two paddles, a carrying case, and four pickleball balls. You get all the Selkirk excellence in a reasonably priced 2-paddle set!