Pickleball is a fast-paced, exciting game that requires the right equipment to get the most out of every game. If you’re an intermediate pickleball player looking for the best paddle to make sure you have the best performance, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best intermediate pickleball paddles on the market and provide insight into the factors you should consider when making your purchase. We’ll look at materials and construction, weight, grip size and shape, power level, and sweet spot, price range, and other features.
We also provide some tips for selecting a pickleball paddle that will suit your individual playing style and preferences. So let’s get started and find out which intermediate pickleball paddles are best suited for your needs.
If You Don’t have time to read the whole article? We have selected the best 3 Quick Picks For You.
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How We Reviewed best intermediate pickleball paddle
We conducted extensive research to bring you the best intermediate pickleball paddles on the market. Our review criteria included pickleball paddle weight, grip size, material, and face surface.
To assemble a complete picture of an intermediate pickleball paddle’s performance, we examined customer feedback and product comparisons to gauge what real players think. We also looked at professional ratings to evaluate a particular product’s utility in tournament play.
For each item on our list, we considered key factors such as the size of the face surface, materials used for construction, and overall weight. We hope that our review helps you find a paddle that fits your style, your game, and your budget!
ROKNE Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle Review
The ROKNE Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle is designed for intermediate players seeking powerful shots, with advanced control. This paddle is made of high-end graphite and fiberglass materials, boasting an impressive power-control ratio. With its 5” handle and 4” grip, it offers comfort and balance for players.
This paddle comes with an extra-large 15.5” face, giving you greater reach when playing long volleys. This makes it both lightweight and powerful, able to deliver consistent shots while also allowing you to hit the sweet spot more easily.
In terms of cons, some players have noted that the ROKNE Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle can be too lightweight for experienced players who are used to heavier paddles but this should not be a problem if you are looking for an intermediate-level product. Additionally, the edges had some slight chipping in some cases but a protective edge wrap can solve this issue.
Overall, the ROKNE Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle provides intermediate players with excellent power and control ensuring quick response times and improved accuracy on every shot.
Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle Review
The Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for intermediate pickleball players looking for a more advanced paddle. It is made from a durable composite core and features an ergonomic handle that provides a superior grip. The paddle has a narrow body shape, allowing for precise control and maximum surface area, while the extended length of the handle provides plenty of leverage when hitting shots.
Its high-density face gives it excellent power, while its textured surface helps to ensure that your shots will travel on an even path. Its light weight makes it easier to maneuver and control on the court.
Pros:
- Durable composite core
- Ergonomic handle with superior grip
- Narrow body shape with extended length
- High-density face with textured surface
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cons:
- Slightly less control in comparison to other paddles due to the wider surface area
- Comparatively more expensive than other intermediate paddles
Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle Review
The Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for intermediate players who are looking to up their game. Featuring a graphite face with an ultra-lightweight polypropylene core, this paddle was designed with power and control in mind.
The Amped’s large, extended hitting surface gives you more surface area to work with, allowing you to experiment with different angles and spin shots. The paddle’s graphite face further enhances power, giving you a larger sweet spot for better accuracy.
When it comes to comfort, the Amped offers great ergonomics and balance. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver quickly for offensive as well as defensive shots. The handle is also textured for enhanced grip, so you’ll never lose your grip in the heat of the match.
Pros:
- The large extended hitting surface
- Graphite face provides greater power
- Lightweight design allows quick maneuverability
- Ergonomic handle with textured grip
Cons:
- Lack of support compared to other pickleball paddles
Pickleball Paddle Graphite Textured Surface for Spin Review
The Pickleball Paddle Graphite Textured Surface for Spin is made with carbon fiber, leading to a lightweight but strong build that is perfect for intermediate players. Its textured surface offers advanced spin and control, while the ergonomic handle allows you to maintain a comfortable grip during long matches.
The paddle also features a polypropylene honeycomb core, delivering increased power and durability. By using this polypropylene honeycomb core, the paddle is able to provide more consistent strikes, making it easier to control your shots while playing.
Pros:
- Carbon fiber construction ensures lightweight build and strength
- The ergonomic handle helps you maintain a comfortable grip
- Textured surface offers advanced spin and control
- Polypropylene honeycomb core increases power and durability
Cons:
- Medium-weight feel could take some getting used to for players transitioning from lighter paddles
OutWest Sports Pickleball Paddle Review
Outwest Sport’s pickleball paddle is a great option for intermediate players looking for a reliable, well-rounded paddle.
The paddle is constructed with a 7-ply laminated wood blade and a 5.5-inch wide edge guard to protect the edges of the paddle from damage. The ergonomic handle design offers maximum comfort, while the honeycomb core provides excellent ball control and spin.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of this paddle:
Pros:
- The quality construction of the 7-ply laminated wood blade
- Lightweight with a 5.5-inch edge guard
- Ergonomic handle design meant for maximum comfort
- Honeycomb core to provide excellent ball control and spin
Cons:
- More expensive than some other intermediate paddles on the market
- Can be somewhat heavy for some players
Overall, the Outwest Sports Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate players looking for a reliable, quality paddle. With its lightweight yet durable construction, solid core, and ergonomic design, this is one of the best paddles on the market today.
PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle Review
The PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is designed for intermediate players looking for a lightweight, yet durable pickleball paddle. With a built-in touch cushioning system and an innovative barrel design, this paddle combines comfort and power to help you reach the next level of your game.
PROS:
- The Pro Flight Paddle features a unique 5-part construction that is extremely lightweight while providing maximum strength.
- It has a barrel-shaped handle to improve your grip, and its touch cushioning system helps reduce hand fatigue while providing maximum control.
- The edges are nicely rounded, which means less chipping and more resilience.
- The core is made of polymer honeycomb material that provides power with each shot thanks to its unique ball control technology (BCT).
CONS:
- Some players may find the weight of the paddle too light for their playing style.
- The paddle does not have an edge guard feature, so it may become damaged with frequent use or during aggressive play.
JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddles Review
The OOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate players, as it offers the perfect balance of power and control. Its concave shape design provides optimal balance and ample surface area for a variety of shots. The paddle is also lightweight, giving you great maneuverability and increased power.
These paddles are made from quality materials, including composite wood and Nomex honeycomb core, which provides durability and forgiveness in each shot. The paddle also features a cushion grip handle, ensuring maximum comfort during play.
The OOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle has several pros and cons.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Cushion Grip handle
- Durable composite wood construction
- Optimal balance and surface area
Cons:
- High price point
- Not recommended for advanced players
Diadem ICON Performance Pickleball Paddle Review
The Diadem ICON Performance Pickleball Paddle has been designed for intermediates and advanced players who need a lightweight and durable pickleball paddle for optimal performance.
Its weight range is between 6.8-7.8 oz and its core is made of nylon honeycomb, providing a large sweet spot with great stiffness that enhances directness and helps improve consistency in long rallies. The handle also features an ergonomic cushion grip, which helps reduce vibration and provides great comfort during long hours of play.
The Diadem ICON Performance Pickleball Paddle’s face is made of a unique 5-ply composite material the first four layers are composed of an extremely rigid polymer to provide power, while the last layer is graphite to provide control for the player.
Pros:
- Lightweight construction (6.8-7.8 oz)
- The large sweet spot for extra power
- Reduced vibration with ergonomic cushion grip
- 5-ply polymer/ graphite composite paddle face for increased power and control
Cons:
- Relatively more expensive than other pickleball paddles
Kronos Pickleball Paddle Review
The Kronos Pickleball paddle is a popular choice for intermediate players. It features a unique composite face and core construction for superior control and spin. The surface is made from a micro-textured composite material that adds grip to each shot, making it perfect for short and long game shots.
The lightweight design of the paddle allows for more efficient movement between shots, making it easier to quickly switch between defense and offense. Plus, its comfortable handle provides extra power and accuracy when you need it most.
When it comes to durability, the Kronos Pickleball paddle won’t disappoint. It’s made from quality materials that are designed to last, so you can continue improving your game without worrying about replacing your paddle anytime soon.
The only downside to this paddle is that it can feel a bit too light for some people’s tastes. If you prefer a heavier paddle, this may not be the right pick for you. But overall, the Kronos Pickleball paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate players looking to hone their skills without sacrificing power or spin control.
Matrix Pickleball Paddle Explore 003 Review
For intermediate players, the Matrix Pickleball Paddle Explore 003 is a great choice. The paddle is well balanced, with an even weight distribution from top to bottom. It has a nice feel and good control over shots, making it an ideal paddle for pickleball enthusiasts who are advancing their game.
The Matrix Pickleball Paddle is made from polymer honeycomb core construction and a graphite face for enhanced control. The handle is also designed for comfort and comes with a glove-friendly grip to make it easier to hold the paddle.
Pros of the Matrix Pickleball Paddle Explore 003 include:
- Well-balanced weight distribution
- Good control over shots
- Polymer construction for extra durability
- Comfortable handle with glove-friendly grip
Cons:
- Can be slightly heavy for some players
- Some players may find the textured surface difficult to clean
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Intermediate Pickleball Paddle
As you shop for the Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle, there are a few factors to consider.
Weight & Balance
The weight and balance of the paddle should feel comfortable and manageable in your hand. Ensure that the paddle provides a good grip, with a handle length that fits your hand size. If the paddle is especially heavy or feels off-balance, it could impede your ability to maneuver it quickly.
Face Material
Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddles should have a strong impact absorbing core materials like polymers or aluminum honeycomb, as well as surfaces made from fiberglass or graphite. The core material provides stability while the surface material gives you control over your shots. Check the manufacturer’s website for details on face material composition and core structure specifications to make sure your chosen paddle fits your needs.
Edge Guard
The edges of most intermediate paddles are covered with an edge guard to protect them against accidental impacts during play. Look for an edge guard that is both durable and lightweight heavier guards can add additional weight to the paddle, affecting its balance and performance.
Benefits of Playing With an Intermediate Pickleball Paddle
If you are looking to take your pickleball game up a notch, then consider playing with an intermediate paddle. Intermediate paddles offer the perfect combination of power and control, allowing advanced players to take their game to the next level. Here are some of the main benefits they offer:
Enhanced Power
Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddles have thicker cores than beginner models, giving you more power behind your shots. With added thickness comes increased mass and higher Moment of Inertia (MOI) ratings which also help add power to your shots.
Greater Control
Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddles have wider faces than beginner models, allowing you to better control your shots. The larger surface area also provides a larger sweet spot which increases accuracy.
More Comfort
Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddles are made from softer materials that provide greater shock absorption and improved comfort during play. By reducing accidental vibrations and jarring from hard shots, intermediate paddles can help reduce arm fatigue and improve your overall performance during a match.
Maintenance and Storage Tips for Your Intermediate Pickleball Paddle
Once you find the Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddles, you want to make sure you keep them in top condition. Here are some tips on how to maintain and store your paddle:
Clean and Dry the Paddle
After each time you use your paddle, remove any dirt, sweat, or food from the surface with a damp cloth. Make sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft towel before you store it away. This will help keep your paddle looking its best and prevent any buildup of bacteria or fungi.
Store Neatly and Safely
You should always store your Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle in a cool, dry place to reduce the risk of damage from humidity or extreme temperatures. Make sure that it is safely secured away from other items which could potentially scratch or chip its surface. If possible, try hanging up your paddle so that it won’t take up too much space in your home.
Regularly Inspect Your Paddle
From time to time, check the surface of your paddle for any signs of wear and tear such as chips, dents, or scratches that could affect its performance on the court. If you’ve noticed any signs of deterioration, consider investing in a new one before playing with it again.
FAQs About the best intermediate pickleball paddle
Picking the Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddles can be a challenging endeavor, especially if you’re just starting out. To help you make the best decision for yourself, we’ve put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about intermediate pickleball paddles.
What is an intermediate pickleball paddle?
An intermediate pickleball paddle is a mid-range paddle designed for effective play on all court surfaces. The paddles are typically larger and heavier than beginner paddles, with more power and control, making them ideal for beginners who’ve graduated from basic training but are not yet ready for more advanced play.
What should I look for in an intermediate pickleball paddle?
When shopping for an intermediate pickleball paddle, look for one that balances weight and power. A heavier paddle will supply more power while allowing you to control your shots, while a lighter one gives you greater maneuverability but less power. Additionally, keep an eye out for features such as grip textures and shapes that fit your hand size and playing style.
How much should I spend on an intermediate pickleball paddle?
Intermediate-level paddles range in price from around $45-$150. Higher-end paddles tend to have smaller sweet spots and more advanced technology such as vibration-dampening systems, so consider your playing style before investing in a pricier version.
Final Words
Overall, with the wide array of pickleball paddles available on the market, it can be hard to choose the perfect one for your skill level. However, for intermediate players looking for the Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle, the options highlighted above should suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a paddle that offers increased power, great control, or an all-around performance, you’re sure to find a paddle that fits your playing style.
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