Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

Pickleball is a sport that, besides ability and agility, requires the right equipment!

Having the right equipment, including a fitting paddle, can significantly impact your performance, mainly if you are a professional-level or intermediate player.

But, choosing a suitable racquet can be overwhelming. I understand… 

With a variety of options available in the online and offline market, you can get stuck with “which one to pick.” This blog will guide you through a bunch of top-rated pickleball paddle reviews for intermediate players to enhance your game and make playing more fluent and comfortable.

So, let’s dive in and discover the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players!

What Is an Intermediate Pickleball Player?

Understanding the basic rules and strategies is essential, no matter which sports you are playing.

In pickleball, you start as a beginner, but then you don’t know much about the game and are yet to develop skills. However, suppose you know all the rules and have eventually developed your skills in basic shots such as forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves. In that case, you can call yourself an intermediate player.

There’s more:

An intermediate player can also rally consistently with other players and is already advancing to develop more advanced shots like the third shot drop, dinking, and lobbying.

Moreover, they tend to have a better understanding of court positions and movements. Above all, they may be participating in local tournaments and leagues, competing with players of their level.

Now, being at this level, the importance of choosing the best racquet is fundamental. So, if you’re finally an intermediate player and planning to upgrade your racket, the section is for you!

Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

If you’re an intermediate player looking to upgrade your equipment, a quick search for “best pickleball paddle intermediate” on Google will bring up an overwhelming number of options. But please don’t forget that not all paddles are created equal. Also, the one that will perform perfectly for you will be based on your individual preferences, playing style, and needs.

That being said, there are several paddles available on the market that are particularly well-suited for intermediate players. These paddles often strike a balance between power and control, allowing players to hit the ball with accuracy and force.

Here is the list of best pickleball rackets for intermediate players.

Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid Max

This bat is notable for its hybrid construction, which blends a carbon fiber face with a polymer core. This one-of-a-kind component makes this bat powerful and sensitive. Moreover, this racquet has a large sweet spot for accurate shots and ball control.

Some Key Features to Note:

• Provides a comfortable grip to reduce fatigue and ensures a firm hold
• It’s durable and long-lasting and offers a design that can resist regular use
• It has a G6-Flex power fiberglass face that resists scratches and chips
• The inclusion of a polymer core protects the paddle from damage due to its excellent shock absorption.

Specifications:

• Length: 16.5 inches (41.91 cm)
• Width: 7.85 inches (18.73 cm)
• Weight: 7.8-8.3 ounces (221-235 grams)
• Grip size: 4.25 inches (10.8 cm)
• Grip circumference: 4.25 inches (10.8 cm)
• Core material: Polymer
• Face material: G6-Flex Power Fiberglass
• Edge Guard: EdgeSentry
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Pro
• USAPA Approved: Yes

If you’re interested in purchasing this racquet, click on the link here to buy it on Amazon.

Onix Z5 Graphite

Onix is another best brand for buying the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players. Its Z5 Graphite is considered a good intermediate pickleball paddle that offers a combination of power, control, and touch.

This popular racket features a lightweight and durable graphite face with a Nomex honeycomb core. Therefore, it provides top-notch control. Moreover, the ergonomic handle of the racquet fits pleasantly in the hand and prevents fatigue during matches.

Hey, that’s not all…

Onix Z5 also provides exceptional grip and spin control for those players who enjoy using spin strokes.

Why Buy the Onix Z5 Graphite?

Let’s review a few reasons to understand why you should buy this racquet:

• Z5 Graphite offers a perfect balance of control and power, making it the best pickleball racquet for intermediate players.
• Its graphite face is scratch and ding resistant, while the Nomex core retains its shape and function over time, providing long-lasting durability.
• It has an excellent sweet spot, allowing players to be forgiving on off-center hits.

What are the Cons?

This paddle has a few drawbacks that may not be suitable for everyone.

To begin with, it is not suitable for those players who prefer lightweight bats because it is slightly heavier. Furthermore, it is not among the most economical options available on the market today.

The Onix Z5 Graphite’s Nomex core can produce a loud sound, which may distract some players. Also, it offers a smaller grip size, making it uncomfortable for athletes with relatively big hands.

Specifications:

• Length: 15.5 inches (39.37 cm)
• Width: 8.1 inches (20.06 cm)
• Weight: 7.8-8.4 ounces (212-232 grams)
• Grip Size: 4.25 inches (10.8 cm)
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches (10.8 cm)
• Core Material: Nomex Honeycomb
• Face Material: Graphite
• Grip Type: Ergonomic cushioned grip
• Color: Black, blue, green, orange, purple, red, and yellow
• Thickness: 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) – the maximum allowed by USAPA
• USAPA Approved: Yes

Want to buy this racket? Check out this link.

HEAD Gravity Graphite

Many players have chosen HEAD Gravity graphite as their go-to racquet and for good reason.

It is a paddle created with care to give sportsmen the control and comfort they require while playing their sport. Furthermore, with its textured graphite face, you can have full control over your spin shots.

However, what separates Head Gravity Graphite is its teardrop form, which offers a more reliable sweet spot and allows you to smash the ball quickly. And the specially designed comfort grip handle helps reduce vibration and absorb shock, eliminating the risk of injury.

Specifications:

• Length: 16 inches (40.64 cm)
• Width: 7 7/8 inches (20 cm)
• Weight: 7.9-8.2 ounces (224-232 grams)
• Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches (10.8 cm)
• Core Material: Polymer honeycomb
• Face Material: Textured Graphite
• Grip Type: Comfort grip with cushioned EVA foam
• Edge Guard: Yes, slimline
• USAPA Approved: Yes

If you’re interested in buying this racket, click here.

JP WinLook Speedy

The JP WinLook Speedy is a one-fit paddle for all. It is made from high-quality materials, including a honeycomb polymer core, carbon fiber face, and a comfortable grip handle.

This racquet is known as one of the top rated pickleball paddles for intermediate players due to its mix of power and control. Its honeycomb polymer core provides a sturdy platform for powerful strokes, while the carbon fiber face gives control and resistance to scratches and dents.

JP WinLook Speedy provides a lightweight design to handle and maneuver the gameplay. No doubt why it is highly famous among men and women both.

Two Things to Dislike About this Racquet:

1. JP WinLook Speedy is made of high-quality materials but is not a cheap paddle.
2. When the carbon fiber face makes contact with the ball, it can produce quite a noise. This is also one of the primary reasons why players seek better alternatives.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 17.99 x 11.22 x 3.31 inches
• Weight: 7.25 ounces (205 grams)
• Core Material: Honeycomb polymer
• Face Material: Carbon fiber
• Grip Type: Cushioned grip handle
• Edge Guard: Rubber
• USAPA Approved: Yes
• Available Colors: Blue, Green, Purple, Red, Yellow

Check out this racquet by clicking on this link.

Prokennex Ovation Flight

Are you searching for a racquet that is light & durable, Prokennex Ovation should be your ideal pick.

Prokennex Ovation Flight comes with a unique multi-layered structure, which includes carbon fiber and Kevlar. Besides that, this paddle also features a sweet spot that helps athletes make consistent shots without dropping the power.

Another benefit of this racquet is its low-profile edge guard that allows for more surface area on the face, offering more control and feel.

Key Features:

One of the key features due to which Ovation Flight is considered a good intermediate pickleball paddle is its Kinetic Energy Release System (KERS). This system helps transfer energy from the bat to the ball, enabling more power and spin on the shot. Also, it has a Comfort Grip System (CGS), helping abort shock and reducing vibration.

Specifications:

• Length: 15.5 inches (39.37 cm)
• Width: 7.6 inches (19.30 cm)
• Weight: 7.4 ounces (209 grams)
• Grip Size: 4 1/8″ (10.48 cm)
• Core Material: High-Performance QuadCore Polymer
• Face Material: Carbon Fiber, Kevlar, and ProKennex’s proprietary Polypropylene Fiber
• Grip Type: Comfort Grip System (CGS) with cushioned ribbed surface
• Edge Guard: Low-Profile, Micro-Bead
• Kinetic Energy Release System (KERS): Yes
• USAPA Approved: Yes

Want to buy it right away or read more about it? click this link.

Choosing an Intermediate Pickleball Paddle

After discussing the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players, now you have a clear understanding of which one may be the most suitable for your playing style and preferences. 

However, the market is big, and there are several other options too. Given that, knowing how to choose a racquet is essential. Let’s have a look at some of the important factors to consider when buying a racquet:

Surface Materials

It’s normal to look for alternatives that are budget-friendly. However, keep in mind that the quality should not get compromised due to low-cost.

Investing in a good pickleball racquet can be costly, but with quality materials and inclusion, you will have peace of mind that this will go on for some years, no matter how consistently you play.

Therefore, you should always check out materials like graphite and composite as they are natural to last longer than wood paddles.

Weight

One of the fundamental techniques for becoming a successful player is to have decent equipment, and having a lightweight bat fits into that category.

With a lightweight racquet, you can effortlessly maneuver and control your shots. Furthermore, you will be able to improve your speed, power, and stability. It will help transform yourself into a good sportsman.

Size

Assuming you’re an intermediate, choosing a small-size racquet is crucial for developing your game. Don’t forget to find a size that fits perfectly to your hands and gives you more control and maneuverability.

The standard size of a good pop tennis bat is 8 inches wide and 15.5 inches long.

Durability

Pickleball racquets are available in wood, graphite, or composite materials. Among them, wooden racquets are the least durable and are prone to cracking or breaking. On the other hand, composite and graphite bats are made of a blend of materials and carbon fiber, respectively, delivering durability and strength.

We’ve also written a detailed article on: Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

FAQs

Beginner racquets are usually lighter, bigger, and more affordable than intermediate paddles. They are also composed of cheaper materials. Conversely, intermediate racquets are typically more expensive, constructed of higher-quality materials, a little bit heavier, and more uniform in size.

The differences between these two types offer various degrees of performance and quality, with intermediate paddles made for players more committed to raising their level of play.