If you’ve been playing pickleball for a while, you may be ready to move past that beginner-friendly paddle and upgrade to another. The best pickleball paddles for intermediate players are often higher quality and designed to enhance your developing skill set. There are several good brands out there, but here’s a look at 5 of The Pickleball Guidebook’s top choices and what to search for.
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Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players: What to Look For
If you’re looking for the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players, consider the following factors.
Core and Surface Material
A pickleball paddle’s core and surface materials can make a significant difference in gameplay. The most common core materials include Nomex, aluminum, and polymer. Many paddles you’ll come across are made with polymer cores, which provide a good amount of power without being too heavy. It’s a good choice for both beginner and intermediate players.
The most common surface materials include carbon fiber and fiberglass. Both materials can be good choices for intermediate players. One of the biggest differences is carbon fiber is less flexible than fiberglass, which may offer players more controlled shots.
Surface Texture
Highly textured surfaces are great for intermediate players who want to improve their spin.
Weight
One of the most important factors to look at is the right paddle weight. ALTHOUGH CAPABLE OF PRODUCING MORE POWERFUL HITS, HEAVIER PADDLES CAN ALSO CAUSE MORE WRIST STRAIN AND BE MORE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THAN A LIGHTER PADDLE. The best pickleball paddle for intermediate players in terms of weight will be specific to each individual. For example, many female players can receive more benefit from lighter paddles.
Sweet Spot
As players advance, many become more concerned with how to become competitive and produce more skilled plays. The “sweet spot” on a pickleball paddle is an area that is capable of producing the most powerful and consistent hits. This is why some prefer paddles with wider frames, which have larger sweet spots.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
1. ProKennex Pro Flight
With a polymer core and a carbon fiber surface, the ProKennex Pro Flight is an excellent option for intermediate players. It’s lightweight and has a wide face for a larger sweet spot. It also has a diamond frost-textured surface for better spin.
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
Another great option is the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro. It has a polymer core with a textured graphite surface. Weighing between 7.6 to 8.0 oz, it offers a good amount of power without feeling too heavy.
Selkirk Amped S2
THE SELLKIRK AMPED S2 IS A GREAT CHOICE FOR INTERMEDIATE and PRO PICKLEBALL PLAYERS. IT HAS A POLYPROPYLENE POLYMER CORE and a fiberglass surface, making it a light but powerful option. THERE ARE SOME MIDWEIGHT OPTIONS AS WELL for players who prefer a heavier paddle. It also has a large sweet spot, making it ideal for consistent hits.
ONIX Z5 Pickleball Paddle
Unlike the others, the ONIX Z5 has a Nomex core and a textured graphite surface. This is great for intermediate players looking to enhance their skills. Weighing 8.0 – 8.2 oz, it’s also one of the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players who want a midweight option.
Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro
Another midweight option with a polymer core is the Paddletek Bantam EX-L, which comes in two different grip sizes (thin and standard). Unlike the others, this paddle has a textured polycarbonate surface, which is more rigid than carbon fiber. For more experienced players, this allows for more powerful hits. Beginners, on the other hand, may find this paddle more difficult to control than other options.
Conclusion
Like with other types of gear, the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players are specific to the individual. If you have a local sports store or gym testing different paddles can help you determine what weight and grip size feels best.
Want to enhance your spin? Check out this list of the top paddles for spin.