Pickleball Pete
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read

Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

As an intermediate pickleball player, finding the perfect paddle is essential for taking your game to the next level. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. To help you in your selection process for the best Pickleball paddles for intermediate players, I have compiled a list of the top 11 choices.

This list is put together using a lot of experience from me and my team of Pickleball experts, as well as many Q&A sessions with Pickleball players ranging from pros to newbies. Each paddle has unique features and advantages that cater to different playing styles and preferences, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your game.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players (Top 11 List)

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Poach Infinity EX Pickleball paddle

Kinetic Pro Speed ll Pickleball paddle

Paddletek Tempest Wave II

The Pro-Lite PowerSpin

11 Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

(Top 5 Featured Reviews)

BEST OVERALL - Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
The Prince Response Pro1: The Prince Response Pro1 paddle offers a winning combination of power and control. With its polymer core, it delivers impressive power in each shot, allowing you to hit hard and accurately. The wide body design of the paddle provides a generous sweet spot, resulting in enhanced precision even during intense rallies. The sleek design and comfortable grip make the Prince Response Pro1 a versatile and reliable choice for intermediate players.
Pros: Exceptional control and power. Wide body design with a large sweet spot for precise shots. Cons: Slightly heavier weight may lead to fatigue during prolonged play. Grip size may not be suitable for players with larger hands.

RUNNER-UP - Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
Rally Graphite Power 5.0 Pickleball Paddle: The Rally Graphite Power 5.0 paddle is actually a Pickleball paddle I use quite often. It is crafted with a graphite face and a polymer honeycomb core, offering excellent control and power. The paddle's responsive feel and maneuverability allow intermediate players to excel in various shots. Its lightweight construction ensures swift movement and reduces fatigue during long matches. With its attractive design and exceptional performance, the Rally Graphite Power 5.0 is a top-notch choice for players seeking versatility and power.
Pros: Excellent control and power. Lightweight construction for swift movement and reduced fatigue. Cons: The paddle's responsiveness may require some adjustment for players transitioning from heavier paddles. Some players may find the grip to be too thin, affecting comfort during extended play.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT FINESSE - Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
Electrum Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle: The Electrum Pro Graphite paddle is known for its exceptional touch and precision. Constructed with a graphite face and a polymer core, it offers a unique combination of control and finesse. The paddle's slim profile and lightweight design allow for quick reactions and swift movements on the court. With its focus on touch and accuracy, the Electrum Pro Graphite paddle is ideal for intermediate players who prioritize finesse in their gameplay.
Pros: Exceptional touch and precision. Slim profile and lightweight design for quick reactions. Cons: The paddle's emphasis on finesse may sacrifice some power for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. The graphite face may be more susceptible to cosmetic wear compared to other materials.

LARGEST SWEET SPOT - Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle: The Tempest Wave Pro paddle is designed to provide players with maximum power and spin. It features a polymer core and a textured fiberglass face, allowing for excellent ball control and spin generation. The paddle's large sweet spot enhances forgiveness, enabling you to hit consistent shots even when not perfectly centered. The Tempest Wave Pro's unique combination of power and spin makes it a top choice for intermediate players looking to add an edge to their game.
Pros: Maximum power and spin generation. Large sweet spot for enhanced forgiveness. Cons: The textured fiberglass face may require more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. The paddle's wider body may require some adjustment for players accustomed to narrower paddles.

MOST DURABLE - Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
Champion Graphite X Pickleball Paddle: The Champion Graphite X paddle is built for power and durability. Its graphite face and polymer core deliver excellent ball response and a solid feel. The paddle's heavier weight provides added power, making it suitable for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. Despite its weight, the Champion Graphite X paddle maintains maneuverability and control, allowing intermediate players to dominate the court with powerful shots.
Pros: Solid feel and durability. Provides additional power for players who prefer an aggressive playstyle. Cons: The heavier weight may require additional arm strength and conditioning. Some players may find the paddle's power-oriented design sacrifices a bit of finesse and control.

Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle:

The Poach Infinity EX paddle is renowned for its exceptional touch and control. Featuring a graphite face and a polymer core, it offers a balanced blend of power and finesse. The paddle's smaller size and lightweight design allow for precise maneuvering and quick reactions. The Poach Infinity EX paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate players seeking precise shot placement and finesse in their gameplay.

Paddletek Tempest Wave II:

The Paddletek Tempest Wave II paddle is designed for all-around performance. It features a polymer core and a fiberglass face, providing a responsive and forgiving playing experience. The paddle's versatile design allows for excellent control in both defensive and offensive shots. However, some players may find that the paddle's slightly smaller grip size may take time to adjust to, especially for those with larger hands.

Pro-Lite PowerSpin:

The Pro-Lite PowerSpin paddle is known for its exceptional spin capabilities. With its textured fiberglass face and polymer core, it offers excellent control and precision. The paddle's unique spin-friendly surface allows for enhanced ball rotation, making it a preferred choice for players who rely on spin shots. However, the Pro-Lite PowerSpin paddle's weight distribution may not be suitable for players seeking maximum power, as it is slightly lighter compared to other paddles on this list.

Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle:

The Selkirk Amped S2 paddle is designed to deliver power and control. Its fiberflex fiberglass face and polymer core provide a solid feel and excellent shot placement. The paddle's elongated shape offers a larger sweet spot, enhancing forgiveness and reducing mishits. However, some players might find that the Selkirk Amped S2 paddle's larger size and weight require additional arm strength and may take time to adjust to for players transitioning from smaller paddles.

Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle:

The Onix Graphite Z5 paddle is well-regarded for its power and maneuverability. Featuring a graphite face and a nomex core, it provides exceptional shot speed and responsiveness. The paddle's lightweight construction allows for quick movements and swift reactions. However, some players may find that the Onix Graphite Z5 paddle's power-oriented design sacrifices a bit of control, requiring precision and practice to harness its full potential.

Gearbox GX5 Pickleball Paddle:

The Gearbox GX5 paddle is designed with durability and control in mind. Its carbon fiber face and polypropylene honeycomb core offer a solid feel and excellent ball control. The paddle's edgeless design provides a larger hitting surface, reducing mishits and improving accuracy. However, some players may find that the Gearbox GX5 paddle's slightly heavier weight can lead to fatigue during long matches, requiring additional strength and conditioning.

How to Find the Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

Finding the right pickleball paddle as an intermediate player is crucial for improving your performance on the court. The top 9 paddles listed above offer a range of features and advantages to cater to different playing styles and preferences. Whether you prioritize power, control, spin, or finesse, there is a paddle on this list that will suit your needs. Remember to consider the pros and cons of each paddle to make an informed decision and take your pickleball game to new heights.