7 Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players
“Each swing is a blend of skill and flair. As an intermediate player, let your paddle amplify your game’s melody.”
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As you progress from a beginner to an intermediate player, your choice of equipment becomes crucial in enhancing your performance. This is especially true when selecting the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players, which can significantly impact your game.
Our guide introduces seven top-notch paddles, each offering an ideal balance of power, control, and precision, tailored to meet the needs of intermediate players.
These paddles are designed with advanced features to support your growing skills, whether improving accuracy, adding spin, or elevating overall gameplay. Find the perfect paddle that aligns with your style and preferences, and take a confident step forward in your pickleball journey.
Top 7 Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
Selecting the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players involves balancing advanced features and user-friendly designs. These paddles are crafted to improve performance while being easy to handle and play with.
Here’s an overview of the top 7 paddles that are ideal for intermediate players:
Each of these paddles is specifically designed to suit different playing styles, making them more than just tools but true game enhancers for intermediate players. Let’s concisely review each paddle, highlighting their unique features and how they can elevate your pickleball game.
Six Zero Double Black Diamond
The Six Zero, Double Black Diamond Control paddle is designed for intermediate and advanced pickleball players, offering a blend of control and spin. It features a high-tech moulding process, an aerodynamic flared design, and a Japanese Toray 700K carbon textured surface for superior grip.
This paddle includes Carbon Fusion Edge Technology for durability and a more prominent sweet spot, with a 16mm thick honeycomb polymer core for balanced power and control.
It also has a vibration-reducing, strength-maximizing 3D carbon-forged elongated handle and a custom grip suitable for all hand sizes.
USA Pickleball approved, it emphasizes ergonomic comfort and control.
Vatic V7
The Vatic V7 paddle is perfect for intermediate players and balances power, grit, and control. Constructed from heat-pressed TORAY T700 carbon fiber, it’s durable and wear-resistant.
Features like Foam Inject Walls and Thermoformed edges enhance the sweet spot and control. Weighing 8.1-8.5 oz, its elongated grip with polyurethane inserts helps prevent tennis elbow.
The core combines C7 Polymers and Honeycomb for optimal performance, protected by an Anti-Abrasion TPU Edge Guard.
Vatic Flash Carbon Fiber
The Vatic Flash Carbon Fiber paddle, designed for resilience and precision, is a choice for those seeking a blend of power and control in their game. Available in 14mm and 16mm thicknesses, it’s made from durable TORAY T700 carbon fiber.
It features Thermoformed edges and Unibody Construction, enhancing the sweet spot for improved control. Weighing 8.0 to 8.2 oz, it has an elongated grip with shock-reducing inserts, which reduces tennis elbow risk.
The core consists of optimized C7 Polymers and a high-grade honeycomb, ensuring a responsive feel and consistent performance.
Selkirk Halo SLK
Last week, George lent me his SLK Halo XL Pickleball Paddle from Selkirk to try, and it’s been impressive. The T700 Raw Carbon Fiber face boosts control and spin in fast games.
With a 16mm core, the Control version offers an ultra-large sweet spot for precise shots. The Rev-Core Control Polymer Core balances control and power, which is essential for competitive play.
The Edgesentry edge guard enhances durability and balance. The cushioned SLK faux leather grip ensures comfort and a stable hold, even in long matches. This experience has revealed the SLK Halo XL as a top choice for intermediate players seeking control, spin, and customization options in grip and weight.
In my humble opinion, the SLK Halo XL is a top choice for intermediate players seeking control, spin, and customization options in grip and weight.
Ronbus Nova R1
The Ronbus Nova R1 paddle, featuring Gen 3 thermoforming and patent-pending edge grid technology, offers a superb balance of control and power. Its raw Toray T700 carbon fiber face enhances spin and durability, while the polypropylene honeycomb core ensures optimal performance.
With a 16.5” length and a weight of around 8.2 oz, it’s perfectly balanced for responsive play. Additionally, it’s USAPA-approved and comes with a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects, making it a reliable choice.
Engage Poach Infinity EX
The Engage Poach Infinity EX paddle is a technologically advanced option designed to mitigate tennis elbow and enhance control, spin, and power.
It features a Vibration Dampening Skin, Variable Release Technology, Counterweight Technology, omnidirectional friction-based Texture, and a proprietary control ‘Black’ Polymer Core.
The paddle offers four different shapes to suit various playing styles, has a large sweet spot, and provides a solid feel at contact.
It’s optimized for noise requirements and includes vibration control and tennis elbow mitigation technologies.
Six Zero Sapphire
The Six Zero Sapphire paddle stands out for its control, power, and affordability blend. Its elongated design, crafted through a superior hot mold process, offers extended reach and improved control, making it a top choice for players who prioritize precision.
The paddle’s surface is a high-grade Japanese 700K Toray carbon, featuring an extra gritty texture. This unique combination significantly boosts spin and control, giving an edge in defensive and aggressive plays.
Its 13mm thick power polymer core provides a solid yet responsive feel, ideal for consistent power delivery. The 5.6-inch elongated handle is a game-changer for players who prefer two-handed backhands, offering enhanced grip and maneuverability.
It is ergonomically balanced and ensures comfort during prolonged play, making it a great option for players seeking a high-performing, comfortable, and budget-friendly paddle.
What is an Intermediate Pickleball Paddle?
An intermediate pickleball paddle is designed to cater to players who have moved beyond the beginner stage and want to improve their game with a paddle that offers a better balance of control, power, and precision.
These paddles are usually made from advanced materials such as graphite or composite, which provide a larger sweet spot and enhanced feel for the ball, aiding in accuracy and spin. They are tailored to offer a blend of weight and balance, allowing for more nuanced shot-making without compromising speed or power.
This makes them ideal for players developing their technique and requiring a paddle that supports their growing skill set, helping them execute a wider range of shots with greater consistency.
How Do I know which Intermediate Pickleball Paddle to Buy?
When choosing the right intermediate pickleball paddle, I consider weight, grip size, materials, and my playing style. A heavier paddle provides more power but less control, while a lighter one offers more control and faster movements.
The grip size should match my hand for comfort and effective control. Materials like graphite and composite affect the paddle’s feel and durability, which are important for my game.
Also, my playing style plays a crucial role; as a power hitter, I might lean towards a heavier paddle, whereas for a control-focused game, a lighter one could be better.
I find it helpful to research and test different paddles, and I take advantage of opportunities to try paddles at sports stores or through manufacturer demo programs. The best paddle for me is the one that feels comfortable in my hand and enhances my playing style.
What factors should I consider when choosing an intermediate pickleball paddle?
Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players Conclusion
Selecting the right intermediate pickleball paddle is crucial for players looking to elevate their game. Consider your playing style, paddle weight, grip size, and material when making your choice.
With the right paddle, you can enhance your performance, enjoy the game more, and continue to improve your skills. Remember to try different paddles and find the one that best suits your unique style and preferences.
