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Are you currently in the market for a new pickleball paddle?

We’re sure that you’ll agree with us when we say that one of the most important pieces of equipment you need to get right is the paddle – regardless of whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

If you don’t make sure that you are using the right paddle as an intermediate player, you’re most likely going to find that you end up being unable to develop as a player, while also preventing you from being able to get maximum enjoyment out of your games.

But, what are the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players?

This is where we come in to lend you a helping hand! Below, you will find a review of the best paddles currently available on the market that are suited to an intermediate player’s game.

Along the way, we’ll also provide extra tips to help you settle on the right paddle for you.

Just keep on reading.

Kicking our list off, we have selected the PickleballCentral Rally Graphite Paddle. If you’re in need of a paddle that you’re going to be able to count on, trust us when we say that you’ll love this paddle.

Coming complete with a textured graphite face as well as a super durable composite polymer honeycomb core – this awesome paddle from Pickleball Central has been specifically created with a focus on durability and accuracy.

Why? Well, the durable honeycomb composite polymer core will not only be able to handle the impact of each shot that you make, but the textured graphite carbon exterior will also be able to provide you with the leverage of being able to enjoy better control over each shot that you make, too.

Ideal for beginners making the transition into an intermediate level, this paddle also comes complete with a large face that will provide plenty of forgiveness over mis-hits, while the ergonomic handle will provide plenty of comfort and support.

Pros

  • Big sweet spot – the enlarged face of the paddle will allow for a larger sweet spot and improve accuracy.
  • Ergonomic – the padded handle will provide plenty of comfort while you play to prevent any and all strain.

Cons

  • Graphite – The face might not be suitable for experienced intermediate players.

If you’re in need of a pickleball paddle that is going to be able to help you transition from beginner level to intermediate, then we think that the Gamma Sports Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Ensuring that you’ll be able to stand out on the court, this striking paddle ball comes equipped with an eye-catching honeycomb design in a colorway of black, yellow, blue and silver.

Not only that, but for added drama, the handle comes complete with bright yellow dots, too!

As for the performance? As you might have guessed from the name, this paddle comes with a fiberglass face.

Thanks to that, it means that this paddle will not only ensure that you can enjoy extra power, but it will also mean that you will be able to enjoy a higher energy transfer that will deliver extra speed when you need it most.

As well as that, the Gamma Sports Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle also comes complete with a polypropylene honeycomb core that will not only be able to enhance the amount of control over your shots but will also be able to amplify the touch of the face, too.

Pros

  • Fiberglass face – this paddle is perfect for transitioning from beginner to intermediate.
  • Honeycomb core – the honeycomb core will ensure accuracy and speed.

Cons

  • Power – some users find that this paddle does not deliver enough power.

If you’re currently on the search for a pickleball paddle that will be suitable for intermediate-level play without breaking the bank, look no further than the Franklin Sports Aluminum Pickleball Paddle.

Offering great value for your money, the super affordable price point of the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of an advanced paddle while also ensuring that you aren’t going to break the bank.

Featuring an aluminum face (which is quite unusual as far as pickleball paddles go) the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle will be able to provide you with plenty of power and drive across each shot that you make, all while providing you with plenty of control.

This pickleball paddle also features an ergonomic grip with padding that will help to boost your grip while you play, all while being able to help absorb the brunt of any impacts.

What’s not to love? Franklin Sports has covered all bases with this paddle.

Pros

  • Affordable – this awesome paddle is super affordable and will be able to offer a premium performance ideal for intermediate players without breaking the bank.
  • Power – the aluminum face of this paddle can offer plenty of power and drive, making it ideal for intermediate players on the cusp of being advanced.

Cons

  • Warranty – this paddle does not come with a warranty.

If you’re just starting out at an intermediate level, then why not consider purchasing a bundle kit?

In particular, the Nippo Pickleball Paddle Set is an excellent place to start as you make the transition to the next level.

Full to the brim with everything you need to play a game of pickleball (while also being able to support you as you make the leap into an intermediate level) this kit from Niupipo will allow you to grow as a player without needing to purchase any extra items.

In this set, you’ll get 4 balls, which are split between outdoor and indoor balls, 1 paddle bag, 2 paddles (one suitable for beginner and one suitable for intermediate), as well as a helpful booklet with tips and tricks on taking your game to the next level.

As for the performance? The paddles come equipped with a durable internal honeycomb core as well as a hot fiberglass surface that will support you as an intermediate player.

The honeycomb core will be able to improve the strength of the paddle to provide extra speed, while the fiberglass face will ensure plenty of hot energy transfer across each and every shot.

Pros

  • Ideal for beginners transitioning to intermediate – this kit comes with everything you need to make the transition from a beginner pickleball player to one at an intermediate level!
  • Fiberglass face – featuring a fiberglass face, you’ll be able to enjoy an increase in the speed, power and accuracy of your shots!

Cons

  • Set – for those that only want a paddle, this set might not be the ideal choice.

Buying Guide

Now that we have taken the time to talk you through our top pickleball paddle picks – we hope that you now have your sights set on a brand new pickleball paddle tailored to your current level of play.

If you’re still on the fence about which type of paddle to get, we recommend that you take a look at the following guide to help you make your final decision.

Below, each factor is a consideration that you should make in order to help you end up with the best paddle for you and your needs.

Let’s take a look at them below:

Budget

First things first, before you even think about focusing on specifications and other features – we first recommend that you take the time to create a set budget.

Even though this step can seem to be a little tedious, ensuring that you take the time to outline a clear budget prior to beginning shopping will not only help you shortlist options faster, but it will also be able to ensure that you are able to make a smarter financial decision.

In order to come up with a budget prior to shopping around for a pickleball paddle, we highly recommend that you take a few moments to brainstorm how much you are looking to spend prior to beginning your shopping.

Durability

Even though pickleball is a sport that puts fun first – that doesn’t mean that it’s not competitive.

That being said, when selecting a pickleball that is going to be suitable for your current level of intermediate play, you’ll also be making a good decision to ensure that the pickleball paddle that you choose is also going to be able to withstand the wear and tear of regulating games.

Even though it’s important to make sure that you are purchasing a paddle that comes with plenty of support, comfort as well as a variety of innovative features to help you take your games to the next level – it’s also just as important to make sure that you are purchasing a paddle that has been made to last.

The last thing that you want to do is purchase a paddle suitable for the intermediate level, only to discover that it only lasts for a few games before becoming damaged or in need of replacement!

Performance-Enhancing Features

This is another factor that you should take into consideration when choosing an intermediate pickleball paddle.

There are many different paddles that you can choose from on the market, but the very best paddles for you to choose from will be the ones that come complete with performance enhancing features.

Unlike standard paddles, paddles that come equipped with built-in performance enhancing features will have the ability to help boost your performance while you play, without any extra effort on your part.

For example, as you will have seen from our selection of paddles above, there are some that come equipped with specifically designed, “fiberglass” faces that help to boost energy transfer in order to deliver more power shots than you would have been able to make off of just strength alone.

Even though paddles that come with these sorts of performance enhancing features are typically a little more on the expensive side, many people find them to be worth the investment.

Warranty

While this isn’t necessarily a “must” we do recommend that you try and find yourself a paddle that comes complete with a warranty upon purchase of the paddle.

As we said, while this isn’t necessarily a must-have, we do highly recommend that you try and purchase from a company that offers a warranty, as this demonstrates the reputation of the company where you are purchasing the paddle.

Besides that, a warranty will also ensure that your purchase will be protected should anything happen to the paddle out of your control – so make sure that you are considering this when making your decision.

Comfort

Last but certainly not least, the final consideration that you should make when choosing a pickleball paddle is the level of comfort it is going to be able to provide you with.

As we’re sure you’re already well acquainted with, when it comes to pickleball – comfort is key.

That being said, when choosing a pickleball paddle that is going to be suitable for you, it is important to make sure that you are opting for a pickleball paddle that offers plenty of comforts, and will be able to provide you with all of the comforts that you’ll need in order to play safely.

A pickleball paddle could come with all of the latest and greatest features, but if it isn’t going to be able to make sure that you have plenty of support and comfort while you play your games out on the court – you are more than likely going to find that you can’t get the most out of your paddle.

All of the paddles that we have provided above offer the highest level of comfort, but if you’re planning on doing some shopping around yourself, we recommend that you make sure to read the reviews to get an accurate understanding of the level of comfort you can expect from the paddle you are considering purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Pick A Pickleball Paddle For An Intermediate Player?

Just like with any other level of pickleball player, it is important to make sure that you are taking into account a variety of different factors when selecting a pickleball paddle that is going to be suitable for you.

When choosing a pickleball paddle that will be suitable for intermediate players, you are going to need to make sure that you are considering the features it comes with, how well it has been constructed, as well as any additional features it comes with that will make it suitable for an intermediate player.

Is A Heavier Or Lighter Pickleball Paddle Better?

The answer to this question will ultimately come down to your personal preferences, as well as your current level of playing ability.

On one hand, a lighter paddle will be able to provide you with more control but less power, while a heavier paddle will be able to deliver more power but offer you much less control.

Is Graphite Or Fiberglass Better For Intermediate Pickleball Players?

This is a great question to ask. Generally speaking, the face of the paddle that you choose to play with will ultimately come down to your own personal preference and style of play.

That being said, you’re likely going to find that fiberglass is the better option for you if you’re in search of a paddle that can help to improve speed and accuracy, while graphite might be better suited to beginner players who need a little more control.

Final Thoughts

There we have it! You’ve made it to the end of the article. Now that you have taken the time to read through all of the above, we hope that we have been able to help you find the perfect pickleball paddle for you and your current level of play.

The great thing about intermediate pickleball paddles is that they have the ability to grow with you while you develop as a player.

Thanks to that, it means that opting to invest in one will ensure that your current level of ability is supported, while also ensuring that it will be able to grow with you as you develop, too.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide, and goodbye for now.

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