How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players

Pickleball is addictive—in the best possible way. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve moved beyond the beginner phase, gotten comfortable with the rules, and are now looking to elevate your game. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is choosing the right paddle. But with so many options on the market, how do you find the best pickleball paddle for an intermediate player?

Let’s break it down into seven easy steps.

1. Know Your Playing Style

At the intermediate level, your playing style starts to take shape. Ask yourself:

• Do you prefer control and finesse (dinking, soft shots)?

• Or are you more aggressive, relying on power and speed?

• Maybe you’re somewhere in the middle?

• Understanding your tendencies helps narrow down paddle choices. Control players might benefit from softer paddles with more touch, while power players might look for something with a bit more pop.

2. Core Material: The Engine of the Paddle

The paddle’s core determines how it feels and performs:

• Polymer Core (the most common): Offers a nice balance of power and control with quieter hits. Great for all-around play.

• Nomex Core: Harder and louder, provides more power and responsiveness—ideal for players who want to put pressure on their opponents.

• Aluminum Core: Lightweight and control-focused, though less common today.

Intermediate Tip: Most intermediate players thrive with a polymer core, as it gives versatility without sacrificing too much in either direction.

3. Surface Material: The Paddle’s Skin

The surface or "face" of the paddle impacts spin and feel:

• Graphite: Light and responsive, offers a crisp feel for precision.

• Composite: Slightly rougher surface, great for adding spin.

• Carbon Fiber: Premium material that offers great touch, control, and durability, often favored by serious players.

Intermediate Tip: Try a composite or carbon fiber face if you’re developing a spin-heavy or control-oriented game.

4. Weight: The Most Personal Choice

Paddle weight typically ranges from 7.2 to 8.5 ounces.

• Lightweight (7.2–7.6 oz): More control and maneuverability; great at the net but requires more effort for power.

• Midweight (7.6–8.2 oz): Balanced feel with good control and power.

• Heavy (8.2+ oz): More power, less maneuverability—better for baseline bangers.

Intermediate Tip: Most intermediate players do best with a midweight paddle, giving them room to grow into more aggressive play without sacrificing touch.

5. Grip Size: Don’t Overlook It

Grip size affects comfort and injury prevention:

• Small hands (under 5’2”): 4”–4.125” grip

• Average hands (5’3”–5’8”): 4.25” grip

• Large hands (5’9” and up): 4.5” grip

If you’re in between, go smaller—you can always add an overgrip.

6. Edge Guard vs. Edgeless

• Edge Guard: Protects the paddle from dings and damage; common and practical.

• Edgeless: Offers a slightly larger usable surface and sleeker feel but may wear faster.

Intermediate Tip: Most players should stick with edge guard paddles unless they’re hyper-focused on maximizing touch.

7. Try Before You Buy (If You Can)

Many pro shops, clubs, or even local players will let you demo paddles. What feels amazing to one person might feel wrong to another, so don’t underestimate this step.

Final Thoughts

As an intermediate pickleball player, you’re in a sweet spot—you’ve outgrown your starter paddle, but you’re not locked into one playing style yet. This is your time to experiment, hone your strengths, and choose a paddle that complements your evolving skillset.

Whether you lean toward spin, touch, or power, the best paddle for you will feel like an extension of your arm—not something you have to fight against.

Happy dinking, slamming, and slicing out there!