Leveling Up? Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players (2025)
Updated July 2025
Looking to level up your game? These paddles deliver power, control, and spin, for those a bit past the beginner pickleball stage.
Finding the Right Paddle as an Intermediate Player
Once you’ve got a few games under your belt, your paddle starts to matter more. The truth is: beginner paddles can hold you back. Maybe you’re missing out on spin. Maybe your drops and drives just don’t land where they should. If that sounds familiar, it’s time for an upgrade.
We tested a wide range of pickleball paddles designed for intermediate players, paddles that help you place shots smarter, control the pace, and finally lean into spin without losing feel.
Quick Comparison Table:
|
Product |
Rating |
Price |
Key Features |
Amazon |
|
⭐ 4.4 |
$159.00 |
CFS surface, 16mm core, pro-endorsed | ||
|
⭐ 4.5 |
$180.00 |
Thermoformed, 16mm control core, huge sweet spot | ||
|
⭐ 4.6 |
$179.99 |
Raw T700 carbon fiber, unibody construction | ||
|
⭐ 4.6 |
$89.99 |
Raw carbon face, choice of control or power core | ||
|
⭐ 4.6 |
$99.99 |
Raw Toray carbon, great control, great value |
CRBN 2 Series – Best Overall for Balanced Play
CRBN 1x/2x Series
- Why It’s Here: The CRBN 1x/2x Series offers a perfect blend of precision and performance. The 16mm version feels incredibly stable and soft for dinks and resets, while the 14mm has more pop for aggressive drives. Either way, you get one of the grippiest paddle faces out ther, ideal for shaping spin and placement. It’s a true step up paddle for players ready to control the court.
- Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Raw T700 carbon fiber face for top tier spin
- ✅ Available in 14mm or 16mm for tailored feel
- ✅ Durable unibody construction for control and stability
- ❌ Pricey, and less forgiving for loose technique
Selkirk SLK Halo Max – Best Under $100
Selkirk SLK Halo Max
- Why It’s Here: The SLK Halo Max gives you raw carbon spin without blowing your budget. It’s lightweight, forgiving, and easy to swing, it’s great for doubles players or anyone fine tuning placement and resets. Choose the 16mm core for extra control, or the 13mm if you want a little more zip in your game.
- Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Raw carbon fiber with high spin potential
- ✅ Thermoformed unibody design = stable and solid feel
- ✅ 16mm core gives surprising softness for a power paddle
- ❌ Unique thermoformed feel can take some adjustment
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm – Best for Power + Spin Combo
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm
- Why It’s Here: If you want something that looks, feels, and plays like the pros, this is it. The JOOLA Hyperion is trusted by high level players for its power, spin, and shock absorption. Despite the serious performance, it still feels accessible thanks to its balanced weight and wide sweet spot.
- Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Gritty CFS face adds big spin to drives and rolls
- ✅ Aero Curve design for quicker swings
- ✅ Large sweet spot, solid build, clean finish
- ❌ Might be overkill for more casual players
Vatic Pro Prism Flash – Best Value for Intermediate Players
Vatic Pro Prism Flash
- Why It’s Here: The Vatic Prism Flash gives you everything you’d want from a $180 paddle, for nearly half the price. It’s responsive, grippy, and smooth through contact, especially on third shot drops or cross court dinks. If you’re ready to grow but want a smart upgrade without overspending, start here.
- Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Raw Toray carbon fiber surface = high spin potential
- ✅ Available in 14mm or 16mm thickness
- ✅ Excellent price for the performance
- ❌ Slightly less forgiving on mishits than softer paddles
Six Zero Double Black Diamond – Most Forgiving Thermoformed Option
Six Zero Double Black Diamond
- Why It’s Here: Six Zero’s Double Black Diamond feels like a pro level paddle that doesn’t punish you for being human. It’s spin friendly, smooth on off center hits, and strikes a rare balance between control and punch. If you’ve heard thermoformed paddles feel stiff or bouncy, this one will change your mind, it’s dialed in.
- Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Raw carbon fiber with high spin potential
- ✅ Thermoformed unibody design = stable and solid feel
- ✅ 16mm core gives surprising softness for a power paddle
- ❌ Unique thermoformed feel can take some adjustment
How to Choose a Paddle as an Intermediate Player?
Once you’ve got your basics down, the paddle you use can either unlock more consistency, or make you work harder than you need to. Here are a few things worth knowing:
Carbon vs. Fiberglass: Most intermediate paddles now use raw carbon fiber because it grips the ball better, giving you more control and spin. Fiberglass often feels bouncier, which can make touch shots harder to dial in.
14mm vs. 16mm: Thinner cores (13–14mm) are a little more responsive and powerful, while thicker cores (16mm) offer more dwell time and soft control. If you’re a banger, go 14mm. If you want more finesse and resets, try 16mm.
Thermoformed vs. Traditional: Thermoformed paddles are molded in one piece, making them more rigid and powerful — but sometimes less forgiving. They shine for aggressive players, but take some adjustment.
Whatever your level, the right paddle makes every shot feel better, and land where you want it.
👉 Ready to dial in your pickleball spin? Start with one of our top rated paddles optimized for spin to upgrade your game.
FAQ:
What is the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players in 2025?
Yes, it gives more grip for spin Top picks for intermediate players in 2025 include the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm, Six Zero Double Black Diamond , Vatic Pro Prism Flash, Selkirk SLK Halo Max, and CRBN 1x/2x Series. These paddles offer a balance of power, control, and spin, perfect for players looking to level up from beginner gear.
Should I stick with a lightweight paddle as I improve?
Ehh not necessarily. A midweight paddle (7.8–8.3 oz) gives better stability and control once your technique improves.
Can I use a 14mm paddle for control?
Yeah, but you’ll need clean technique. 16mm gives a wider margin for error honestly.
How do I know it’s time to upgrade?
If your current paddle feels “dead,” doesn’t grip the ball, or you’re missing drops or drives, it’s probably time lol.
What should intermediate players look for in a pickleball paddle?
As an intermediate player, prioritize paddles that offer better control, a responsive sweet spot, and improved spin. Look for features like a raw carbon fiber face, polymer core, and a comfortable grip size between 4.125” and 4.25”
What paddle weight is best for intermediate players?
Most intermediate players benefit from a midweight paddle (7.8–8.3 oz). This range usually offers a good balance of maneuverability and power, without stressing the joints.
Are elongated paddles good for intermediate players?
Absolutely. Alot of intermediate players transition to elongated paddles for their added reach, leverage, and ability to generate spin and control on deeper shots.
Can intermediate players use pro level paddles?
Yeah, but make sure it fits your game. Some pro paddles, like the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion or CRBN 1x/2x Series, are designed for high level control and spin, but they can also require more precision. If you’re consistent and improving, a pro grade paddle can help accelerate your progress.
Do intermediate players need a carbon fiber paddle?
Raw carbon fiber paddles are a great choice for intermediate players focused on control and spin. They tend to have a softer feel and enhanced touch compared to fiberglass or composite options.
What’s the best grip size for intermediate pickleball paddles?
Most intermediate players are comfortable with a 4.125″ to 4.25″ grip. If your grip is too large or small, it can affect your wrist movement and shot control, so measure your hand or test a few to find your best fit.
How much should intermediate players spend on a paddle?
Expect to spend around $90 to $180 for a high quality intermediate pickleball paddle. These models offer better construction, performance, and durability than entry level paddles
When should I upgrade from a beginner paddle?
If you’re placing shots better, learning to add spin, or finding that your current paddle lacks control or pop, it’s time to upgrade to an intermediate level paddle that matches your developing game.
