Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players in 2025

Looking to level up your game? These paddles deliver power, control, and spin, for those a bit past the beginner pickleball stage.

Updated April 2025

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

CRBN 2 Series – Best Overall for Balanced Play

Perfect for: Intermediates who want power, spin, and responsiveness in one paddle.

• ✅ 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

The CRBN 2 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.

Six Zero Double Black Diamond – Most Forgiving Thermoformed Option

Perfect for: Players looking for spin and control without giving up a wide sweet spot.

• ✅ 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

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.

Selkirk SLK Halo Max – Best Under $100

Perfect for: Intermediate players who want a carbon upgrade without the price hike.

• ✅ T700 carbon face = reliable spin and touch
• ✅ Available in 13mm Power or 16mm Control core
• ✅ Broad face and soft grip for comfort and forgiveness
• ❌ “Power Core” version trades some control for pop

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.

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm – Best for Power + Spin Combo

Perfect for: Intermediates ready to grow into a pro level setup.

• ✅ 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

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.

Vatic Pro Prism Flash – Best Value for Intermediate Players

Perfect for: Players upgrading from a starter paddle who want control and spin.

• ✅ 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

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.

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.