Top 5 Intermediate Pickleball Paddles
As an intermediate pickleball player, your choice of paddle can significantly impact your game. The right equipment can help you refine your skills, enhance your performance, and take your play to the next level. However, with numerous options available, selecting the ideal paddle can be challenging.
Intermediate players require paddles that offer a balance of power, control, and maneuverability. These paddles should provide features that support skill development without being overly specialized. In this article, we'll explore the top 5 paddles suited for intermediate players, helping you make an informed decision for your next upgrade.
Criteria for selection
When evaluating pickleball paddles for intermediate players, we considered several key factors:
- Weight and balance: Intermediate paddles typically weigh between 7.3 to 8.4 ounces. This range offers a good balance between power and control. We also looked at the paddle's balance point, as this affects maneuverability and swing speed.
- Material composition: The paddle's core and face materials significantly influence its performance. We considered options with polymer cores for their blend of power and control, and faces made of carbon fiber or fiberglass for durability and spin potential.
- Sweet spot size: A larger sweet spot provides more forgiveness on off-center hits, which is beneficial for players still refining their technique. We prioritized paddles with expanded sweet spots.
- Price-to-performance ratio: While intermediate players may be ready to invest in better equipment, value for money remains important. We looked for paddles that offer advanced features without an excessive price tag.
By focusing on these criteria, we've identified paddles that can support your development as an intermediate player. These selections aim to provide the right mix of performance, durability, and value to help you improve your game.
Top 5 intermediate pickleball paddles
Selkirk AMPED Epic
Product Details
- Weight: 7.9-8.3 oz
- Core: X5 Polypropylene Honeycomb
- Face: FiberFlex Fiberglass
- Key feature: Large sweet spot for improved consistency
The Selkirk AMPED Epic is a popular choice among intermediate players. Its large sweet spot offers forgiveness on off-center hits, helping you maintain consistency as you refine your technique. The FiberFlex Fiberglass face provides a good blend of power and control, while the X5 core enhances feel and responsiveness.
Apiras Pickleball Paddle (Winner)
Product Details
- Weight: 7.8-8.2 oz
- Core: Polymer Propylene Honeycomb
- Face: Toray T700 Carbon Fiber
- Key features:
- Thermoformed paddle construction for expanded sweet spot
- Foam-injected edge mold for durability and vibration dampening
- TouchTread surface texture for enhanced ball grip and spin
- Pro-level performance at half the price of most premium paddles
The Apiras Pickleball Paddle offers exceptional value for intermediate players. Its thermoformed construction creates a seamless surface with an expanded sweet spot, promoting consistency in your shots. The Toray T700 Carbon Fiber face, typically found in high-end paddles, provides excellent power and control. The foam-injected edge adds durability while reducing vibrations.
Perhaps most impressively, it delivers professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost of many top-tier paddles, making it an outstanding choice for players serious about improving their game without breaking the bank.
Engage Pursuit MX 6.0
Product Details
- Weight: 7.8-8.2 oz
- Core: Control Pro Polymer
- Face: Textured Fiberglass
- Key feature: Excellent balance of power and control
The Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 stands out for its versatility. The Control Pro Polymer core offers a soft feel, enhancing your ability to place shots accurately. The textured fiberglass face adds spin potential to your game. It's an excellent all-around paddle for players developing various aspects of their play.
HEAD Radical Elite
Product Details
- Weight: 7.6-8.0 oz
- Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb
- Face: Carbon Fiber
- Key feature: Diamond-textured surface for enhanced spin
The HEAD Radical Elite is designed for players looking to add more spin to their game. Its diamond-textured carbon fiber face grips the ball well, allowing for increased spin on serves and groundstrokes. The lightweight design aids in maneuverability, particularly beneficial for quick exchanges at the net.
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
Product Details
- Weight: 7.4-7.8 oz
- Core: Vertical Rib Polypropylene
- Face: Graphite
- Key feature: Vibration reduction technology for comfort
Comfort is key with the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro. Its vibration reduction technology helps minimize arm fatigue during extended play. The graphite face offers good touch for soft game strategies, while the vertical rib core provides consistent power. It's ideal for players who prioritize feel and comfort.
Factors to consider when choosing
When selecting an intermediate paddle, consider these key factors:
Personal playing style: Assess whether you prefer a power game, finesse play, or a balanced approach. Choose a paddle that complements your style.
Specific strengths and weaknesses: Identify areas of your game that need improvement. Select a paddle that can help address these areas.
Budget considerations: While investing in a quality paddle is important, ensure it fits within your budget. Remember, the most expensive option isn't always the best for your needs.
Feel and comfort: If possible, test different paddles. The right paddle should feel comfortable and natural in your hand.
Conclusion
Upgrading to an intermediate-level paddle can significantly enhance your pickleball game. While all the paddles reviewed offer quality performance, the Apiras Pickleball Paddle stands out as the top choice. It combines advanced features typically found in premium paddles with an accessible price point, making it an excellent value for intermediate players looking to elevate their game.
The Selkirk AMPED Epic and Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 are solid alternatives, offering reliability and versatility. The HEAD Radical Elite is a great option for those focusing on spin, while the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro excels in comfort for extended play.
Ultimately, the Apiras paddle's blend of high-end technology, performance, and affordability makes it our top recommendation for intermediate players seeking to take their game to the next level.
FAQs about intermediate pickleball paddles
Q: How often should I replace my paddle? A: With regular play, consider replacing your paddle every 1-2 years or when you notice a decline in performance.
Q: Is a heavier or lighter paddle better for intermediate players?
A: This depends on personal preference. Heavier paddles (7.8-8.4 oz) offer more power, while lighter ones (7.3-7.7 oz) provide better control and maneuverability.
Q: Can using a better paddle really improve my game?
A: Yes, a quality paddle can enhance your performance by offering better control, power, and feel. However, it's not a substitute for practice and skill development.
Q: Are expensive pickleball paddles always better?
A: Not necessarily. As demonstrated by the Apiras paddle, some mid-range options offer features comparable to high-end models at a more accessible price point.
Q: How do I know if a paddle is USAPA approved for tournament play?
A: Check the USAPA website for their list of approved paddles, or look for the USAPA approval seal on the paddle or its packaging. Apiras Pickleball Paddles are currently being tested for approval.