Intermediate pickleball players possess a wide range of skills and playing styles, making them likely the largest group within the pickleball community. If you are an aggressive player, you will prefer a paddle with a thinner polymer core. If control is more your focus than power, then a paddle with a thicker 16-millimeter polymer core will be to your liking. Should you seek a middle ground, a paddle with a polymer core around 14 millimeters thick would be your ideal choice.
- Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle — Best Graphite Paddle
- Paddletek Bantam EX-L Composite Paddle — Best Composite Paddle
- Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex Paddle — Best Fiberglass Paddle
- Engage Encore 6.0 Composite Paddle
- Prolite Titan Pro Black Diamond Paddle
- Prolite Magnum Graphite Stealth Paddle
- Onix Evoke Premier Paddle
- Engage Poach Advantage Paddle
- Rally Tyro 2 Pro Paddle
- Engage Elite Pro Composite Paddle
How We Selected best pickleball paddles for intermediate players
- Player Ratings: Only paddles with consistent 5-star reviews from intermediate players.
- Versatility: Medium weight (7.5–8.5 oz), balanced power-to-control ratio, and compatibility with multiple grip styles.
- Core & Surface Tech: Prioritized polymer, graphite, and fiberglass materials for durability and performance.
1. Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Z5 pickleball paddle offers great value for money, providing control, power, and spin, along with a generous sweet spot (optimal hitting area). Its Nomex core and graphite face ensure durability, allowing you to control every shot.
The Onix Z5 Graphic Pickleball Paddle tops our list of the best pickleball paddles. The Onix Z5 is highly popular among pickleball players, from beginners learning the ropes to professionals competing at the highest levels.
When you pick up the Onix Z5, the first thing you’ll notice is its comfortable weight. Weighing between 7.5 and 8.2 ounces, the paddle is easy to maneuver on the court while maintaining full control over various pickleball shots. The Z5’s weight distribution also allows you to generate significant power during smashes, a feature often lacking in other paddles.
The next standout feature of the Onix Z5 is its large hitting surface. With a face width of 8-1/8 inches, the paddle boasts a substantial sweet spot. This gives you a great chance to hit winning shots, control the ball, execute spins, drop shots, and more powerful smashes. In addition to the larger hitting area, the Onix Z5 features a classic wide-body paddle shape, a 5-inch handle length, and a maximum grip size of 1/8 inches. This balance provides a consistent sense of control on the court, allowing you to focus on your game.
The Z5 comes in a variety of color options, including blue, green, orange, red, yellow, purple, pink, and white. The paddle itself features a striking “Z” graphic printed on its woven black graphite face. With multiple color choices, you can select one that matches your style, whether you want to stand out or blend in.
Ultimately, the Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle is a 5-star paddle that offers exceptional value for under $80. We are confident you’ll love the Onix Z5 and are proud to place it at the top of our list of the best pickleball paddles.
Key Features:
- Best sweet spot for control, power, and spin
- Nomex honeycomb core and graphite face ensure long-lasting durability
- Priced under $80, offering excellent value for money
2. Paddletek Bantam EX-L Composite Paddle
The Paddletek Bantam Ex-L Composite Pickleball Paddle is quieter than the Onix Z5 and is crafted with a specialized polymer honeycomb core. Few pickleball paddles can rival the Paddletek Bantam Ex-L in delivering the bounce effect of its fiberglass paddle face.
The Bantam Ex-L Composite Pickleball Paddle ranks second on our list of the best pickleball paddles. Like the Z5, the Bantam Ex-L features a comfortable handle and weighs between 7.7 and 8.4 ounces. When using this paddle, you can comfortably combine power and control while executing drop shots at the net.
Many players who use the Paddletek Bantam Ex-L note that it delivers power on impact but also excels in providing spin and control. The paddle’s 7-7/8-inch wide face means it has a large sweet spot, ideal for controlling even the most complex shots. This is a feature the Ex-L shares with the Onix Graphite Z5.
The pickleball paddle features a polymer core specifically designed to create one of the best pickleball paddles. This gives you power, control, and a strong hit, but it is quieter than paddles with a Nomex core—you’ll notice the Ex-L is quieter compared to the Z5. The Ex-L’s paddle face is made of fiberglass with geometric vinyl decals. Again, the goal is to give you maximum control over any type of pickleball shot.
The Ex-L’s paddle grip is slightly longer than the Z5’s (5 1/8 inches), designed to provide greater reach around the net. The paddle face measures 15-15/8 inches in length, and the grip is cushioned for added comfort and control on the court.
Like the Z5, the Paddletek Bantam Ex-L offers excellent value, priced under $100. Recently, a new model, the TS-5 Pro, has been introduced to the market. The TS-5 Pro features twist vibration control, providing a larger sweet spot and more control when hitting off-center shots.
You can’t go wrong with the Bantam Ex-L Composite Pickleball Paddle. In our guide to the best pickleball paddles, it is definitely more than just a runner-up.
Key Features:
- Ideal paddle weight between 7.7 and 8.4 ounces
- Specialized polymer honeycomb core offers control, power, and quieter hits
- Priced under $100, delivering exceptional value for money
3. Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex Paddle
The Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex is an excellent pickleball paddle. It’s hard to rank this paddle third on our list, as it could easily take the top spot. If you’re looking for a top-tier paddle that stands out with power, control, and spin, the S2 X5 is for you.
The S2 X5 paddle is versatile, featuring a large wide-body paddle face. This gives you an excellent opportunity to execute great shots. The paddle’s standout feature is its FiberFlex face, which Selkirk claims allows you more time to react to shots.
The face design ensures the ball reacts on the paddle surface to throw off your opponent and give you more focus on your shot. This means more precision at the net and more spin—advanced players will love this. The X5 core is also designed to provide consistency for all your shots and offers a quieter playing experience. Like the Magnum Stealth, the X5 delivers a quieter game.
Another standout feature of the AMPED S2 X5 is its two weight options: a medium weight of 8.2 ounces or a lighter weight of 7.2 ounces. This allows you to choose the paddle weight that best suits your playing style. The heavier option provides more power, while the lighter option is designed for easier maneuverability on the court. The S2 X5’s handle is shorter than other paddles on this list (and other Selkirk AMPED paddles), providing a larger hitting surface and sweet spot.
The Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex Pickleball Paddle comes in six color options, including green, blue, purple, black, orange, and red. The face features a large Selkirk “S” logo that dominates the paddle, with the lower part fading into white. We love the look and feel of the S2 X5 and believe it’s another standout feature of this paddle.
The S2 X5 is more expensive than other paddles on this list, which is why it ranks below the Onix Graphite Z5 and Paddletek Ex-L. Priced at around $150, it offers great value considering its build quality. However, this paddle is designed for more serious pickleball players.
Key Features:
- FiberFlex face provides a large sweet spot and forces the ball to translate across the paddle
- Quieter gameplay compared to other paddles in our guide
- Stylish paddle design with multiple color options
4. Engage Encore 6.0 Composite Paddle
The Engage Encore 6.0 Composite Pickleball Paddle is built for extreme performance, building on the tremendous success of the original Encore Composite paddle. Designed to meet USAPA roughness and spin guidelines, this understated paddle allows the ball to spin off its new FiberTek face with ease, whether you’re executing spins, drives, or smashes.
The Encore Composite 6.0 Pickleball Paddle is a worthy addition to our list of the best pickleball paddles. This paddle is engineered for extreme play. The paddle’s edge exceeds USAPA regulations, offering players the maximum allowable deflection and roughness in a pickleball paddle structure. The Encore 6.0’s FiberTek skin is designed to pop the ball back onto the net, throwing your opponent off balance and keeping them guessing. Additionally, the innovative skin technology creates a smoother, more consistent feel when striking the ball.
The paddle features Engage’s ControlPro polymer core, Engage’s first “thick core.” This provides a powerful combination of strength and a delicate touch, giving you full control during dinks and spins around the net. The Encore 6.0 also incorporates unique vibration control technology, which helps distribute force evenly across the paddle. This combination of features makes the Encore 6.0 Composite Paddle one of the best all-around paddles on the market, designed for versatility and precision.
Engage offers a medium-weight paddle (7.9 to 8.3 ounces) or a lightweight option (7.5–7.8 ounces), with a length of 15.5 inches. The paddle face is 8.125 inches wide, making it suitable for a variety of players and providing a large sweet spot for winning shots. Another advantage of this paddle is its six color options, including blue, red, purple, and orange gradients.
The Encore 6.0 Composite Pickleball Paddle is undoubtedly a standout on our list of the best pickleball paddles. It’s versatile, fun to play with, and offers a strong combination of power and control.
While the paddle is priced at the higher end of the market, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a top-tier paddle packed with the latest technology.
Key Features:
- Used by top pros like Brian Staub and Gigi LeMaster
- Core and skin dimensions provide epic balance and touch
- FiberTek skin enhances forgiveness and maximizes spin
5. Prolite Titan Pro Black Diamond Paddle
The Titan Pro Black Diamond Series earns its place on our list of the best pickleball paddles thanks to its advanced construction, sleek design, and exceptional durability. The paddle’s carbon fiber polymer core makes it one of the most technologically advanced paddles on the market.
The Titan Pro Black Diamond Series Pickleball Paddle is not only one of the most advanced paddles on our list but also one of the most advanced on the market. The Titan Pro features a sharp, thin-edge guard and a large hitting surface, giving players the opportunity to maximize their shot potential. The paddle itself is made of carbon fiber with a polymer core, providing unparalleled control, touch, and on-court feel. Additionally, the paddle is packed with sound-dampening materials, making it one of the quieter paddles available.
The Titan Pro is a midweight paddle, weighing between 7.6 and 8.3 ounces. The grip size is also medium, making it suitable for a wide range of players. The face width is 7 5/8 inches, slightly smaller than the Onix Z5, Selkirk S2 X5, and Paddletek Ex-L. However, the handle is longer than most models at 5 1/4 inches. We found this provides greater reach around the court, especially when playing small shots at the net.
The standout feature of the Titan Pro Black Diamond paddle is its sharp edge, which offers unmatched accuracy and ball control. The paddle also looks fantastic, with a sleek black design and metallic accents. It’s worth noting that the paddle comes in other colors, including blue, red, green, and raspberry.
The Titan Pro Black Diamond is priced closer to the Selkirk S2 X5, at just under $140. However, given that the paddle incorporates some of the best and latest technology on the market, you’re getting excellent value for your money. We’re confident in adding the Titan Pro to our list of the best pickleball paddles and believe it’s a great choice for serious players.
Key Features:
- Carbon fiber polymer core makes it one of the most technologically advanced paddles on the market
- Optimal sweet spot and ultra-thin edge for unmatched control of the pickleball
- Sleek, stylish design tailored for serious pickleball players
6. Prolite Magnum Graphite Stealth Paddle
Prolite Magnum Graphite Stealth Pickleball Paddle is suitable for players who like to keep their opponents guessing. The paddle is easy to maneuver and features a responsive face that enhances spin shots and the power of dinks around the net.
The extra reach handle and lighter weight range make it ideal for beginners and novices seeking to improve their game.
Over the past few years, the Prolite Magnum has become a staple for thousands of pickleball players. This paddle is an ideal choice for beginners or intermediate players looking to upgrade their game.
The Prolite paddle is easy to maneuver on the court and features a responsive graphite face that provides excellent control on spin shots, as well as great bounce to keep the ball spinning towards your opponent.
The Magnum handle is 5-1/4 inches, offering greater reach at the net, and the paddle is lighter than the Z5 and Ex-L, weighing between 6.6 to 7.5 ounces. This means that sophisticated players who enjoy delicate net play will love this paddle.
The standout feature of the Prolite Magnum Graphite Stealth paddle is its exquisite design. The paddle has a black face with “Magnum” written vertically below, mixed with bold colors. We believe this design makes it one of the most premium and visually stunning paddles on the market.
The paddle width is slightly narrower than the Z5 and Ex-L, spanning 7 3/4 inches. This does mean a smaller hitting surface, but don’t be fooled. The Magnum’s large sweet spot is designed to pop, and when you hit a good shot with this paddle, your opponent will have a hard time maintaining their position. The grip size is a maximum of 1/8 inches, which is standard and compares well with other leading paddles when evaluating grip circumference.
The Magnum Stealth offers great value for money, especially when compared to other paddles priced under $100.
We are confident you will love this pickleball paddle. Moreover, if you are a beginner looking to get into the game quickly, you can’t go wrong by choosing this paddle as your first.
Key Features:
- Graphite face provides extra pop when playing sophisticated shots
- Great paddle for beginners and intermediate players
- Paddle costs less than $100, offering great value for money
7. Onix Evoke Premier Paddle
Next on our list of best paddles is the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle. Co-designed by pickleball national champions Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova, the Evoke Premier has a simple summary—combining unmatched power with precise ball control, Onix does not disappoint.
The Onix Evoke Premier is a professional-grade paddle designed for highly competitive pickleball players looking to take their game to the highest level.
The first thing to note about the Onix Evoke Premier paddle is its uniquely designed DF composite fiberglass paddle face. For anyone looking for a fiberglass paddle, the Evoke Premier is a great choice. The lightly textured paddle face perfectly blends spin and paddle pop, ensuring a consistent feel when hitting the pickleball.
The Evoke Premier also features an Atomic13 edge guard that provides more aerodynamic properties. The Atomic13 disperses impact across the paddle when blocked at the net and ensures the paddle can swing quickly when generating power from the back of the court.
The paddle core is made of polypropylene honeycomb, which is thicker than other Onix paddles. This extra thickness sets the paddle weight between 7.8 to 8.2 ounces, making it heavier than other Onix models. This ensures that the Onix Evoke Premier is suitable for big hitters looking to generate heavy paddle power in their game.
The Evoke Premier’s grip size is standard, with a paddle handle length of 5 inches. This makes the paddle an excellent transition paddle for tennis players. The handle is also wrapped in Onix’s Superior Tacky Grip, one of the best grips in the game.
Like many of the pickleball paddles on our best paddles list, the Onix Evoke Premier could rank number one. If you are looking for a highly competitive pickleball paddle, we recommend giving this paddle serious consideration.
Key Features:
Co-designed by pickleball national champions Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova
DF composite fiberglass paddle face provides unmatched pop and spin
Polypropylene honeycomb core offers control, power, and durability
8. Engage Poach Advantage Paddle
Our best paddles list would be incomplete without mentioning the Engage Poach Advantage. The Poach Advantage is known as one of the most technologically advanced pickleball paddles on the market. This is thanks to its ultra-unique 6-layer paddle skin, which combines playability with unmatched ball control.
The Engage Poach Advantage is another top choice for anyone looking to take their pickleball game to the next level.
The first thing to mention when discussing the Engage Poach Advantage is its unique multi-paddle skin lining. The paddle features a Variable Release 6-layer fiberglass polymer composite skin that controls the ball at varying swing speeds. When playing a dink shot, the paddle skin holds the ball longer to enhance control, while during fast play, the paddle skin pushes the ball quicker towards your opponent.
On top of this, the Poach Advantage has the maximum paddle deflection allowed by USAPA rules and guidelines. This ensures you can easily spin the ball around the net. This is made even easier with the introduction of Engage’s Cyclone slim vinyl edge guard. Whether you are swinging the paddle fast or slow, the edge guard creates a consistent feel.
The paddle itself is on the heavier side (weighing between 7.5 to 8.3 ounces), thanks to its proprietary polymer composite core. The Polymer Composite core provides the paddle with plenty of power when smashing or hitting power shots from the back of the court. The wide paddle face also gives you an oversized sweet spot, helping to easily take away winners.
Like the Onix Evoke Premier, the Engage Poach Advantage is a paddle worthy of all the best paddles lists. If you are looking for a paddle packed with the latest and greatest pickleball paddle innovations, we would seriously consider this paddle.
Key Features:
Six-layer paddle skin for enhanced control and playability
Variable Release technology allows you to control slow or fast swings
Ultra-punch cushion provides epic grip
9. Rally Tyro 2 Pro Paddle
The Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle stands out on our list as the opposite of the Selkirk S2 X5. Unlike other paddles on this list, the Rally Tyro 2 Pro is priced under 60
The Tyro 2 Pro features a shock-absorbing polymer core that gives you complete control on the court. If you find yourself constantly playing against hard hitters, the Tyro 2 Pro is an excellent choice to counter that strategy. Not only does the paddle allow you to withstand powerful shots, but it also lets you ping the ball back in a way that puts your opponent at a disadvantage. This medium-weight paddle offers excellent versatility for serves, baseline play, and volleys. However, it truly shines at the net with its soft touch and precise dinking.
Another standout feature of the paddle is its large sweet spot. The paddle has a width of 7-3/4 inches and a slender neck, which extends your reach at the net while providing enough surface area to handle the toughest shots. In fact, during our testing of the Rally Tyro 2 Pro, the sweet spot performed like that of a paddle nearing the $100 price range. The handle length is 5 inches, the same as the Z5, giving you excellent control.
The paddle’s surface is made of polycarbonate composite layered over a fiberglass polymer core. This construction makes the paddle durable while adding density to withstand hard hits—one of our favorite features of this paddle.
Priced under $60, the Rally Tyro 2 Pro offers incredible value for money. It performs like a paddle twice its price and comes in two great color options: Flame (orange/yellow) or Ocean (blue/green). If you’re looking for an affordable paddle with outstanding performance, we’re confident you’ll love this one.
Key Features:
Polymer core provides excellent control and resists hard hits
Large sweet spot gives you great control over various pickleball shots
Exceptional value for money, performing like a paddle twice its price
10. Engage Elite Pro Composite Paddle
The Elite Pro is one of the top paddles on our best pickleball paddles list. This paddle was used by nine professional players during the 2017 US Open, and each use resulted in a successful match. It’s simply that good.
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The Elite Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle is beloved by many graphite paddle enthusiasts for its chemically bonded “liquid graphite” skin and polymer core. This combination delivers a consistent and refined touch for all types of pickleball shots. At its price point, the paddle is quieter than many others on the market, allowing you to win points with confidence. The paddle weighs between 7.9 and 8.3 ounces, making it a medium-weight option. However, for players who prefer lighter paddles, there’s also a LITE version, weighing between 7.5 and 7.8 ounces. Additionally, the paddle features a standard 8-inch wide face and a 5-inch handle length, providing a broad hitting surface while maintaining excellent maneuverability on the court.
For all-around players seeking a paddle that meets the demands of every pickleball shot, the Elite Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice. It comes in four color options: blue, red, white, and the signature “Steve Kennedy Signature” edition.
Priced at around $130, this paddle is slightly more expensive compared to other high-end paddles. However, given its build quality and performance, you won’t be disappointed.
Key Features:
- An excellent all-around paddle used by nine winning pro players at the 2017 US Open
- Available in medium and LITE versions for players who prefer mid-weight or lightweight paddles
- Great specs, including an 8-inch wide face and 5-inch handle
Final Tips for Intermediate Players
Weight: 7.5–8.5 oz paddles balance power and control.
Grip Size: 4¼” circumference suits most hands.
Core Thickness: 14mm for balance, 16mm+ for control.
Upgrade your game with these top-tier paddles—each offers a unique edge for intermediate players ready to dominate the court!
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