How Do You Choose the Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players?
Choosing the best pickleball paddle as an intermediate player involves finding the perfect balance between control, power, and maneuverability.
Congratulations, you improved your skills and performance, and now you are an intermediate pickleball player. Gone are the days when you could choose just a paddle that was suitable for any beginner player, because your main goal was learning the basics. Now, you already have a solid understanding of the game and maybe an idea of what playing style you prefer. There are many different pickleball paddles on the market from different manufacturers and price ranges. And, attention, the paddle you use can make a big difference in further developing your strengths and reducing any weaknesses.
I wrote this guide to explain what features to check to avoid confusion among many different paddles. It’s not a buying guide; I’m not giving you a list of the 10 best pickleball paddles, but rather to check the specs that will elevate your game.
Key Factors in Choosing a Pickleball Paddle
There are several general paddle selection criteria every intermediate player should keep in mind when shopping for a new paddle. We’ll go through each of these in detail, since understanding them will help you narrow down which paddle is right for you:
Factor | Variations | Notes for Intermediate Players |
Weight & Balance | Lightweight (6.5–7.5 oz) | Good for control players, seniors, or those with less arm strength |
| Mid-weight (7.6–8.5 oz) | Balanced/control players |
| Heavyweight (8.6–9+ oz) | Best for power players with strong swings |
| Balance | Head-heavy = more power; Even = more control/precision |
Core Material & Thickness | Polypropylene Honeycomb | Best for all intermediates |
| Nomex | Choose if you want max power and don’t mind noise |
| Thick Core (~16 mm) | Good for placement/control style |
| Thin Core (~13 mm) | Good for aggressive players |
Surface Material & Texture | Composite / Carbon Fiber | Lightweight, precise, consistent, control-focused |
| Fiberglass | More pop, great for power |
| Texture | If spin is key, choose textured/gritty surface |
Choosing an Intermediate Paddle Based on Your Playing Style
Not all pickleball players have the same skillset or stick to the same playing style. You may prefer aggressive shots or enjoy soft dinks, you may like a more balanced game, or choose a slow-paced long game. You may prefer all the above-mentioned, but I advise identifying your dominant playing style - power, control, or balanced.
If You are a Power Player (Aggressive Play Style)
Do you love to hit hard and play a fast-paced game where the opponent is forced to take a defensive stance? If yes, look for paddle specs that enhance power:
Weight: Choose a mid-weight to heavier range. A paddle weighing more than 8.5 oz will put more force behind your shots. Just be sure that you are physically ready for the weight; you don’t want it to slow your swings or tire you quickly.
Balance: A slightly head-heavy paddle can also increase the shot's power. It helps to increase swing momentum.
Core and thickness: A thinner core (13 mm and less) paddle with a harder core material (like nomex), suits many power players. But remember that nomex paddles are quite loud.
Surface: Consider a composite or fiberglass paddle, as they provide a powerful “pop”. That said, some innovative carbon fiber paddles also generate quite impressive power. The key here is choosing a surface that´s not too soft; you need something that will send the ball away with force.
A tip from Dink´s experts for the power players: Before investing in a paddle, ensure you have developed enough technique and skills to control all that power that the paddle provides. Miscalculating your capacities of power play can lead to errors and injuries.
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If You are a Control Player (Finesse/Soft Game Style)
Maybe you’re a more strategic player who prefers a soft dink game, placement shots, and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. If you value consistency and strategic game over raw force, you’ll want a paddle that offers maximum control:
Weight: Choose a lighter to mid-weight paddle (perhaps in the 6–8.5 oz range). These weight-ranged paddles are highly maneuverable; you’re not trying to force the ball past opponents - instead, you’re outsmarting them.
Balance: Go for a balanced or even slightly headlight paddle. This will allow you to move the paddle extremely quickly, prioritizing quick reaction.
Core and thickness: You should consider thicker polymer honeycomb core paddles (15–16 mm) as they absorb the after-hit energy, allowing you a very consistent and controlled performance. I´m saying that a polymer honeycomb core is your best choice here because nomex or other super-thin cores can feel too bouncy.
Surface: Here, my absolute choice is graphite or carbon fiber face. And, the textured face can give you greater control of the ball’s trajectory.
Grip: As a control player, you may want a slightly smaller grip; however, it´s a matter of individual preferences. Just ensure that the paddle grip size is adequate and comfortable, and you’re not over-gripping.
A tip from Dink´s experts for the power players: When you finally buy a new paddle, especially if you have just recently leveled up from beginner, practice your skills and soft shots with it. Even the best-suited control-oriented paddle may feel different from your old one.
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If You are an All-Around Player (Balanced Play Style)
If you are neither of the above-mentioned players, don´t worry; not all pickleball players choose a specific playing style. Many intermediate players consider themselves all-around players who mix up power shots with soft dinks, and they don’t specialize in just one type of gameplay. In my very personal opinion, all-court, balanced players enjoy the game the most. If you are one of them, you’ll likely want a paddle that sits right in the middle of the power and control. Here’s what to look for:
Weight: Pick a mid-weight range (around 7.5–8.5 oz). This gives you a solid blend of maneuverability, control and power. These paddles are usually labeled as “balanced” or “all-court” and serve the broadest range of play styles.
Balance: A balanced paddle is a perfect match - it feels comfortable and not tilted heavily in one direction.
Core and thickness: A standard moderate or a thick core (maybe ~14 to 16 mm) paddle with preferably a polymer core is just the right choice.
Surface: Choose fiberglass or carbon fiber that are inherently designed to be “balanced”. As you mix both power and control, you can base your choice on each paddle's materials and specific characteristics that are important for you.
A tip from Dink´s experts for the power players: Spend some time practicing different shots with a balanced paddle. Although a balanced paddle is versatile, you need to coordinate your soft dinks and your hard drives.
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Intermediate Paddle Considerations for Different Age Groups
I´m not the only one who thinks that pickleball is truly a sport for all ages, and intermediate players can be young, middle-aged, or seniors. But, even though an intermediate player can be from different age groups and have similar skills, the physical preparedness and the health conditions can be different. Below, I also prepared a small description of paddles for different ages to make sure your paddle is helping really improve your game and not hurting it.
Senior Intermediate Players (Older Adults)
When choosing a pickleball paddle for senior players who are at an intermediate playing level, the main focus should be on enjoying the game, staying in it as long as possible, and avoiding injuries or strains. So it’s important to have a paddle that keeps you playing comfortably.
What to look for:
Lighter weight for less strain: choose a lightweight or midweight paddle as they are easier on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints, and reduce the risk of fatigue or injury during long matches.
Large sweet spot and control: a paddle known for a big or balanced sweet spot (often a mid-weight, wider or standard paddle with a thick core) will require less precision to hit good shots.
Avoid super-stiff or heavy: avoid very heavy paddles (8.6+ oz) as those can strain the arm, and an extremely stiff construction (like a nomex core). A soft polymer core, mid-thickness, with a carbon fiber build will be a much more senior-friendly option.
Adult Players
For adult players, the paddle selection is wider and often the choice is between the play style and maximizing performance.
What to look for:
Match your style: As an adult intermediate player, you have all the freedom to choose any of the paddles based on your playing style, if there aren’t as many physical limitations, otherwise, check the senior paddles section above, as most recommendations are the same.
Durability and quality: Adults in this age group might be playing quite frequently, so investing in a long-lasting paddle from a reputable brand can pay off. Mid-priced to high-end paddles often use better materials than the cheapest paddles.
Customization and personalization: When you have the liberty to choose a paddle that you want, you may want to customize the look of your paddle.
Younger Players (Teens and Kids)
I couldn´t have forgotten about pickleball paddles for the younger players, because some intermediate players might be teenagers who started in the sport very early. The considerations here are a bit different, mainly revolving around size and future growth.
What to look for:
Manageable weight and grip: Kids and teens may not have the same strength as adults, so avoid heavy paddles, which may lead to injuries or affect their growth. Ensure the grip size is appropriate for their hand.
Durability: We all know that kids can be a bit rough on equipment, so invest in a durable paddle.
The Final Words
Before buying a pickleball paddle as an intermediate player, understand yourself and your playing style. Only after that can you choose which paddle features you want and focus on the one that feels like it was made for you. Keep my guidelines in mind - create a checklist based on them and narrow down your selection using the points you have.
Meet the Expert
Mike Hardy
Hey, I’m Mike Hardy, founder of Dink. I’ve spent years learning everything there is to know about what makes a paddle play great, and I personally test every single one we make (sometimes until they break) to make sure they’re up to the challenge. So, in my articles, I want to share my knowledge with you to help you find the perfect pickleball equipment for you.
