As you progress in your pickleball journey from beginner to intermediate player, upgrading your paddle becomes essential! Here is everything I wanted to know before getting my next level paddle. Let’s dive in. If you are short on time scroll to the end for a special treat and to see which one we ended up choosing.
The right paddle can significantly enhance your performance, comfort, and overall enjoyment of the game. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what intermediate players should look for in a pickleball paddle, covering essential aspects such as materials, weight, grip, shape, and price.
Understanding Your Playing Style
Before diving into the technical details, it’s crucial to understand your playing style. Are you an aggressive player who loves smashing the ball, or do you prefer a more controlled, strategic game? Your style will influence the type of paddle that suits you best.
Power Players
If you love to hit hard and fast, you’ll need a paddle that offers excellent power. Look for paddles with a thicker core and a heavier weight, as they provide more force behind each shot.
Control Players
For those who prioritize precision and finesse over sheer power, a lighter paddle with a thinner core is ideal. These paddles allow for greater maneuverability and control, making it easier to place the ball exactly where you want it.
Key Features to Consider
Material
The material of the paddle affects its performance, durability, and cost. Here are the most common materials used in pickleball paddles:
Graphite
Graphite paddles are known for their lightweight nature and excellent control. They provide a good balance between power and finesse, making them a popular choice among intermediate players.
Composite
Composite paddles are made from a combination of materials, such as fiberglass and carbon fiber. They offer a great mix of power and control, and their textured surface provides excellent spin potential.
Wood
Wooden paddles are typically heavier and less expensive. While they offer good power, they lack the finesse and control provided by graphite or composite paddles. They are generally recommended for beginners or recreational players.
Weight
The weight of the paddle significantly affects your game. Intermediate paddles typically range from 7.3 to 8.5 ounces. Here’s how weight influences your performance:
Light Paddles (7.3-7.8 ounces)
- Pros: Enhanced control, easier to maneuver, less strain on the wrist and elbow.
- Cons: Less power, can be challenging to generate strong shots.
Medium Paddles (7.9-8.3 ounces)
- Pros: Good balance of power and control, suitable for most players.
- Cons: Might still feel a bit heavy for some, especially during long games.
Heavy Paddles (8.4-8.5 ounces and above)
- Pros: Excellent power, ideal for aggressive players.
- Cons: Can be tiring to use, may cause strain on the wrist and elbow.
Grip Size
Choosing the right grip size is crucial for comfort and control. Grip sizes typically range from 4 to 4.5 inches in circumference. Here’s how to determine the best grip size for you:
Small Grip (4-4.125 inches)
- Pros: Allows for better wrist action, ideal for spin shots.
- Cons: Might lack stability, can be uncomfortable for players with larger hands.
Medium Grip (4.25 inches)
- Pros: Good balance of control and stability, suitable for most players.
- Cons: May not provide enough wrist action for players who rely heavily on spin.
Large Grip (4.5 inches)
- Pros: Offers excellent stability, reduces the risk of slipping.
- Cons: Can restrict wrist action, less ideal for spin shots.
Paddle Shape
Paddle shape affects your reach, sweet spot, and overall playability. The three main shapes are:
Standard Shape
- Pros: Balanced reach and sweet spot, suitable for most players.
- Cons: May not excel in any specific area.
Elongated Shape
- Pros: Increased reach, larger sweet spot.
- Cons: Less maneuverable, can be heavier.
Wide Body Shape
- Pros: Larger sweet spot, better control.
- Cons: Shorter reach, may feel bulky.
Core Material
The core material impacts the paddle’s feel and performance. The two most common core materials are:
Polymer Core
- Pros: Soft feel, good control, quiet.
- Cons: Less power compared to other cores.
Nomex Core
- Pros: Hard feel, excellent power.
- Cons: Louder, can be less forgiving on mishits.
Price
Intermediate paddles range in price from $50 to $250. While you don’t need to buy the most expensive paddle to improve your game, investing in a quality paddle can make a significant difference. Consider your budget and balance it with the features that matter most to you.
Popular Intermediate Paddle Brands
Several brands are known for producing high-quality pickleball paddles. Here are a few reputable ones:
Selkirk
Selkirk paddles are known for their durability and performance. They offer a range of paddles suitable for intermediate players, focusing on both power and control.
Paddletek
Paddletek is renowned for its innovative designs and high-quality materials. Their paddles cater to a wide range of playing styles and preferences.
Bread & Butter
Bread & Butter is a boutique firm known for taking the latest technology and high performance materials in the paddle game and applying them strategically with fun concept paddles that bring a swagger to the court and charging less than bigger name brands. For instance their Shogun paddle that is currently selling out.
Onix
Onix paddles are popular for their power and precision. They offer a variety of paddles with different core materials and shapes, ensuring there’s something for every intermediate player.
Engage
Engage paddles are designed with advanced technology to enhance performance. They provide excellent balance, control, and power, making them a favorite among many players.
Top Intermediate Pickleball Paddles
Here are some of the top-rated intermediate pickleball paddles available in the market:
Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex
- Material: Composite
- Weight: 7.9-8.4 ounces
- Grip Size: 4.25 inches
- Pros: Large sweet spot, excellent control, durable.
- Cons: Slightly expensive.
Bread & Butter Shogun
- Material: Composite Thermoformed Unibody, unique surface materials
- Weight: 8.0 ounces
- Grip Size: 4.25 inches
- Pros: Great power and control, great materials for mid price, textured carbon titanium weave surface.
- Cons: Mid-range price.
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 7.6-8.0 ounces
- Grip Size: 4.25 inches
- Pros: Great touch and control, lightweight, textured surface for spin.
- Cons: Mid-range price.
Onix Z5 Graphite
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 7.5-8.2 ounces
- Grip Size: 4.25 inches
- Pros: Excellent power, wide body shape for control, comfortable grip.
- Cons: Can be a bit heavy for some players.
Engage Encore Pro
- Material: Composite
- Weight: 7.8-8.3 ounces
- Grip Size: 4.25 inches
- Pros: Superior control and spin, large sweet spot, durable.
- Cons: Higher price range.
Testing Your Paddle
Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to test out different paddles if possible. Many local clubs and sporting goods stores offer demo programs where you can try various paddles. Pay attention to how each paddle feels in your hand, its weight distribution, and how it performs during play.
Tips for Testing
- Warm-Up: Start with a warm-up to get a feel for the paddle.
- Variety of Shots: Hit a variety of shots, including serves, volleys, and smashes.
- Comfort: Ensure the grip is comfortable and doesn’t cause strain.
- Feedback: Notice how the paddle responds to different shot types and the level of control you have.
Maintaining Your Paddle
To ensure your paddle lasts and performs well, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some tips:
Cleaning
Regularly clean your paddle with a damp cloth to remove dirt and sweat. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.
Storage
Store your paddle in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can affect the material and performance.
Inspection
Regularly inspect your paddle for signs of wear and tear. Check the edges, grip, and surface for any damage that might affect its performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right intermediate pickleball paddle is a critical step in enhancing your game. By understanding your playing style and considering factors such as material, weight, grip size, shape, core material, and price, you can find a paddle that complements your skills and helps you perform at your best. Remember to test different paddles before making a decision and maintain your paddle properly to ensure its longevity. With the right paddle in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy and excel in the exciting game of pickleball.
In the end we chose the Bread and Butter Shogun for its top grade materials for a mid level price! Since falling in love with this brand we now have a code SIMPLY15 for all Simply Living Brands readers to score 15% off ANY Bread and Butter Paddle. Let us know in the comments how you end up liking yours and which paddle you choose! #affiliate
