Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players (With Real Feedback)
By Rift Pickleball — 2025
If you’re not a beginner anymore, but you’re not quite pro-level yet, congrats: you’re in that exciting, frustrating, and incredibly fun zone called intermediate pickleball.
This is where your game starts to open up. You’re working on shot selection, dinking with intent, hitting clean third shots, and getting into more hands battles. And at this level, the wrong paddle can absolutely hold you back.
I learned that the hard way.
My Paddle Mistake (And What It Taught Me)
When I first started getting serious about pickleball, I stuck with the same cheap paddle I’d been using since my beginner days. It was light, smooth, and honestly, it felt fine — until I started noticing I was losing more hands battles, popping up third shots, and struggling to keep pace with players I used to match.
So, like anyone trying to improve, I upgraded.
I bought a paddle from one of the “big” brands. It looked great. Felt great. And for the first few weeks, it actually did help my game. I had better control, more spin, and it felt solid on drives.
But then, almost out of nowhere, the surface started to feel slick. My dinks weren’t landing as consistently. The spin just wasn’t there. It turns out the paddle face was already breaking down — something that can happen if the quality control or materials aren’t up to par.
That’s when I realized: not all paddles are made equally, even from reputable brands.
Why Your Paddle Matters More at the Intermediate Level
When you were a beginner, you needed something forgiving. Now, you need something that keeps up with you.
The right paddle at this level should:
- Reward clean mechanics with spin and control
- Feel solid during fast hands exchanges
- Have enough pop for counters and drives
- Still be forgiving enough to not punish slight mishits
Key Features to Look for in an Intermediate Paddle
1. Raw Carbon or Textured Surface
You’re probably starting to add topspin and sidespin. A raw carbon fiber face grabs the ball longer and helps you shape your shots.
2. 16mm Polypropylene Core (or Similar)
This gives you that soft touch at the net, without losing power on drives. It also adds stability and reduces vibration.
3. Weight in the 7.8–8.4 oz Range
You want maneuverability and quick hands, but enough weight to drive through the ball and hold steady in firefights.
4. USAP Approval
If you’re entering tournaments or want to be sure your paddle is regulation-legal, make sure it’s approved by USA Pickleball.
Top Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players (2025)
Here are our top picks, based on real player feedback, materials, performance, and value:
Why We Recommend the Rift 1 Pro
At Rift, we designed our paddle with intermediate players specifically in mind. You don’t need a paddle that hides your flaws — you need one that rewards your growth.
The Rift 1 Pro has:
- A raw carbon face for real spin, not just marketing hype
- A 16mm core that balances softness with put-away power
- A comfortable grip and swing weight for all-court versatility
Plus, it’s tournament-approved and built to last. Whether you’re rolling thirds, battling at the kitchen, or punishing floaters, the Rift 1 Pro can hang.
“I switched to the Rift and immediately noticed more control on my resets and way better feel during hands battles.” — Chris M., 3.5 player
How to Choose Based on Your Style
Not every intermediate player plays the same. Here’s how to match your paddle to your style:
🏀 Control-First Players:
Look for 16mm+ core thickness, raw carbon surface, and a lighter swing weight.
🏋️ Power Players:
Consider 14mm core, heavier paddle weight, and high-tension face materials.
⚖️ Balanced All-Court Players:
You want a middle ground paddle — raw carbon, 16mm core, and neutral weighting (like the Rift 1 Pro).
Final Thoughts
Finding the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players isn’t just about the specs — it’s about what helps you play more confidently, more consistently, and with more intention.
Whether you go with the Rift 1 Pro or another solid option, the right paddle should grow with your game, not work against it.
If you’re ready to upgrade to a paddle that actually supports the player you’re becoming, check out the Rift 1 Pro here.
See you on the court.
