As a 3.5 pickleball player, you need a paddle that will provide the best control that will provide more consistency across your game. Yes, you need power, and spin, but consistency is the biggest improvement area to go from a 3.5 player to a 4.0 player.
For example, when you look at the USA pickleball chart definition for a 3.5 player, you will see that a 3.5 skill player needs to improve their backhand, but almost each each of the following options has “control” in the statement.
So, as an intermediate player, your best bet will focus on a paddle that will provide you with ample control to improve to become a 4.0 player. Let’s go through the best paddles for a 3.5 player that are amazing control paddles that also have a power and spin element.
1. Joola Hyperion Ben Johns CFS 15 Control
The Joola Hyperion Ben Johns CFS is hands down one of my favorite paddles. Out of my 50+ paddle collection, this one stands out.
I love it so much that I wrote a full review on it. I took a break from using it to test other paddles. But last week, I started playing with it again.
Since switching back, I haven’t lost a game. Just recently, I won four games, including one where I played solo against two strong opponents.
The paddle has a huge sweet spot. It offers amazing control and spin. It’s also well-built, so I still get plenty of power on my serves. This paddle does it all.
Ben Johns himself used this paddle before moving to the Gen 3 Joola model. I’ve tried the Gen 3. Honestly? I prefer this one.Price-wise, I recently saw this paddle for under $169. That’s crazy considering it outperforms many of my $200+ paddles.
Also, for those wondering, some Gen 3 paddles weren’t USAPA-approved. But this Gen 2 model is fully approved. It’s been on sale on Amazon for a while. It used to be over $200, but now it’s under $169. Not sure how long that will last.
Only downside? No paddle cover included.
2. Doctor Pickleball T700 Carbon Fiber Paddle (Best Budget Paddle for 3.5 Players)
The Doctor Pickleball T700 is the best budget paddle for a 3.5 player I’ve played with.
It has an impressive 20mm thickness. My control on the court with this paddle has been insane. Dinks, drops, drives, everything feels smooth.
I’m still undefeated with it. I even won by a bigger margin with this paddle than with the Hyperion CFS 16mm.
Loved it so much that I did a deep dive review and shared some gameplay footage.
One thing to keep in mind this paddle isn’t USAPA-approved. But most players don’t need that unless they play in sanctioned tournaments. Dinks USA even stated that USAPA approval isn’t necessary for most pickleball players.
This is also the only brand I’ve found that lets you use a discount code and still get Amazon Prime shipping through their website.
To get the discount, click the link to their website, select “Pay with Prime,” and enter the code bepickleballer. That brings this paddle under $40 at $39.99.
3. Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm
The Vatic Pro is a game-changer for 3.5 players. When I first used it, my game improved fast. I started beating players I had never beaten before.
I loved it so much that I bought both the 14mm and 16mm versions. Wrote a full review on it too. I’ll break down which one might be better for you.
Right now, this paddle is under $90 on Vatic Pro’s website if you use the coupon code bepickleballer. That’s even cheaper than Amazon.
It’s a carbon fiber paddle, and it comes with a nice cover.
Not sure how long this deal will last. Some of my favorite paddles have been discontinued before.
If you want more power, go with the 14mm. If you want more control and spin, get the 16mm.
One thing I love? Vatic Pro includes a free paddle cover and gives you a $10 discount code (bepickleballer) to get this paddle under $90.
4. Warping Point Control Grasp Paddle
This is another fantastic paddle for 3.5 player. Plus, you can stack a discount code, which I’ll explain in a sec.
I wrote a full review on this one too. I mentioned how I’ve stayed undefeated with this paddle in many games. The spin potential is crazy.
It’s a control paddle with a thick 20mm face and an edgeless design.
This paddle is normally $179.99, but there’s a holiday discount right now. And you can stack the code bepickleballer to drop it to $90.
That’s a steal. I don’t think this deal will last past the holidays.
Also, the unboxing experience is next level. The packaging reminds me of a MacBook Pro box. You get a bunch of cool accessories, which you don’t get with the Vatic Pro.
Not just a great paddle for a 3.5 player, but the best control paddle I’ve tested. It’s not a power paddle, but I still felt like I had enough pop for strong serves and returns.
One thing to note: This paddle is only available on Warping Point’s website. Not on Amazon.
5. Bread and Butter Fat Boy Control Pickleball Paddle
The Bread and Butter pickleball paddle is a top choice for control. Everything about it from its perfectly designed face to its wide body, making it ideal for players who want precision.
You get a sense of its control right when you open the box. It literally says “sweet control” and “hits the sweet spot”, and it really does.
In my Bread and Butter Fat Boy review, here’s what I wrote about its control:
The first thing that stood out when I opened the box was, “Wide paddle. Sweet control.” That set my expectations high, and this paddle didn’t disappoint.
The Fat Boy offers exceptional control. I could place my shots exactly where I wanted, and I made fewer unforced errors. Since I mostly play singles, control is everything—and this paddle delivered.
Discount Code: Bepickleballer (15% off)
Conclusion
The best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players each need an element that provide ample control to get to the next 4.0 level.
That was the biggest thing for me is that I needed to become more consistent on each of my key volleys. When this happened, I saw massive improvement in my game, elevating me to the next level.