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I own 52 pickleball paddles as of today, and many of those are intermediate paddles, so now it was time to write the best paddles for intermediate player.
When I look for the best intermediate paddle, I am considering a value paddles that are made with the best materials for pickleball paddles that will allow me to improve power, control, and spin. Basically, I want to find a paddle that is around $100, but is actually a premium $200 paddle. Let’s go through the best intermediate paddles in 2025.
1. Warping Point Control Grasp Paddle
The Warping Point Control Grasp paddle is currently the top intermediate paddle to make the list because its an incredible paddle that allows you to stack a discount code, which I’ll cover later.
I love this paddle so much that I wrote an entire review about my experience. In my article, I mention how I have been undefeated with this paddle after many games, and the paddle has great spin potential.
The paddle is a control paddle with an amazing 20mm paddle face thickness and an edgeless design.
This is a $179.99 paddle that is currently discounted for the holidays that you can stack discounts, which leap frogged other paddles on the list.
In addition, you can stack the discount code bepickleballer to receive this incredible paddle for $90.00.
I do not believe that this deal will last much past the holidays.
In addition, for the $90, you receive a really fun unboxing experience that you do not get with Vatic Pro Prism Flash.
Check out all of the accessories you get with a box that is so nice that it reminds me of a Mac Book Pro box.
Not only is this a top intermediate paddle, this paddle is also the best pickleball paddle for control. Yes, this is not a power paddle, but I still felt that I had ample power to deliver powerful serves and returns to my opponents.
Finally, the Warping Point brand offers the best discount code in the industry that I have found that provides a 25% discount that you can STACK on other discounts.
25% discount code: BePickleBaller
One thing to note is that this paddle is only currently available on Warping Point’s direct website, and not available on Amazon.
2. Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm
The Vatic Pro is an incredible intermediate paddle. Using this paddle, I began to see my game improving so much that I was beating people I had never beaten before. I love this paddle so much that I purchased both the 14mm and 16mm pickleball paddle, and wrote an entire article covering my experience. I’ll cover which one you may want to get a little bit later.
What’s best is that the Vatic Pro Prism Flash paddle is currently under $90 on Vatic Pro’s website, with the coupon code bepickleballer, which is even cheaper than Amazon. What’s amazing is that it is a carbon fiber paddle that also comes with a really nice paddle cover.
I am not sure how long this deal is going to last though as I have seen some of my favorite paddles discontinued.
Let’s chat about choosing between the 14mm vs 16mm paddle thickness.
Basically, if you are looking for a power paddle, consider the 14mm paddle, and if you are looking for control or spin, consider the 16mm paddle.
Finally, I love that Vatic Pro provides a free cover with each paddle purchase and a $10 discount code (bepickleballer) that you can use to get this paddle under $90.
3. Joola Hyperion Ben Johns CFS 15 Control
The Joola Hyperion Ben Johns paddle has been my go-to recently. It has been my go-to paddle because it provides a larger grip than the Vatic Pro Prism Flash and a lot of power, control, and spin.
Here’s a picture that shows the Joola Hyperion Ben Johns paddle on the top right.
I originally purchased this paddle because I thought I wouldn’t want to own the same pickleball paddle series that Ben John’s plays with.
Also, this is the second version, so this is still an approved USPA paddle.
Finally, I also like that this paddle has continued to be on sale on Amazon. This paddle used to be well over $200, but it was under $175 at this time. I am not sure how much longer it will stay at this price.
The only downside to this paddle is that it didn’t come with a cover.
4. Franklin Pilot (Best Budget Intermediate Paddle)
The Franklin Pilot Polypropylene Core Pickleball Paddle is a 10mm thickness paddle, so it’s a bit thinner than the other intermediate paddles above. That said, the grip size is 5 inches, and this paddle is made of polypropylene, which has the same feel as carbon fiber. which helps grip the ball, providing more control.
The Franklin paddle is also about 8 ounces which is a medium lightness paddle, so it can provide fast hand speed to spin the ball or hit the ball with power.
This budget intermediate paddle is under $50, and I would much prefer this paddle to other intermediate paddles that were slightly more expensive.
Conclusion
You are looking for the best intermediate pickleball paddle, so hopefully the Vatic Pro Prism Flash, Joola Hyperion Ben Johns, SixZero double black diamond, or Franklin Pilot will help you move from an intermediate to an advanced player.
If unsure, you can also consider taking this free pickleball paddle quiz to see which is best for you.