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Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
Quick picks
- Our top pick: Six Zero Ruby Pro 14mm 路 Check price on Amazon
- Runner-up: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 路 Check price on Amazon
- Also great: JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm 路 Check price on Amazon
Once you have outgrown a starter paddle, the right upgrade is the one that fixes what your current paddle does not do: more control, more power, or more spin. For most intermediate players that means a 14mm or 16mm carbon-faced paddle in a widebody or hybrid shape that is on the USA Pickleball approved list. These are paddles that review roundups commonly recommend for intermediates as of October 2026. Prices move often, so check the current price before buying.
1. Six Zero Ruby Pro 14mm
Pros- Aramid fiber face that tested well for spin, power and consistency all at once
- Hybrid shape and 14mm core for a quick, lively feel
- Premium price
- Not the most forgiving pick if your misses come from off-center hits
2. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16
Pros- Carbon friction face and 16mm core for a balanced all-court feel
- Often sold for much less than JOOLA's top paddles
- Hot-pressed rather than thermoformed, so it has less pop than the Perseus
- Older design than many 2026 paddles
3. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm
Pros- Thermoformed power paddle with easy pop on drives and put-aways
- Still in JOOLA's 2026 lineup at a lower list price than the newer Pro V
- Premium price
- More power than some intermediates can control at the kitchen
- JOOLA released the Perseus Pro V in March 2026; reviewers say it plays softer and more controlled, with less free pop than the Pro IV
4. Bread & Butter Loco
Pros- Foam-core power paddle with a soft, natural touch feel
- Hybrid and elongated shapes
- Elongated version has a smaller sweet spot
- Smaller brand that is harder to find in stores
5. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control 16mm
Pros- Raw carbon face and 16mm core aimed at control and spin
- Widely recommended for players who win with dinks and resets
- Less free power than thermoformed power paddles
- Mid-to-premium price
6. Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm (budget upgrade)
Pros- Raw carbon face and forgiving 16mm core for well under premium prices
- A common first upgrade from a fiberglass starter paddle
- Mostly sold online
- Less pop than the premium power paddles here
Buying tips
- Decide what you want more of first. Power, control and spin pull in different directions.
- A 16mm core is softer and more controlled; 14mm is quicker and poppier.
- Most intermediates do well around 7.9 to 8.3 oz. Lead tape can add weight later.
- Check the USA Pickleball approved list for the exact model and version if you play sanctioned events.