The Gear That Makes or Breaks Your Game in 2025

You’re Not a Beginner Anymore—So Why Are You Playing Like One?

You’ve felt it.

That split-second hesitation at the net.
The slightly-too-hard drop shot that floats instead of kisses the kitchen.
The baseline drive that could’ve been perfect—if your paddle had just kept up.

Welcome to the “in-between” phase.
You’re no longer learning how to hold a pickleball paddle — you’re learning how to win.

And winning comes down to more than just gear—your technique, timing, and positioning play huge roles too. Don’t miss our favorite pickleball tips for intermediate players if you’re ready to sharpen those edges.

The Transition Zone: Where Most Intermediate Players Get Stuck

Beginner paddles forgive everything. Pro paddles expect perfection.
But you’re in a middle lane where neither fully serves you.

You’re developing feel. Learning control. But you’re also testing your power, experimenting with angles, maybe even learning how to get more spin in pickleball.

This is the phase where the wrong paddle slows your momentum—and the right paddle becomes your secret weapon.

Let’s find you that weapon.

✅ This guide is brought to you by Ace Pickleball Pro — trusted by thousands of players and paddle geeks nationwide.

Top Pick: Onix Graphite Z5 — The Paddle That Teaches While You Dominate

“I didn’t buy this paddle to play safe. I bought it to play better.”

The Onix Z5 isn’t just a best-seller — it’s a rite of passage.

It’s the paddle that shows up when you’re tired of wondering why your shots feel off and ready to actually fix it. Every contact tells you something. Every clean shot rewards you. Every mishit gives you feedback that helps you get sharper, faster.

When I picked up the Z5, my game didn’t just improve — I understood it. I could feel where I was making mistakes. And more importantly… I knew how to fix them.

The graphite face gives it that perfect pop, while the Nomex core keeps it fast, reactive, and deadly consistent.

It’s the paddle that gets you out of the “maybe” phase — and into the “I’ve got this” mindset.

✅ Pro Tip:
If you’re building both power and control, this paddle acts like your coach. It punishes lazy shots and rewards clean mechanics.

✅ Pros:

• Graphite face = clean, crisp contact
• Nomex honeycomb core = fast reactions and reliable bounce
• Widebody shape helps you recover off-center hits
• Medium weight gives you control without sacrificing power
• Trusted by thousands of intermediate and tournament players

❌ Cons:

• Doesn’t absorb vibration like foam or polymer cores
• Some players outgrow it as they transition into ultra-soft play

👉 If you’re ready to level up, stop second-guessing your shots, and start feeling your game come alive — the Z5 is your new standard.
Try the Onix Z5 →

4 More Paddles That Elevate Your Game (Each with Their Own Superpower)

 Selkirk Amped S2 — The Soft Game Sniper

“I used to rush every shot. Then I learned to make them chase my calm.”

You ever watch someone control the court without ever breaking a sweat?

That’s what it feels like playing with the Selkirk Amped S2.

It’s not just a paddle — it’s a mindset shift. A quiet threat. Built for the players who win by thinking instead of blasting. For the ones who don’t just react… they place. Predict. Punish with patience.

I used to pop dinks too high, hit volleys too early, and try to overpower my way through soft rallies. Then I picked up this paddle, and suddenly the game slowed down for me.

With its thick X5 core and long handle, the Amped S2 gives you control you can feel in your fingers — buttery soft on contact, sneaky fast when needed, and silky smooth on recovery.

✅ Pro Tip:

Want two-handed backhands without sacrificing touch? The handle on this thing is chef’s kiss 👌

✅ Pros:

• Extra-large sweet spot means fewer mishits under pressure
• Core designed for absurdly soft hands at the net
• Ideal for third shot drops, dinks, resets
• Extended handle = two-hand freedom
• Great for arthritis or joint-conscious players

❌ Cons:

• Not built for power players — finesse is its love language
• Takes time to master (but so does dominance

👉 If you crave soft-game supremacy, net presence, and control that turns chaos into confidence — the Amped S2 is your silent weapon.
Test the Selkirk Amped S2 →

 Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro — The Thinker’s Blade

“I stopped playing faster—and started playing smarter.”

You know that moment when you’re five steps ahead of your opponent, and they still don’t see it coming?

That’s the Tempest Wave Pro’s zone.

This paddle isn’t built for brute force. It’s made for players who dissect the court like a puzzle and always find the weak spot. It rewards calm hands, calculated shots, and just enough spin to keep your opponent chasing shadows.

I used to overhit passing shots and get baited into fast hands battles. Now I let them punch first—and I place the counter right where it hurts.

With its Smart Response™ Core and extended reach, you’ll feel like your paddle is whispering chess moves mid-rally.

✅ Pro Tip:
Perfect for players who outthink, not just outrun. Its control lets you stay cool and calculated, even when the pace picks up.

✅ Pros:

• Lightweight and soft, ideal for placement-based players
• Long handle helps redirect shots with wrist relief
• Great for third-shot drops, resets, and sharp angles
• Shock-absorbing feel = less fatigue after long rallies
• Known favorite among strategic doubles players

❌ Cons:

• Not as powerful for full-court bangers
• Takes a thoughtful playstyle to really shine

👉 If you play the game like it’s mental warfare, the Tempest Wave Pro is your blade.
Explore the Tempest Wave Pro →

 Engage Encore Pro — The Spin Demon

Engage Encore Pro — The Spin Demon

“They didn’t just miss the return… they missed the entire ball.”

If you’ve ever dreamed of bending time and physics with your pickleball spin—this paddle is your secret spellbook.

The Engage Encore Pro isn’t here to play it safe. It’s built for spin artists and disruptors who thrive on control and chaos in equal measure. Every surface detail has one goal: grab the ball and twist it like it owes you money.

I used to struggle keeping slice serves low or getting my topspin to bite. But the Encore Pro? It made my spin shots stick, kick, and curve like I had pro-level wrist sorcery.

And when rallies get heated? The polymer core helps absorb shock so your arm lasts longer than your opponents.

✅ Pro Tip:
Use this paddle for deceptive slice returns, wicked rolls, and topspin that makes opponents think you’re a magician.

✅ Pros:

• Ultra-grippy face for maximum spin potential
• Stable and balanced — great for resets and tricky angles
• Dampens vibration well for elbow/wrist comfort
• Ideal for aggressive net players who love dictating pace
• Great for intermediate to advanced spin-focused players

❌ Cons:

• Might feel too “grabby” for flat hitters
• Slightly heavier feel—not ideal for finesse-only play

👉 If you’re ready to weaponize your wrist and twist your way to dominance, the Encore Pro is your spin-slinging sidekick.
Unleash the Engage Encore Pro →

CRBN¹ TruFoam Genesis — The Carbon Fiber Disruptor

“I didn’t just level up — I skipped a few levels.”

You’re not here for average. You’re here to take over.

The CRBN¹ TruFoam Genesis isn’t trying to be another paddle — it’s trying to replace what came before it. With its full foam core and raw carbon fiber face, this paddle is built like a Formula 1 car and hits like one too. Every shot feels electric, every rally feels controlled, and your opponents? They’re wondering how you’re doing this.

When I switched to this paddle, I stopped playing reactively. I started shaping points. Hitting sharper angles. Loading spin with zero effort. And the best part? My joints didn’t feel like I went 12 rounds with a prizefighter afterward.

It’s pro-level tech… disguised as your new favorite paddle.

✅ Pro Tip:
This is the paddle for players who train like competitors and play like they’re already in the finals.

✅ Pros:

• Raw carbon fiber face gives you elite-level spin & feel
• TruFoam™ core = no honeycomb “buzz” & smoother power
• Thermoformed design boosts durability and control
• Ideal for two-handed backhands with extended handle
• Perfect balance of power + control without arm fatigue

❌ Cons:

• May feel “too advanced” for beginners
• Slight break-in period (but worth every point)

👉 If you’re ready for a paddle that plays like a pro-level upgrade to your entire game, the CRBN¹ Genesis is calling your name.
Get the CRBN¹ TruFoam Genesis →

 Paddle Comparison Snapshot

Conclusion: The Paddle That Helps You Grow Wins

No paddle can replace skill development, but the right one can make that growth more efficient and rewarding.
If you’re an intermediate player ready to reach new levels, look for paddles that not only highlight your current strengths but also challenge you to refine your weaknesses.

The Onix Graphite Z5 remains a reliable choice for its balance and build, but remember: the best paddle is the one that becomes an extension of your instinct.
Test thoughtfully, choose intentionally, and trust your paddle to elevate your game one shot at a time.

Your progress is just beginning.

👉 Explore the Top Intermediate Pickleball Paddles Now