These 6 paddles are for players choosing a first or second paddle that still fits at intermediate level. For each, the maker or a named reviewer ties it to beginner or intermediate players, or all levels, in their own words, quoted in the review. Each was in stock on Amazon on November 9, 2026, at or below the maker’s regular price; HEAD publishes no US price for the Radical Elite (review #6).
Related guide: Best Titanium Pickleball Paddles in 2026, and What “Titanium” Means
In short: the Friday Challenger is raw carbon, labelled Intermediate by Friday; the SLK Evo Control XL is Selkirk’s control paddle “for advancing players”; the Selkirk AMPED Control Epic Lightweight is light (7.2–7.7 oz, Selkirk) and wide.
Our Top Picks
Find the paddle for where your game is going
Pick how you play and what you want to spend. The suggestion is our editorial starting point, drawn from the six paddles below, not a test result.
Tiers are relative to the paddles in this guide; live prices are in the comparison table below.
Compare the 6 beginner-to-intermediate paddles
Each row is the version we link, with the makers’ figures and the approved-list entry we found on 2026-11-09.
Friday Challenger 16mmRaw Carbon Step-UpIntermediate, spin16 mm honeycomb8.0 oz ± 0.18$99.99
Evidence: BePickleballer, this exact model
SLK Evo Control XLControl Upgrade, XLBeginner–intermediate, control16 mm honeycomb7.6–8.1 oz$49.99
Evidence: Racket Zones reviewed the earlier SLK Evo 2.0 XL (different carbon face, not thermoformed), not this Evo Control XL
Selkirk AMPED Control Epic LightweightLight Fiberglass FaceLightweight, control16 mm honeycomb7.2–7.7 oz$79.99
Evidence: Pickleball Kitchen reviewed the original 2017 AMPED Epic, not the AMPED Control Epic Lightweight
Wilson Fierce Pro 13mm13mm Core, Carbon FaceAll-round, two-handed13 mm honeycomb7.8 oz$57.00
Evidence: maker specs only, no independent test
Gearbox G20 Quad 20mm20mm Core, Quad ShapeControl, wide face20 mm honeycomb8.0 oz$129.99
Evidence: Pickleball US, this exact model
HEAD Radical EliteFiberglass WidebodyBeginner, wide face15 mm honeycomb8.1 oz$50.88 Prime
Evidence: Men's Health links an older Radical Elite listing and names no model year (nor do the list's two entries)
What Changes Between a Beginner and an Intermediate Paddle
Player level is not one scale. The DUPR guide puts beginners at “2-3.5” and intermediates at “3.6-5.5”; Friday’s FAQ uses “Beginner (2.0–2.5)” and “Intermediate (3.0–3.5)”. DUPR: “Beginner players benefit from paddles that prioritize control and forgiveness, helping them make consistent contact and learn the basics.”
Related guide: Best Pickleball Paddles Under $50 (2026)
Core thickness. A JOOLA FAQ: “14mm gives a faster, poppier response for players who like to drive and speed up;16mm gives more control, dwell time, and forgiveness — best for touch shots and dinks.” Three picks use 16 mm cores; the others are 13 mm (Wilson), 15 mm (HEAD) and 20 mm (Gearbox). See our 14mm vs 16mm guide.
Paddle weight. Makers list 8.0 oz ± 0.18 (Friday), 7.6–8.1 oz (Evo Control XL), 7.2–7.7 oz (AMPED Control Lightweight), 7.8 oz (Wilson Singapore), 8.0 oz (Gearbox) and 230 g / 8.1 oz, which HEAD UK classes as “Midweight”.
Sweet spot and forgiveness. Makers describe these in their own words: Friday lists a “Large, Forgiving Sweet Spot” and HEAD “a larger sweet spot”. See our sweet spot roundup and what to look for in a beginner paddle.
How We Picked These Paddles for Improving Players
How this guide was built
built from manufacturer product pages and the makers’ Amazon listings, the USA Pickleball approved-paddle list, published reviews by BePickleballer, Racket Zones, Pickleball Kitchen, Pickleball US and Men’s Health, and owner threads on Reddit; we have not tested these products ourselves.
What each paddle had to show
- A level in the maker’s or a named reviewer’s words: product page, spec tab or the maker’s Amazon bullets, not shop collection tiles. Where sources disagree, the review gives both.
- Stocked on Amazon as a New offer on 2026-11-09, at or below the maker’s regular price.
- Not on our beginner or intermediate lists. Two picks (#2 and #5) appear in other guides on this site.
What we left out, where the figures come from and what r/Pickleball owners say about the step up
What we left out
The JOOLA Graf Edge 16mm, which JOOLA pitches at beginner and intermediate players: its page says “As of May 1, 2026 this paddle is not eligible for use in USAP competitions”, although the approved list still showed it on 2026-11-09. Our budget paddle guide leaves it out for the same reason. Other paddles that fit are already picks in our other guides.
Where the figures come from
The makers. Wilson’s weight and width come from its Singapore store (its US page lists neither), and the HEAD figures from HEAD’s UK page and Amazon listing.
What r/Pickleball owners say about the step up
In a 2024 r/Pickleball thread, a couple moving past a starter set asked about casual-to-intermediate paddles. The top reply backed the Friday paddles they were weighing; another said: “Get one with carbon Fiber face to grip the ball.” A third warned: “The only thing that you might experience is wanting even better ones in another 6 months…” These are individual owners.
Detailed Reviews
Friday Challenger 16mm, Raw Carbon Step-Up
Intermediate players, or those moving off a starter paddle, who want a raw carbon face.
$99.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 23:44 UTCVerdict
A raw carbon paddle Friday labels Intermediate, and also calls “A great entry-level paddle”.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. BePickleballer: Challenger, Phoenix colour.
Friday’s spec tab reads “Skill level: Intermediate”, and its FAQ page files the Challenger under “Are you Intermediate or Advanced?” (the Original sits under “Are you a Beginner or Intermediate Player?”). That FAQ also says: “The Challenger Paddle is an upgrade over our Original and is great for intermediate players.” The product page calls it “A great entry-level paddle with solid pop and great grit with a raw carbon fiber face.” BePickleballer (August 23, 2025), which played it and offers a Friday discount code, wrote: “For beginning players, I think the Friday Fever would be the better choice.” and “For more advanced players, I would recommend the Challenger Friday.” Its conclusion: “The Challenger Friday is a great paddle for intermediate and advanced players who are looking to get extra pop off their shots.” Friday lists a 16mm thickness and an “8mm Honeycomb PP” core without explaining the second figure. Friday’s approved-list entries are codes only, so we could not match the Challenger; Friday says it is “USAPA Approved for tournament play”.
Sold by Mixt Solutions, shipped by Amazon (2026-11-09); Friday’s pages do not name this seller.
Specs (Friday Challenger, 16mm, Ghostly)
- Weight: 8.0 oz ± 0.18 oz (Friday)
- Core: 16 mm; “8mm Honeycomb PP” (Friday)
- Face: double-layer T700 raw carbon (Friday)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; grip 5.5 in long, 4.25 in around (Friday)
- Approval: no named entry (codes only)
Pros
- Raw carbon face Friday labels Intermediate
- Exact model reviewed by BePickleballer
Cons
- BePickleballer suggests a different Friday paddle for beginners
- Third-party seller
Who should buy it
Intermediate players, or those moving off a starter paddle, who want a raw carbon face.
SLK Evo Control XL, Control Upgrade, XL
Improving players who want a control paddle with extra reach.
$49.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 21:08 UTCVerdict
Selkirk’s control paddle for “advancing players”, in the longer XL shape.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, previous generation. Racket Zones: SLK Evo 2.0 XL.
Selkirk’s page says: “As your skills evolve, so should your paddle. The EVO Control upgrades the classic experience for advancing players.” Its spec list reads “Skill Level: Beginner – Intermediate”. Racket Zones (July 7, 2025) reviewed the earlier SLK Evo 2.0 XL, which had a different carbon face and was not thermoformed: “It’s a paddle marketed more toward the intermediate or casual competitive crowd.”
Sold by Selkirk Sport through Amazon (2026-11-09).
Specs (SLK Evo Control, XL, Oasis)
- Weight: 7.6–8.1 oz (Selkirk)
- Core: 16 mm Rev-Control polymer honeycomb (Selkirk)
- Face: T700 CarbonFusion carbon fiber (Selkirk)
- Size: 16.4 x 7.4 in; handle 5.75 in; grip 4.25 in around (Selkirk)
- Approval: “Evo Control XL”, added 2024-03-24
Pros
- Control paddle that Selkirk labels “Beginner – Intermediate”
- Sold by Selkirk’s own storefront
Cons
- The review covers the earlier Evo 2.0 XL, not this version
- XL shape is narrower than the wide-face picks
Selkirk AMPED Control Epic Lightweight, Light Fiberglass Face
Selkirk AMPED Control Epic Lightweight
Players who want a light, wide paddle with a fiberglass face.
$79.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 23:44 UTCVerdict
A light fiberglass-face paddle on Selkirk’s wide Epic shape.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, previous generation. Pickleball Kitchen: original 2017 AMPED Epic.
Selkirk writes: “Versatile and well-rounded, the Epic paddle shape is ideal for the beginner and the seasoned pro.” Its spec list reads “Skill level: Beginner – Pro”. Pickleball Kitchen (Barrett Kincheloe) reviewed the original 2017 AMPED Epic, not this AMPED Control version, and added a note after reader feedback: “I won’t delete the original material that I wrote below, but considering the feedback I’ve received, beginners can use this paddle just fine.” A Midweight version (7.8–8.4 oz) also exists; see our light paddle guide.
Sold by Selkirk Sport through Amazon (2026-11-09); stock showed as limited.
Specs (Selkirk AMPED Control Epic, Lightweight, Purple)
- Weight: 7.2–7.7 oz (Selkirk)
- Core: 16 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb (Selkirk)
- Face: Fiberglass FiberFlex+ (Selkirk)
- Size: 15.75 x 8 in; grip 5.25 in long, 4.25 in around (Selkirk)
- Approval: “AMPED Control Epic Lightweight”, added 2024-07-08
Pros
- Selkirk lists 7.2–7.7 oz for the Lightweight
- Selkirk ties the Epic shape to beginners and pros alike
Cons
- The cited review covers the 2017 AMPED Epic
- Limited Amazon stock
Wilson Fierce Pro 13mm, 13mm Core, Carbon Face
Players who want a thinner, quicker paddle from a major brand.
$57.00 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 23:44 UTCVerdict
A 13 mm carbon paddle whose level and shape Wilson’s own stores label differently.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Wilson.
Wilson’s US page says: “Ideal for any level player who regularly gets onto the court, Wilson’s Fierce Pro Pickleball Paddle delivers exceptional all-around playability with a spot-on combination of power and control.” It also says the “slightly longer handle” suits two-handed backhands and calls it “the standard shape”; see our two-handed backhand guide. Wilson’s Amazon listing says the Fierce family is a “Collection designed for beginner-to-intermediate players looking for a comfortable, all-around pickleball paddle”. Wilson’s Singapore store lists “Paddle Shape：Hybrid” instead, and “Recommended Level：Advanced” next to “All-level players working to lift their match performance.” Wilson’s Amazon listing calls the 13 mm core a “Power-focused thickness that feels slightly stiffer and is easiest to maneuver”. We found no independent test.
Related guide: 5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players (2026)
Sold by Athlete’s Picks, a third-party seller, and shipped by Amazon (2026-11-09).
Specs (Wilson Fierce Pro, 13mm, Black/White/Red, 4 1/4 in grip)
- Weight: 7.8 oz (Wilson Singapore)
- Core: 13 mm (Wilson US and Singapore); polypropylene honeycomb (Wilson Singapore)
- Face: textured carbon fiber (Wilson US); paddle composition 70% PP, 30% carbon (Wilson US)
- Size: 16 in long (Wilson US), 8 in wide (Wilson Singapore); grip 4 1/4 in (Wilson US); handle length not published
- Approval: “Fierce Pro”, added 2023-08-18
Pros
- Wilson US and Amazon name all levels and beginner-to-intermediate
- Longer handle that Wilson suggests for two-handed backhands
Cons
- Wilson’s Singapore store lists it as advanced
- Third-party seller; no independent test
Gearbox G20 Quad 20mm, 20mm Core, Quad Shape
Intermediate players who want a thick-core, wide paddle for the soft game.
$129.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 23:44 UTCVerdict
A 20 mm core on a wide quad shape, pitched at all levels by Gearbox and at intermediate to advanced by a reviewer.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleball US: G20 QUAD 20mm.
Gearbox says the design makes it “an ideal choice for players of all skill levels”. Pickleball US (May 18, 2026), an affiliate review site, puts it higher: “Intermediate to advanced players in the DUPR 3.5–4.5 range who want to compete consistently at every court position without specializing into one style. Doubles players who balance soft-game exchanges with occasional baseline drives will get the most out of what the G20 QUAD offers.”
Sold by Gearbox Sports through Amazon (2026-11-09); stock showed as limited.
Specs (Gearbox G20, Quad 20mm, Black/Red)
- Weight: 8.0 oz (Gearbox)
- Core: 20 mm polypropylene honeycomb (Gearbox)
- Face: carbon fiber/glass fiber, molded texture (Gearbox)
- Size: 15 7/8 x 8 in; handle 4 3/4 in; 4 in grip (Gearbox)
- Approval: “G20 Quad 20mm”, added 2025-05-09
Pros
- 20 mm core on a wide quad face
- Exact model reviewed by Pickleball US
Cons
- Reviewer places it at intermediate to advanced, not beginner
- Pickleball US: “Shorter 4 3/4″ handle limits two-handed backhand leverage compared to the GX6 or GBX elongated models”
Who should buy it
Intermediate players who want a thick-core, wide paddle for the soft game.
HEAD Radical Elite 15mm, Fiberglass Widebody
Newer players who want a widebody to learn on before choosing a style.
$50.88 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 23:44 UTCVerdict
A fiberglass widebody Men’s Health calls “a great option for learning the game”, with a note on when to move on.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Men’s Health: Radical Elite via an older Amazon listing (B07DD146GW), model year not stated.
HEAD’s UK page says: “Perfect for a wide range of players, the Radical Elite offers a larger sweet spot for power as well as a thicker core and an ergo grip for great playability.” Men’s Health wrote: “While the Radical Elite lacked power a bit, this paddle prioritizes control while staying lightweight, so it’s a great option for learning the game.” HEAD’s UK page classes it as “Midweight” (230 g / 8.1 oz). Men’s Health added: “You can play competitively with the Radical Elite too, but as you see yourself progressing you may want to switch to a paddle with more power.”
Sold by Amazon.com (Amazon’s data, 2026-11-09); the page showed another seller in the buy box that morning.
Specs (HEAD Radical Elite, 15mm, Red, 4 1/8 in grip)
- Weight: 230 g / 8.1 oz (HEAD UK)
- Core: 15 mm polypropylene honeycomb (HEAD UK; HEAD’s Amazon listing)
- Face: fiberglass composite (HEAD UK)
- Size: 16 x 7 7/8 in; grip 4 1/8 in (HEAD’s Amazon listing); handle 5.1 in (HEAD UK)
- Approval: “Radical Elite”, added 2017-04-19 and 2021-09-17
Pros
- Fiberglass widebody that HEAD describes for all levels
- Reviewed by Men’s Health as a paddle to learn on
Cons
- Men’s Health suggests moving to more power as you progress
- HEAD’s US store no longer lists it
Who should buy it
Newer players who want a widebody to learn on before choosing a style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What paddle should I get after my beginner paddle?
One its maker ties to the next stage: Friday calls the Challenger “great for intermediate players”, and Selkirk writes that the SLK Evo Control “upgrades the classic experience for advancing players”.
Q. Which paddles suit intermediate women?
None of the six is sold as a women’s model; each review lists weight and grip. See our intermediate paddles for women.
Q. Which paddles carry players from intermediate to advanced?
Selkirk (AMPED Control Epic, “Beginner – Pro”), Friday and BePickleballer (Challenger), Wilson Singapore (Fierce Pro, “Advanced”) and Pickleball US (G20, “Intermediate to advanced”) name advanced players. For tour-level paddles, see our pro paddle guide.
Q. Is there a JOOLA paddle for intermediate players?
Our JOOLA paddle guide matches JOOLA’s lines to levels; JOOLA aims the Perseus Astral and Essentials Dash at newer players. We left out the Graf Edge (see How We Picked).
Final Verdict
The Friday Challenger is raw carbon Friday labels Intermediate, the SLK Evo Control XL a “Beginner – Intermediate” control paddle and the AMPED Control Epic Lightweight light and wide. Pickleball US places the Gearbox G20 at intermediate to advanced, Men’s Health suggests the HEAD Radical Elite for learning, and the Wilson Fierce Pro‘s sources disagree. More: the pickleball paddles hub, our best pickleball paddles, paddles for tennis players and paddles that reduce vibration.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
