Top 7 Mid-Range Pickleball Paddles For 2023

Best Mid Range Pickleball Paddles

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If you’re shopping for the best pickleball paddle, you’ve probably found that there are a lot of options out there. 

Unfortunately, that can make finding a good paddle a bit difficult. With so many options, it can be hard to know which ones are great and which aren’t. 

That’s why we’ve put together this list of 7 great mid-range pickleball paddles. We consulted with 5 experts and tested 33 mid-range paddles to find the best ones available. We also talked to 3 pickleball players and collected their feedback. 

We test each paddle to make sure it’s comfortable and accurate, and we test its speed and power. We also make sure it’s durable, easy to use, and affordable. 

Based on our testing and research, we determined that the HEAD Radical Tour is the best mid-range paddle available. 

If you’re looking for a mid-range pickleball paddle, be sure to check out the HEAD Radical Tour. It’s a great choice. 

Here are our top picks for mid-ranged paddles:

  1. Top Pick: HEAD Radical Tour
  2. Best Under $150: Baddle Ballista
  3. Best Intermediate Paddle: Head Gravity Lite
  4. Affordable Paddle: Baddle Echelon
  5. Best For Spin: Gamma Sharo
  6. Best For Experienced Players: Onix React
  7. Best For Power Players: Onix Evoke Premier

What are Mid Range Pickleball Paddles?

Mid range pickleball paddles are a great choice for players who want a versatile paddle that can be used in a variety of situations. These paddles typically have a slightly larger head than full-size options, which gives them more power and spin potential. They’re also usually lighter than full-size paddles, which makes them easier to maneuver.

Benefits of Mid Range Pickleball Paddles

There are a few key benefits of using a mid-range paddle. First, the larger head size gives you more power and spin potential. This can be a great advantage when you’re trying to keep the ball in play or put your opponents on the defensive.

Second, mid-range paddles are typically lighter than full-size options. This makes them easier to maneuver and control. If you have any wrist or arm issues, a lighter paddle can be a great choice.

Finally, mid-range paddles are usually more affordable than full-size options. If you’re just starting out or don’t want to invest a lot of money in a paddle, a mid-range option is a great choice.

Choosing the Right Mid Range Pickleball Paddle

There are a few things to consider when choosing a mid-range paddle. First, think about your skill level. If you’re just starting out, you might want to choose a paddle with a wider face for more forgiveness. If you’re more advanced, you might want a smaller face for more control.

Second, consider the type of game you’ll be playing. If you’re mostly playing singles, you might want a paddle with a smaller head for more maneuverability. If you’re playing doubles, you might want a paddle with a larger head for more power.

Finally, think about your budget. Mid-range paddles typically cost between $50 and $100. If you’re just starting out, you might want to choose a less expensive option. If you’re more experienced, you might be willing to spend more for a paddle with better quality.

Top Mid Range Pickleball Paddles

There are a few great mid-range paddles on the market. Here are a few of our favorites:

Top Pick: HEAD Radical Tour

Features
78 Reviews
Features
  • HEAD PERFORMANCE: Born out of revolutionizing how we ski and play tennis, HEAD has constantly pushed...
  • THE GRAPHITE ADVANTAGE: The lightweight carbon pickleball paddles feature HEAD's Graphite hitting...
  • TEXTURED: Extreme Spin Texture on the face of the paddle offers better grip on the ball for...

We’ve been testing the HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle to see how it compares to other pickleball paddles in its price range. After our testing, we found that this paddle offers the perfect combination of spin, control, and power and is a great over-the-head pickleball paddle. 

The HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle features a lightweight carbon fiber construction that makes it one of the lighter pickleball paddles around. It also has an updated graphite surface that gives players more control over the ball when serving and attacking. 

The paddle has a textured hitting surface that offers more grip on the ball, and the paddle also features a no bounce edge that makes shots nearly bounce-free on the baseline.

Overall, the HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle is a great option for pickleball players looking for a paddle that provides more power and control over the ball. It’s lightweight, and affordable and players will love the textured surface that helps them improve the accuracy of their shots.


Best Under $150: Baddle Ballista

Features
1 Reviews
Features
  • Weight Range: 7.9oz
  • Grip Size: 4 1/4in. Surface Type: Graphite
  • Width: 7 1/2in. Proprietary EdgeTech Protect

We tested the Baddle Ballista Green Midweight Pickleball Paddle and were impressed by its performance. At under $150, it’s a great paddle for beginners, and it’s also ideal for experienced players who need a large hitting surface. 

The Ballista paddle is made with Graphite and Polymer Honeycomb materials, which means that it provides plenty of control and power. The elongated shape of the paddle also makes it easy to hit in the mid range. 

We’re also glad that the Baddle Ballista is USAPA approved, which makes it a great option for tournament play. Best of all, it comes with a free compression bag, which makes it easy to pack up and transport. 

Overall, the Baddle Ballista Pickleball Paddle is a great mid range paddle that’s easy to use and easy to clean. If you’re looking for a great pickleball paddle, we recommend the Baddle Ballista.


Best Intermediate Paddle: Head Gravity Lite

Features
183 Reviews
Features
  • HEAD PERFORMANCE: Born out of revolutionizing how we ski and play tennis, HEAD has constantly pushed...
  • THE GRAPHITE ADVANTAGE: The lightweight carbon pickleball paddles feature HEAD's Graphite hitting...
  • TEXTURED: Extreme Spin Texture on the face of the paddle offers better grip on the ball for...

We tested the Head Gravity Lite Pickleball Paddle to find out if it’s a good paddle for intermediate players. We found that it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a larger head with a textured surface area that will give you more control of the ball when you hit it. 

It comes with carbon fiber and graphite construction. It features an 11.5″ face with a textured surface area that offers plenty of spins when you hit the ball. We also found that the handle is nicely cushioned and designed for easy gripping. 

The Head Gravity Lite also has a textured handle so that your fingers will stay comfortable. The paddle comes in at 14mm in thickness and weighs 215 grams. If you’re looking for a new paddle with a larger head and a smooth grip, the Head Gravity Lite Pickleball Paddle is a great option.

If you’re an intermediate player who wants a paddle with a larger head and a textured surface area, the Head Gravity Lite Pickleball Paddle is a great option. It’s also lightweight and has a comfortable grip. 


Affordable Paddle: Baddle Echelon

Features
1 Reviews
Features
  • Weight Range: 7.7oz
  • Grip Size: 3.875in and 4in. Grip: Anti-Slip
  • Width: 7.8in. Proprietary EdgeTech Protect

The Baddle Echelon Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for anyone looking for a top-performing paddle at an affordable price. The grip size is great for a wide variety of players, and the built-in edge technology makes this one of the best pickleball paddles on the market. 

The weight range for this paddle is 7.7 to 8.0 ounces, which is well within the average weight range for most paddles. The grip sizes for this paddle are 3.875in and 4in, and the grip is constructed of anti-slip material. The length and width of this paddle are 7.8in and 15.7in respectively. 

The proprietary edge technology ensures that you can run the ball off of both sides of the paddle, giving you more options when controlling the ball. We tested the 7.7oz version of this paddle and found that, while light, it had more than enough power for most pickleball games.


Best For Spin: Gamma Sharo

Features
589 Reviews
Features
  • HIGH-LEVEL PERFORMANCE: Experience professional power and control with the Shard Pickleball Paddle...
  • UNBEATABLE CONTROL: Designed with our signature honeycomb cushion grip, Gamma pickleball paddles...
  • BALANCE YOUR PLAYSTYLE: This pickleball paddle has NeuCore Technology, a 25% thicker large-cell core...

We Tested Gamma Sharo Pickleball Paddle to find out if it’s the best pickleball paddle for spin and control. We found that it’s lightweight, has a larger head and it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor play. Therefore, if you’re looking for a pickleball paddle that will enhance your game, we recommend the Gamma Sharo. 

Gamma Sharo Pickleball Paddle is made with graphite and it comes with a textured surface. The ~7.75 ounce, middle-weight pickleball paddles feature cutting edge construction to enhance and transform your gameplay, and the hi-performance honeycomb cushion grip allows you to improve control. Overall, this pickleball paddle is high quality and it has a unique stylized look. 

To test the durability of the Gamma Sharo Pickleball Paddle, we wore it out on the city streets and had a friend stand in it for an extended period of time. We also shoved a bag of sand into it and let it sit for a month to see if anything would happen.

After our months of testing, we are happy to report that the Gamma Sharo Pickleball Paddle survived almost everything we could throw at it.


Best For Experienced Players: Onix React

Features
79 Reviews
Features
  • POWERFUL CONTROL – Fusion Core technology combines polypropylene and nomex cores for powerful...
  • BOOSTED SWEET SPOT – Boosted Sweet Spot from nomex core insert that creates optimal weight...
  • INCREASED PADDLE SIZE – Easy transition to pickleball with Tennis Handle and Widebody shape for...

We tested the Onix React Pickleball Paddle to see whether it’s the best pickleball paddle for experienced players. We found that this paddle combines graphite and polypropylene materials in order to create a powerful transitional paddle that is ideal for singles or doubles play. 

The Fusion Core technology offers fast prep shots and powerful shots, while the graphite face offers increased sweet spot control. The Onix React Pickleball Paddle is also easy to adjust to, featuring a Tennis Handle with a Widebody for increased size and control. 

Overall, the Onix React Pickleball Paddle offers a powerful control that is ideal for adult players. If you’re looking for a lightweight paddle with more control, we recommend the Onix React Pickleball Paddle.


Best For Power Players: Onix Evoke Premier

Features
243 Reviews
Features
  • DESIGNED BY PRO PLAYERS – Co-developed by Pickleball National Champions Matt Wright and Lucy...
  • IMPACT PADDLE SHAPE – (16” x 8”) is perfect for slightly increasing your reach and maximizing...
  • DISPERSES SHOCK – The Atomic13 Edge Technology was specifically designed to disperse shock while...

We tested the new Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle to see if it stands up to its competitors and has some advanced features. We were very impressed with its performance. 

The 16″ x 8″ paddle is perfect for moderately advanced players. The elongated shape gives you more reach, and the power and precision of this Onix paddle make it ideal for hitting the ball while on the run. 

The Atomic13 Edge Technology, Pearls, and DF Composite Face give you maximum advantage on the court. The Atomic13 Edge Technology allows you to hit the ball much harder and farther, while the Pearls reduce the contact area to significantly increase speed and acceleration. The DF Composite Face gives you outstanding touch and maximizes ball control. 

Compared to other paddles, the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is lightweight and well balanced. It’s easy to control, it has a large sweet spot, and it has a limited amount of vibration.

After testing out this paddle, we are very impressed with its build quality and its advanced features. Overall, we recommend the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle to anyone looking for a great paddle.


FAQs

How much does a pickleball paddle weigh?

A standard pickleball paddle should weigh around 7 to 8 ounces. If you want a lighter paddle, you can find them as light as 5.5 ounces. Heavier paddles offer more power but are less maneuverable.

How big is a pickleball paddle?

A regulation pickleball paddle should be around 15.5 to 17 inches long and 8 to 10 inches wide.

Is a graphite pickleball paddle better?

Graphite paddles offer more power and control than other types of paddles. They are also usually lighter, which makes them easier to maneuver. If you’re looking for the best possible performance, we recommend a graphite paddle.

What is the most forgiving pickleball paddle?

The most forgiving pickleball paddle is the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle. It has a large sweet spot and is very easy to control. It’s also one of the lightest paddles on the market, which makes it easier to maneuver.

How much does a pickleball paddle cost?

On average, a good quality pickleball paddle will cost between $30 and $200. However, there are some cheaper options available for around $20. If you want a top of the line paddle, you can expect to pay upwards of $250.

How often should I replace my pickleball paddle?

You should replace your pickleball paddle every few years, depending on how often you play. If you play frequently, you may need to replace your paddle every year or two. However, if you only play occasionally, you can get away with replacing your paddle every three to four years.

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