Robert is a professional journalist who’s also a freelance writer in his free time. He loves science-fiction stories and documentaries about UFO. Robert is also planning t read more
Jim Yang is our site founder. As a pro ping pong player in the past, he's also our main expert consultant. In his spare time, Jim teaches kids table tennis, goes hiking, and read more
Last updated: August 02, 2023
PingPongAcademy is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Ping-Pong is a great hobby, but it is important to have the right paddle. You may think that all ping pong paddles are the same, but this is not the case. Not all paddles offer the same results and the wrong choice could compromise your game.
See our top 3 favorites presented by the site expert Jim in this video:
In our quest to find the best ping pong paddle for intermediate players, we have assessed the blade construction, which can not only impact spin, but also control. We also looked at the handle and grip, which can affect comfort and playing style. Finally, we considered the performance ratings.
"This paddle is made with 5-ply wood and has a flared grip handle to help with spin. It has a 100-speed rating, 99 spin rating, and 92 control rating."
When you’re looking for the best ping pong paddles for intermediate players, the STIGA Supreme is well worth your attention. This is an excellent racket for players that focus on defence and control and this is why it’s our editor’s choice. This is a light racket, it only weighs 140g because it’s constructed with six light layers of wood and it uses Crystal Tech and Tube technology. If you enjoy playing closer to the table this racket is an ideal fit for your quicker playing style.
The rubber used on the surface of the STIGA Supreme may not be the best quality. But, it can still generate some useful amounts of spin when you serve which will be more than adequate for intermediate players. This Future Rubber surface has been designed for superior control so you won’t get a good reaction to incoming spin. This will allow the player to return more balls to the surface of the table during the course of a game.
The STIGA Supreme may not be the fastest ping pong paddle on our list but it’s a great beginner paddle and it will suit intermediate players too. If you’re not sure about the hobby and you don’t want to invest too much money this is an ideal paddle to get started. STIGA have used some technologies on the Supreme that you only find on higher end paddles in their range. So, the build quality is excellent and you will get consistent results when playing.
The Killerspin JET 600 is a little on the expensive side for a total beginner, but it’s an excellent paddle for an intermediate to advanced player. We chose this paddle as our upgrade pick because it’s faster that many of its peers and yet you still have a surprising level of control. Once you get used to the speed of this paddle it’s likely that your playing will improve significantly and you will probably start to win more matches.
This paddle uses the same rubber compound that you find on some of the high end Killerspin paddles. This is a Nitrx-42 rubber compound approved by the ITTF and it can really be a game changer when it comes to generating spin. If you ever wanted to improve your forehand loops you will be interested in this paddle. Executing a forehand loop is easier, you can have more control and your opponent will find your serves harder to return.
The Killerspin JET 600 does lack speed because only five layers of lower grade wood are used in the construction. The paddle blade is quite flexible so much of the ball energy is absorbed which makes the ball slower. But, speed is only part of the game and the enhanced control and spin characteristics may be worth the tradeoff. If you enjoy playing with a defensive style you’re likely to enjoy this paddle.
JOOLA is a well known manufacturer of ping pong paddles. They have been in business for over 60 years and they sponsor some of the largest tournaments. So, when you see a JOOLA paddle like the Omega Strata, it’s worth your consideration. This is a paddle that meets all the expectations of an intermediate player that wants to take the next step up. The Omega Strata has five plies, but they are real high-quality wood, which makes this paddle easy to control and durable.
The JOOLA Omega Strata is coated with a thick 2” sponge and Torrent 33 table tennis rubber. The paddle is light and well balanced for both offensive and defensive minded players. The paddle coating will help players to generate more spin on the ball without sacrificing control. The handle is flared which gives players a comfortable grip to return shots and it’s possible to get good top spin. This is a great paddle for any recreational player that wants to move up to tournament play.
The Idoraz Ping Pong Paddle is a very popular option found on Amazon and other sources online. Idoraz isn’t the best-known brand, but they have surprised many ping pong enthusiasts by supplying a good quality package at an affordable price. This paddle has a blade with five layers of decent quality wood for durability. The blade is stiff enough to allow a good player to generate a reasonable amount of spin and speed. The paddle is coated on both sides with a 2mm thick layer of ITTF approved rubber. This means that you can even use this paddle for basic tournament play.
The flared handle feels comfortable and you won’t feel like it will slip easily out of your hand during play. This paddle is probably a little fast for an absolute beginner, but if you’ve outgrown your starter paddle it’s a great upgrade for intermediate play. Idoraz have included a good quality carrying case with this paddle to keep it safe when travelling. If you have a limited budget and you want to get more out of table tennis as a hobby this is a good investment. And, if you’re not satisfied, Idoraz has a 30-day guarantee to send it back if you’re not delighted with your purchase.
The Gambler 2x Carbon Flex is a ping pong paddle made with high quality five ply Kukui and Limba wood with an extra two layers of soft carbon for good measure. The wood provides the rigidity and durability and the carbon layers enhance the power for quick serves and returns. This paddle has professionally glued rubbers that you can replace when the surfaces become worn and these are available online. The rubber surfaces are ITTF and USATT approved which means that you can use this paddle in national and international tournaments.
The weight of the paddle is 176g which definitely places it at the lighter end of the scale. The paddle is assembled by hand in the USA with a red and black side and the edge tape. The sponge thickness is 2mm and the mild rubber tackiness makes this a great paddle for attack minded players. The real secret weapon of this paddle are the two carbon layers which make it feel fast and stable with no loss of power. This is a very affordable paddle with a lot of features and this is why it is our best value pick. Replacement rubbers are only $12 each which makes this a paddle a good long-term investment for beginners that want to move up to intermediate play.
The Killerspin jet 800 is a professional quality paddle that works best for players who want a good spin. It’s made of 7-ply wood and carbon fiber, both of which enhance the player’s accuracy. This paddle also comes with a storage box for safekeeping.
This paddle is perfect for anyone looking into entering competitions. It’s ITTF-approved for competitions, and the paddle’s build gives the wielder a durable paddle to maintain accuracy and speed. It’s also a great option for anyone that needs a lightweight paddle. The rubber used on the handle isn’t heavy and is easy to maneuver around during matches.
What are our favorite features?
We like this one specifically because it’s a great paddle to begin the competition circuit with. We also like it because of its professional quality. While some paddles only use 5-ply wood, this one uses 7-ply. A larger ply means more durability and power with each hit. Both of these, added with the convenient storage case, make this the ideal ping pong paddle for intermediate players to take to competitions.
What could be better?
Although this paddle has several great benefits, there are a few drawbacks we noticed as well. For players that need a heavier paddle, this one may not be ideal. Some customers have complained that the rubber doesn’t feel heavy enough in their hands during gameplay. Along with that, the paddle is on the pricier side, so unless you’re serious about getting into competitions, it may not be feasible to get this one.
The JOOLA SpinForce 900 uses competition-quality blades and rubber to make a table tennis paddle for competition newcomers. The 7-ply carbon plywood offers durability and power during gameplay and uses the maximum rubber thickness allowed in competition by the ITTF. It also uses a flared handle for easy grip and spin technique.
This brand-new paddle series is better than its predecessors because of its enhanced speed and spin capabilities. With the unique features, the SpinForce offers, like 7-ply wood and thick rubber, players are guaranteed to have a satisfying gameplay experience. The paddle is also best for those looking to take an aggressive approach to their gameplay technique.
What do we love it for?
We like this one because it challenges its user to master a heavy spin technique. As the official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team, this paddle is definitely a tried and true, trusted one to work with. Along with these great benefits, we recommend this paddle because it has an extremely comfortable grip to encourage accuracy and power while competing. The flared handle, along with good wrist support, make this a great paddle for using both forehand and backhand strokes.
What were we disappointed with?
Despite these benefits, there are also a few things that are less than ideal. If you’re trying to find a budget paddle, this one may not be right for you. It’s another paddle on the pricier end of options and isn’t necessarily good for those with a tight budget. Along with that, the thick rubber handle can cause issues if you have small hands. Despite the extra rubber providing comfort, the grip can be tricky when you can get a good hold on it.
The JOOLA Blizzard Blackout Racket Set comes with two rackets and two ping pong balls. Both paddles in this set are made with 5-ply wood, and the set comes with one white and one black paddle. The paddle’s wood is made of a combination of Basswood and Tungwood. Both sides of each paddle have rubber and have ergonomic flared handles. The balls included in this set are white and black and are of professional quality.
These professional-grade paddles are perfect for serious competitors and general recreation alike. Because this comes in a full set, it’s also ideal for families as it’s easy to determine a winner by paddle color. Along with that, these paddles are great for people who need to increase their ability to control and spin the ping pong ball. The wood composition of the paddle allows players to achieve this. The Blizzard Blackout paddles are also ideal for players who like doing tricks as both sides of the paddle are rubber-coated.
What are its best features?
We like this paddle because it comes in a full set, complete with two paddles and two ping pong balls. Whether you’re a family looking to add a set to your family room or you’re a competitor that wants different options before gameplay, the set has it all. We also like the Blackout paddle because of its ergonomic flared handle. Having an inverted handle gives the player more control and flexibility to move around.
What could be improved?
Although having a full set like this is great, the paddles are only made with 5-ply wood. Unlike other paddles on our list with 7-ply, this one may not be as effective at delivering power. If you’re looking for something to take to serious competitions, this one may not be ideal. Instead, it’s more suited for recreational play. These paddles may also prove tricky to use for people with large hands. The handles are slimmer as they’re made to be used by kids and adults, so there’s less rubber to grip onto during play.
The Butterfly Bty 401 FL set uses tacky rubber on the paddle to allow for an optimal spin, and its spongy layer functions as a speed enhancer. This Yuki Rubber also helps you maintain good control. Along with the paddle, you also receive a protective cover to keep it in when not playing. The handle is also slightly flared to help you maintain your grip while playing.
This specific paddle is mostly geared toward those who want a slight step up from a beginner paddle. It’s a very easy paddle to get the hang of based on its design and helps you maintain a consistent rhythm during gameplay. The tacky Yuki rubber is on both sides of the paddle too, so this is a good paddle for those who like flexibility and doing tricks.
What makes it stand out?
We like this paddle specifically because it’s a good option for a “first paddle.” If you’re starting to become confident enough in your gameplay and you’re ready for competitions, this is a popular paddle to use. We also chose this one for our list because of how it feels when in use. The tacky Yuki rubber allows for major spin action, while the sponge layer offers a speedy and "springy" feel after each hit.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Although this one has definite benefits, there are a few things to bear in mind too. If you like a lighter paddle, you may not mesh well with this one. It's heavier than other paddles and can be difficult to get used to. It doesn't take much effort to launch the ball with this paddle, and this can be troublesome for accuracy when you're first starting out with it. While less effort means greater speed, it isn't always helpful, especially if you want more accuracy.
The Joola Infinity Overdrive comes in a variety of styles: red with black rubber, red with red and black rubber, yellow and black with black rubber, and yellow with red and black rubber. It’s ITTF regulation size and is acceptable to use in ping pong competitions. The paddle is a mixture of 5-ply wood and 2-ply carbon-kevlar. The wood used is a mixture, and each type of wood has a variety of benefits.
This paddle is optimal for those who really want to get serious about competitions. The mixture of woods used gives this paddle an edge on control, feedback, nimbleness, speed, and strength. Because of the way, it’s designed, it is good for wearing out your opponent during gameplay. If you like tactical gameplay, this is definitely a paddle you should consider.
What makes it special?
We chose this paddle for the list based on its functionality. With the different types of wood, you get a variety of skills, all packed into one paddle. The wooden layers of the paddle consist of Hinoki, Koto, and Ayous woods. The Hinoki layer serves the outer layer because it helps create more control and increases feedback. Koto is nimble and lets players block faster counter quickly. Ayous is lightweight and is good for keeping the ball in play.
What cons did we find?
Despite the mixture of wood, there are a few things to think about with this one. For starters, the handle is mostly wood and maybe uncomfortable after prolonged use. However, this could be prevented by adding a grip onto it with separate materials. Along with that, it has a high-speed rating that may not be optimal for someone that prefers accuracy. Although speed is definitely a good thing at an expert level, it’s better to master accuracy before speed.
The Killerspin Canvas Swirl Outdoor Paddle is specifically designed for outdoor use. Although it’s designed and marketed for outdoor use, it can be used indoors as well. The paddle handles are padded to help with grip during gameplay, and its durable design allows for good control and spin. The paddles are made of durable plastic and hard rubber to ensure weather resistance too.
As one of the least expensive options on our list, this one is perfect for anyone on a serious budget. On top of that, it would suffice well in family homes as the paddles can be used both indoors and outside. The paddle is commercial grade designed, which is optimal for recreational centers and other commercial businesses.
What makes it special?
We chose this one for our list mostly due to how budget-friendly it is. It's inexpensive without compromising any of its quality. We also really like this one because of its versatility in being able to be used indoors or outside. This makes it great for any type of recreational area. Outdoor usability is also nice because it’s another way to get kids playing outside. The paddle also comes with a memory book too, so we think it would be perfect as a family gift.
What cons did we find?
Although the paddle is versatile, budget, and family-friendly, there are a few drawbacks to its design. Since it's made of plastic, it isn't quite as high quality as a wooden paddle would be. The handle is also only slightly flared, and the rubber is very hard. While this can help with grip, it may also be uncomfortable to use after a few rounds. Paddles with more flared handles are more ergonomic, and because this one only has a slight flare, it may be difficult to get a good grasp on it.
The Butterfly Wakaba 3000 is a Butterfly paddle specifically designed for more seasoned players. The paddle is equipped with rubber that uses a more aggressive approach to speed and spin. It also comes equipped with a thick sponge layer for increasing power in each hit. The base of the paddle is made of wood.
This Butterfly paddle is the best option for advanced players who want to stick to a budget. The paddle is designed for players who want to master their skills in speed and power. The way the paddle is designed helps those players find a good groove during gameplay. It’s also an optimal paddle for players who don’t like a lot of rubber on the handle as it only has it on the front and back rather than all around.
Why are we impressed?
We chose this one for our list specifically because it’s designed for those who want to improve their skills and deliver a lot of power to their opponents. When considering buying a paddle for the intermediate level, it’s important to get one that will last you beyond your current level and into expert status. We also chose the Wakaba 3000 because it provides its user with great speed.
What negatives must you be aware of?
While this one is perfect for those who want to reach an expert level, it may be difficult to use if you’re only just reaching an intermediate status. It can be tricky to get the hang of it you aren't used to the way it feels and how it works. Along with this, the handle doesn't have much rubber on it. While this may not be troublesome for certain players, it can prove to be uncomfortable for others.
Things to Consider
With so many ping pong paddles on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right one for you. So, here we’ve compiled a list of things to consider to help you make your purchase decision.
What makes a ping pong paddle great for an intermediate player?
Before you can choose a paddle, you need to understand the type of player that you are and how you want your game to develop in the near future. As a beginner, you need a paddle that is consistent and controllable as you learn the fundamentals and develop your stroke technique. The speed and spin are priorities as you move up to intermediate play where you can try out new techniques and moves to win games. At this stage, it’s crucial to build up your speed and learn how to put some spin on the ball to win serves and deliver devastating returns. Advanced players will want to invest more into a paddle that can handle their playing style. This is usually a heavier paddle that can deliver more speed and spin if you’re attack minded. A defensive player at this level may stick with a lighter and more comfortable paddle that allows them to block shots easily and chop at the ball.
How to choose the best ping pong paddle for intermediate players
As you can see from our list there are many ping pong padded such as the STIGA Supreme which are well suited to intermediate play. So, it’s hard to choose the ideal paddle to meet your needs. But, the process can be easier if you consider these three main characteristics and how they will affect your playing style:
1. Control
The paddle design will determine the amount of control that you can exercise over the ball. Typically there is a tradeoff between the speed, spin and control that you can have when playing. If you have more control you can expect less spin and speed. A new player needs a paddle with more control and the speed and spin can come later.
2. Speed
The paddle design can allow you to hit the ball slow or fast depending on the thickness and type of rubber used to cover the blade. Generally speaking, thinner layers of rubber slow the ball down and thicker creates more speed.
3. Spin
Spin is similar to speed, the rubber covering thickness will affect the amount of spin that you can place on the ball. If the rubber is thicker you can generate more spin. To put this into some perspective a beginner should get a paddle with a rubber thickness of 1.5mm at most. An intermediate player can go with a rubber thickness of 2mm and advanced players can stick with that or more.
Performance ratings
As you can see, the speed, spin and control specifications are important and you may find a score on a paddle that you’re interested in purchasing. But, there is no standard scoring system and the figures supplied by one manufacturer may not be relevant to another. So, comparing paddles made by different manufacturers is pretty much impossible based on the scores provided by those companies.
It’s a better idea to compare the specification of the paddles rather than the scores. Look at the composition of the blade, the rubber thickness, the weight and the shape of the handle.
Take some time to read some reviews to see how the paddles work for other players at a similar level to your own. The number of plies of material used and the composition will all affect how the paddle performs. From our list, the Killerjet 600 for newer players that need more control and the Gambler 2x Carbon Flex is a good option for beginner and intermediate players that favor an attack playing style.
Power
Power refers to the amount of weight transfer that comes between the paddle and the ball. Heavy-duty paddles typically come with a higher power rating than others lighter than it.
Achieving high power also largely comes from your ability to transfer all of your weight into the ball rather than just using your arm.
Size and weight
A lighter paddle is easier to control, but if you want speed, you’re going to want a heavier paddle. Many intermediate players have a paddle which sits somewhere in the middle. The shape is also important, you need a handle that’s comfortable to hold in your hand without a risk of slipping.
Construction materials
Most paddles are made from layers of wood with a covering of rubber foam and rubber. The best competitive paddles are made with 85% wood which makes them a little heavier than an entry level paddle. This makes the paddle easier to control which is an important factor when playing at any level. The rubber covering is also important and the grip or “tackiness” of the surface will determine how you spìn the ball. The surface may be textured with waffling, pimples or dimples to make the ball stick to rubber briefly to enhance the control characteristics. This is especially useful for defensive players that need the extra traction to match their playing style. The thickness of the rubber sponge is an important factor because it will affect the speed of your return. Choosing a thicker rubber sponge will add weight to the paddle, but you will be able to hit the ball faster. A thinner sponge will make the ball slower; this is ideal if you want more control. The easiest way to remember this is that thick sponge is for attack and thin sponge is for defense.
Type of rubber
The type of rubber used is also important, some materials such as the Torrent 33 rubber used on the JOOLA Omega Strata are approved for tournament play which may be an important factor for intermediate players. As your play style improves you may want a surface with more “tackiness” to place more spin on the ball.
Grip and blade style
The paddle blade is usually made with 5-9 layers of wood or other materials, including: carbon and titanium carbon. The number of plies or layers used will make the blade stiffer and if carbon materials are used, they can add stiffness without making the paddle heavier. If the blade is rigid more energy is transferred to the ball from faster speeds and the opposite is true. There are three main types of handles, they are: straight, anatomic and flared. A straight handle is the same width from the top to the bottom. An anatomic handle is wider at the middle of the handle to better fit your hand shape. The flared handle is thicker at the bottom which prevents it from slipping from your hand when playing. The flared handle is a good option, but as you progress you may favor one of the others.
Handle style
The handle style is important because it’s going to determine how you play your game. It’s best to get a paddle with an ergonomic handle because you won’t need to worry about stressing out your hand muscles. Many paddles come with wrap-around rubber for comfort and grip. Others use rubber on the front and back.
Layers
The number of layers also plays a major factor in the functionality of the paddle. The more layers a paddle has, the more durable it will be. For example, the JOOLA SpinForce 900 has seven layers of plywood and a sponge layer too. However, it’s also important to note that heavily-layers paddles may also feel heavier in your hand. This won’t do well with someone who likes lightness and flexibility.
Accessories
If you’re planning on travelling with your paddle for competitions you may want to invest in a case. This will protect your investment and an aluminum case with internal padding will be a durable choice.
You should clean your paddle periodically. Doing so will remove any dust that has built up over time. Keeping that in mind, you shouldn’t clean it regularly because it can cause the rubber to wear away over time. You can also prevent dust build-up by storing it in a table tennis paddle case or cover. Many paddles actually come with a case or cover that fits that specific model.
There are a few ways to store your paddle in between games. The first way is to store it in a case that snugly fits your paddle. Using a case that is too small won’t close, and using one that is too large makes the paddle more susceptible to dust. If you don’t have a case, you can store it in the cover the paddle likely came with. If neither of these options is available, buying a drawstring bag will also suffice.
Our Verdict
As you can see, there are some fantastic ping pong paddles on the market. From the well balanced JOOLA Omega Strata with its thick sponge and light feel to the Killerspin JET 600 with its flexible paddle blade and five layers of wood. However, the stand out pick as the best ping pong paddle for intermediate players has to be our editor’s choice, the STIGA Supreme.
This impressive paddle has a focus on control and defense. It remains fairly lightweight, yet it has six layers of wood with Crystal Tech and Tube technology. Although this isn’t the fastest paddle, it is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players, while remaining budget friendly.
References
1.
The Best Rated Table Tennis Paddle | SportsRec
Table tennis attracts participants seeking all level of competition, from high-intensity matches in the Olympics to leisurely hitting sessions in garages and game rooms No matter where you play -- or whether you call it table tennis or ping pong -- a good paddle will greatly enhance your game.
