Getting to a new level in table tennis might be an intimidating process – however, this process might be made easier by finding a new, improved paddle. So, what is the best table tennis paddle for intermediate players?
| Product | Details | Style | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Killerspin JET 600 Spin N2 | Best Overall | All-round paddle – best overall performer | Check Price |
 |
Palio Master 3.0 | Best Value | All-round paddle – reasonably priced with high-quality rubber | Check Price |
 |
JOOLA Omega Strata | Best Budget | All-round paddle – affordable upgrade | Check Price |
Table Tennis at an Intermediate Level
Table tennis has always been a fan favorite. It’s a game that brings out the competitive nature in anyone and can be played by all! With technology being brought into the game, equipment such as paddles is becoming an ever-important factor. Investing in a paddle that has been built for performance can definitely take your game to the next level.
This article will look at five different paddles which suit players looking to enhance their skills as an intermediate player, to a higher-skilled player, as well as reach out to players who are interested to see how table tennis paddles have improved with the use of technology and design.
What to Consider when Buying a Paddle
This is just a short overview of what to consider when buying a paddle. For more detailed information, visit our buying guide.
These attributes will be rated in each of the paddles we discuss, as well as the pros and cons of each paddle.
Control
This is key for every player. Being able to direct shots as planned means we can out-wit our competitors, and play to their weaker areas! Control is mainly determined by the thickness of the rubber. The thinner the rubber, the more control, while the thicker the rubber, the less control.
Spin
Being able to control the direction or how much a ball spins can definitely give us an advantage on our friend at the other side of the table. Spin has the ability to change the bounce of the ball as it hits the table, but also, it may impact how the ball comes off your opponent’s paddle.
The thickness of the rubber plays a large role in determining the amount of spin on the ball. The thicker the rubber, the more spin will be applied, while the thinner the rubber, the less spin. If you’re looking to get more spin, it would be advised that you get a rubber with more tackiness.
Speed
This is directly linked to spring in the paddle and is brought about by the rubber used in the paddle. This is a big factor to look into, especially if you’re an offensive player!
Most table tennis paddle manufacturers make this a priority in their product builds. The rubber used is again the key factor in determining the speed of a paddle. The thicker the rubber, the bigger the spring effect will be – causing more speed, while thinner rubber will cause the ball to come off the blade at a slower pace.
Before reviewing these paddles, we made sure that each paddle is ITTF approved. Meaning that every paddle in this article is legal in competitions. Who knows? Maybe one of these paddles will help get you into future competitions!
If you’re looking for a more affordable paddle option, we’ve reviewed some quality paddles under 50 dollars, over here.
Without further ado, let us commence!
1 – Killerspin JET 600 Spin N2
Our first member is Killerspin’s JET600 Spin N2, which provides a unique balance of speed, spin, and control. The paddle is designed for intermediate to advanced players which combines a soft feel with enough spring to give your opponents a bit of a fright. Killerspin paddles are known to perform.
| Performance | Speed: 80, Spin: 90, Control: 85 |
| Blade | 5 ply real wood |
| Rubber | Nitrx-4Z |
| Sponge | 2.1mm |
| Handle | Flared |
| Playstyle | All-round |
| ITTF Approved? | Yes |
| Price | $$ |
| Our rating | 9/10 |
The JET 600’s blade construction consists of 5 plies with three complimenting types of wood, which makes it one of the lightest and best-balanced paddles in Killerspin’s lineup of paddles.
The JET 600 Spin N2 uses the Nitrx-4Z rubber, which has a very tacky top sheet – helping with gripping the ball and adding more spin. This paddle is more control-focused rather than all-out speed, making it great for looping and sustained rallies. However, a sponge thickness of 2.1mm gives the JET 600 solid spring.
The JET 600 Spin N2 uses a classic flared handle, making comfort and performance a priority.
Killerspin’s JET 600 Spin N2 is the upgrade from the Spin N1 and has a more classy, slick design – while having a slightly thicker sponge.
2 – JOOLA Omega Strata
The next mention is JOOLA’s Omega Strata. This paddle is also directed at intermediate players, who are looking for an affordable paddle to take their game to the next level. The Omega Strata, which is the final in JOOLA’s diverse series, is designed mainly to enhance spin and control for players.
| Performance | Speed: 90, Spin: 93, Control: 91 |
| Blade | 5 ply real wood |
| Rubber | Riff 34 |
| Sponge | 2mm |
| Handle | Flared |
| Playstyle | All-round |
| ITTF Approved? | Yes |
| Price | $ |
| Our rating | 8.2/10 |
The blade is built with a 5-ply real wood combination, consisting of Koto – key for quick counter-attacks, Ayous – helping with precise control and placement, and Kiri – which is used for reduced vibration in the blade. JOOLA has made sure the paddle is built with durability as well as performance.
The Omega Strata has pips-in JOOLA Riff 34 rubber on both sides of the paddle, with a sponge thickness of 2.0 millimeters. This is one of JOOLA’s premium rubbers, which provides players with the ability to add plenty of spin and speed to their shots. The rubber is designed to help with quick counter-attacks and eye-opening topspin.
Another cool aspect of the Omega Strata is the handle design. Their flared handle has a choice of three different colors, including light blue, orange, and purple. This may give you a feeling of flare. Your buddy might be jealous of your style too!
3 – Eastfield Offensive
The third paddle we’ll review is Eastfield’s Offensive. This paddle once again is ideal for intermediate players, who have mastered the basic fundamentals of technique, and are looking to reach a new level of performance. This paddle is Eastfield’s second paddle release, which follows the success of their Allround paddle.
| Performance | Speed: 90, Spin: 90, Control: 100 |
| Blade | 7 ply real wood |
| Rubber | Riff 34 |
| Sponge | 2.1mm |
| Handle | Flared |
| Playstyle | All-round |
| ITTF Approved? | Yes |
| Price | $$$ |
| Our rating | 8.8/10 |
The Eastfield Ashwood 7-ply blade is the reason for the paddle offering incredible control, and it feels great off the face. The 7-ply all-wood blade doesn’t have any carbon layers, which gives it spring and speed, but not too much – which means aspects such as placement and control aren’t impacted negatively.
Eastfield has used their A-Pro rubber on both sides of the paddle, which helps tremendously with speed and spin. Having a slightly thicker sponge of 2.1mm gives the paddle greater spring and therefore more speed. A thicker sponge also benefits spin play.
4 – Palio Master 3.0
Palio’s Master 3.0 is the next paddle we’re a big fan of. The Master 3.0 builds on the success of its predecessor – the Palio Master 2.0 – which was designed to execute a higher level of spin and speed without compromising on the important attribute of control. This is Palio’s most all-round paddle within their collection of builds.
| Performance | Speed: 80, Spin: 90, Control: 80 |
| Blade | 5 ply real wood |
| Rubber | Palio CJ8000 |
| Sponge | 2mm |
| Handle | Flared |
| Playstyle | All-round |
| ITTF Approved? | Yes |
| Price | $$ |
| Our rating | 8.5/10 |
The Master 3.0 has an all-real wood blade, which gives the paddle a solid and durable base. The blade isn’t too heavy either, giving the paddle a bit more control rather than too much speed from the greater weight.
The ITTF approved Palio Master 3.0 has been upgraded since the 2.0, focusing on improved both quality and feel. The paddle has a flared handle, which makes it comfortable to hold. The blade is designed to reach a balance of power and control, which is something we intermediate players may strive for.
Palio has chosen the ITTF approved CJ8000 rubber for this paddle, which is well known for its ability to grip the ball well and create spin while maintaining high levels of control and a soft feel. The CJ8000 rubbers have a softer sponge, and the tacky top sheet is responsible for the noticeable grip on the ball.
5 – Killerspin Impact D5
Last but not least, is Killerspin’s Impact D5. This is one of Killerspin’s newer paddle models and displays great all-round attributes while specializing in spin.
| Performance | Speed: 80, Spin: 90, Control: 70 |
| Blade | 5 ply real wood |
| Rubber | Nitrx-4Z |
| Sponge | 2mm |
| Handle | Flared |
| Playstyle | All-round |
| ITTF Approved? | Yes |
| Price | $$ |
| Our rating | 8.6/10 |
The 5-ply blade provides a solid and durable base. The blade is built for a consistent strike and all-around performance. There is decent speed, but not too much so controlling shots is made easier. Modern technology has been used to create a unique feeling in strike, as well as having the required durability.
The Nitrx-4Z rubber is used in the Impact D5, which has a tacky surface, as well as a nullifying effect on incoming shots with high spin. This benefits the control of your return. Both of the sides of the paddle are black, which gives the paddle a stylish and intimidating look.
A classic flared handle is used for the Impact D5, where comfort and performance is a priority. Killerspin paddles have years of experience in making high-quality, comfortable flared handles, and they’ve used that skill on the Impact D5.
Killerspin is a fan favorite when it comes to ping pong, and the new Impact D5 doesn’t fall short of their usual quality.
As a Summary
Overall, each of these five paddles has the potential to help take your game to the next level. We feel that each paddle has elements of the game’s latest technology, which benefits each and every main attribute of one’s game.
Conclusion
In this article, we reviewed what we feel are the best table tennis paddles for intermediate players. We hand-picked five paddles, which have been very successful, and have made a difference to many people’s games. We hope that this has helped you find your desired weapon!
If you’re looking for a more advanced paddle, or perhaps a more defensive build – we’ve reviewed plenty of other options here.
