gear

Intermediate Pickleball Paddle Guide

Once you get passed playing as a beginner, ready to upgrade from your good beginner paddle to the next one, the choices are equally overwhelming. There are many good options out there, but these are my favorite (and email me for discounts).


Gamma Obsidian

As of 2025, the Obsidian paddles are my favorite for intermediate to advance players. Gamma is a smaller company that has been focusing on providing good gear options for all levels of Pickleball players. The Obsidian’s technical specification is as good as many top end paddles, and they come in a variety of thickness.

The thickness of a paddle affects the balance of power to control ratio. You can get the Obsidian in 16mm, 13mm and 10mm. That covers a good range. The Obsidian also has an End Cap Weight system where you can add weight to the bottom of the handle. It is fun to customize the paddle this way.

Email me for a 20% discount code for all Gamma products on the Gamma website.

Gamma Obsidian 10

Pickleball Protective Eyewear

I cannot stress this enough, doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a pro, please wear protective eyewear when you play pickleball !

If you do not need prescription lens, you have so many choices from the most basic to designer brands.

High Prescription Pickleball Eyewear

I have a very high prescription - near sightedness. I finally found a great source for glasses that support high prescription high index lens. I order them from sportRx . It was very easy to order as long as you get your PD measurement from your optician. They will give it to you if you ask.