When I first started playing pickleball, paddle choice didn’t seem that important. I borrowed whatever was available and focused on learning the basics. But as I moved into the 3.0–3.5 skill range, I began to notice the gaps — I was missing more dinks, struggling with resets, and my two-handed backhand felt cramped.
That’s when I knew it was time to invest in a paddle that matched my progress. Like many others, I searched for the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players. After testing several options and reading reviews across platforms, I eventually found myself drawn to a pickleball brand: Wowlly.
What Makes a Good Intermediate Paddle?
If you're in the 3.0 to 4.0 range, you're probably developing a more nuanced game. You're no longer just getting the ball over the net — you're shaping shots, dropping into the kitchen, and attempting topspin. You need a paddle that supports those skills, rather than fights against them.
For most intermediate players, a good paddle should offer:
- Control for dinks and third-shot drops
- Forgiveness to reduce mishits
- Comfortable weight for long rallies and quick hands
- Spin potential without sacrificing feel
- A balanced grip (especially for two-handers)
The biggest challenge? Finding all of these traits without spending $180+. That’s where the Wowlly EXCEL caught my attention — especially given its current price of $84.99.
My Experience Testing the Wowlly EXCEL
I’ll be honest — I was skeptical at first. I hadn’t seen many reviews of Wowlly online, and it’s not yet a household name like JOOLA or Selkirk. But the EXCEL paddle specs looked promising: glass fiber face, thick core (SX5), elongated grip, lightweight build.
So I ordered one and started using it in weekly games. After three sessions, I noticed a few things:
- Touch shots improved: The paddle's thick core and wide face helped me land more accurate dinks, even when off-center.
- Backhand confidence increased: The 5.5” grip allowed me to use a full two-handed stroke, especially when returning fast drives or hitting passing shots.
- No elbow fatigue: At under 8oz, it felt easy on the wrist and arm — even in back-to-back matches.
- Spin was more than enough: While not as gritty as raw carbon, the GFRP face gave me consistent topspin, particularly on serves and third-shot drops.
In short, the Wowlly EXCEL didn’t feel like a budget paddle. It felt like one designed with real player feedback in mind — stable, intuitive, and forgiving, which is exactly what I needed in that stage of progression.
How It Compares to Other Paddles
Before settling on the EXCEL, I also tested a few other popular paddles often recommended for intermediate players. Here’s my honest breakdown:
- Vatic Pro PRISM Flash: Great spin and more “pop,” but less forgiving and a bit stiff on softer shots.
- Six Zero DBD Control: Impressive power and spin, but pricier (~$180) and not as beginner-friendly in hand feel.
- Bread & Butter Filth: Great for aggressive players, but required more control discipline than I had at the time.
That’s not to say EXCEL is "better" in all ways — but for the price, its performance-to-comfort ratio is hard to beat. I genuinely believe this paddle gives intermediate players a reliable tool to grow with, without overextending their budget.
Who Should Consider the Wowlly EXCEL?
You're likely to benefit from this paddle if you:
- Play in the 3.0–4.0 range and want to improve your consistency
- Prefer a lighter paddle that won’t fatigue your arm
- Need more forgiveness on your backhand or off-center hits
- Use or want to explore a two-handed backhand
- Are looking for a paddle under $100 without sacrificing build quality
If you're still unsure what to look for in a paddle at this stage, this comprehensive paddle guide offers a fair and detailed breakdown of other popular options.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Big Brand to Get a Great Paddle
As players, it’s easy to get caught up in brand hype — but I’ve learned that the most important thing is how a paddle feels in your hand and supports your progress. The Wowlly EXCEL isn’t flashy. It doesn’t promise power breakthroughs or “pro-level performance.” But it does one thing well — it helps intermediate players feel more in control, one shot at a time.
It’s a thoughtful, well-priced paddle from a small brand that actually seems to care about injury prevention, design feedback, and real-world play. That matters to me more than a glossy marketing video.
If you're curious, you can learn more about the EXCEL series here: 👉 Wowlly EXCEL Paddle Collection
Further Reading
- Pickleheads: Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players
- YouTube – Paddle Test: Intermediate Level Control & Feel
