From our experience, we can see that choosing a padel racquet from the plethora of options can be overwhelming, especially since there are so many shapes and materials to choose from. With so many options, it’s normal to feel lost, and most people don’t know where to start.
We’ve done a lot of research on how racquets are different and which racquets are right for certain types of players, and created this step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice.
Remember, we are always available (when we are not available) to discuss this with you via WhatsApp, email or call us.
First, you need to determine your skill level and figure out what strength or control you want. Be careful when buying the first racquet that catches your eye! You have to consider the characteristics of your game to see if the racquet is right for your needs and style of play. Choosing the wrong padel racket can not only damage your game, but also lead to injury.
Let’s recap further:
- How to choose the right cricket bat for you
If you are inexperienced in racquet sport and have only played padel a few times, then a top racquet may not be for you. Conversely, if you are an experienced and advanced golfer, then an entry-level racquet is not for you.
You need to know your level, and more importantly, what type of game you play, and choose the right racquet for your game from there.
- what is your style
So what is your playing style? Is it a stronger, more aggressive game, or a technical game with more skill and control? This will help you decide which rubber/foam to choose. The hard rubber is used to provide power and control, while the soft rubber gives you a more comfortable hit and better ball delivery at lower speeds. Medium rubber/foam is the perfect mix of both.
To find the right racquet for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is your playing style? Which shape is best for you?
- Have you injured your wrist, elbow or shoulder? If so, a lighter racquet with soft rubber will suit you better, as it is more absorbent of the material.
- Do you want a racquet that is lighter and easier to maneuver around the court, or a heavier and more powerful racquet?
- Do you like to spin the ball a lot? If so, a racquet with a rough surface is best for you.
- Finally, what do I want to spend? This will help you narrow down your search.
From your answers to these questions, you’ll get a better idea of what shape you want, core density, what material you need, and whether you want a smooth or rough surface.
- padel racket shape
Padel rackets come in 3 main shapes. They are round, teardrop and diamond shaped. These provide players with different sweet spots on the racket. The sweet spot is where the ball hits the most effectively on the racquet face.
- round racket The sweet spot is in the center of the racquet, and they are very forgiving of any mishits. They have a lower point of balance, closer to the handle, which feels very comfortable and easy to control. They’re designed to maximize control and give you a consistent shot every time you hit the ball. Round racquets are suitable for all types of players, especially beginners.
- teardrop racket There is a sweet spot just above the center. They are a mix/hybrid of the other two shapes and provide power and control. They are perfectly moderately balanced and suitable for all types of players, from beginners to advanced players.
- Diamond racket The sweet spot for attacking, power volleying and smashing is near the top of the racquet. They are highly balanced (top heavy) and designed to maximize power. This shape is more suitable for experienced players.
Ask yourself if you want power, control, or a balance of the two. The shape of the racket will help with this decision, which will further narrow down your search.
- balance
The shape of the padel racket also determines the balance of the racket. When we talk about balance, we mean how stable the racquet is.
- low balance racket The counterweight is angled slightly toward the handle to provide a greater degree of control. These are most commonly found in round racquets.
- medium balance racket The weight is distributed more evenly across the racquet, and the weight feels like it’s in the middle. These racquets are teardrop shaped and offer the perfect balance between power and control.
- high balance racket The weight is tilted toward the head, which gives you more power and makes the racquet feel slightly head-heavy. These types of racquets are usually diamond shaped.
- padel racket weight
Racquet weight is also an important decision. Not only does weight help with your comfort/ease of use, it also affects the amount of power/control you have.
Light:
- Able to manipulate the racket more freely.
- Suitable for young players, ladies or older players.
- Suitable for people with tennis elbow/wrist/shoulder problems.
Heavy:
- more power.
- more stable.
- Attacking player for big smashes and aggressive volleys.
The right weight for you will again be determined by your playing style. Heavier will give you more power, while lighter will give you more control and maneuverability.
What is the average weight of a padel racket?
- Very Light = 300 – 340 grams – Teen/Teen
- Light = 340 – 355 grams
- Average = 355 – 370 grams
- Weight=370g+
- racket material
The last step before you are ready to go out and buy is to know the ingredients of the product.
A racket has an outer frame, a core (inner rubber or foam) and a surface (face). Frames are made of fiberglass, carbon fiber or Kevlar. The core material is made of rubber or foam and the surface can be aluminum, glass fiber, carbon fiber or composite materials such as graphite/graphene/Innegra/Fibrix.
A racquet with a fiberglass frame and surface is not as durable or strong as carbon fiber, but it is softer, easier to hit, and very comfortable to use due to the springy feel of fiberglass.
When we get into intermediate and advanced racquets, they are mostly made of carbon fiber, a more durable and stronger material that makes the racquet last longer.
The surface of the racket can be smooth or rough. Rough surfaces will give you more grip on the ball and therefore more spin when hitting the ball, but they won’t provide as much ball output (bounce) as smooth surface racquets. Some players also don’t like the extra spin created by rough surfaces.
The inner core of the racket is made of rubber (EVA) or foam. EVA rubber is available in soft, medium or hard density. The harder and denser the rubber, the more power it means. The softer the EVA rubber, the less vibration in the wrists, elbows and shoulders. EVA is more durable and lasts longer than foam, but is slightly heavier and less comfortable than foam.
- choose a brand
Many people say they have a hard time choosing a racket because they don’t know which one is best. It’s important to note that there is no “best racquet or brand”, only brands with different designs, materials, and looks, and you have to choose the racquet that best suits your game and budget, not to mention the look of the racquet you like. most!
Padel Gear stocks all the top brands. We have done extensive research on the best padel brands and aim to offer our clients all of them and their collections.
At Padel Gear we take great care to give our customers the right advice and make sure we have a range of paddles for all types of players, which is why you will find a huge selection on our website.
We hope you learned something by reading this, and that this guide helps you get on the right path to choosing the perfect racquet for you.
If you get stuck and still need our guidance, feel free to email or WhatsApp us and we’ll be happy to help.
