How to choose a padel racket

A padel racket has no strings, so the choice comes down to a few things you can read on the label. These are rules of thumb, so treat them as a starting point.

Shape

Round rackets put the sweet spot in the middle, so they are the most forgiving and give the most control. Diamond rackets move the weight to the top, which gives more power but a smaller sweet spot. Teardrop and hybrid shapes sit in between. Most newer players do best with round or teardrop.

Weight

Most adult rackets weigh somewhere around 340 to 380 g. Lighter ones are easier to swing and kinder to your arm. Heavier ones are steadier and add power, but they tire you faster and can strain an elbow or shoulder if your technique is still developing.

Balance

Balance is where the weight sits. A head-light racket is quicker and easier to move around. A head-heavy one adds power but feels slower. Brands do not all measure balance the same way, so compare the label (low, medium, high) within a brand rather than the raw number across brands.

Core and face

A softer core gives a more comfortable, forgiving feel and more control. A harder core gives more power and a firmer feel. Carbon faces are stiffer and more responsive, and fibreglass faces are softer and usually cheaper. If your arm gets sore, lean towards softer.

Try before you buy

Retailer labels are not very consistent, and almost everything is marketed as “advanced”. If you can, borrow or demo a couple of rackets at your club before you spend.

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