The Sports Equipment GuidePadel rackets for beginners
What to look for in your first racket.
If you are new to padel, you want a racket that is forgiving, comfortable and easy to swing.
What to look for
- A round or teardrop shape for a bigger sweet spot.
- A lighter racket (roughly 340 to 360 g) you can swing comfortably for a full session.
- A softer core for comfort and forgiveness.
- A sensible price. You do not need a top-end racket to learn the game.
Rackets that suit new players
| Racket | Shape | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babolat Stima Spirit | Round | about 335 g | about £104 |
| Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 | Round | about 350 g | about £139 |
| Nox Equation Soft Advanced | Round | about 360 g | about £108 |
| Head Coello Vibe | Round / teardrop | about 356 g | about £78 |
This list comes straight from our matching tool for a beginner who wants forgiveness and an easy swing. Commission plays no part. Every padel rating is an estimate from the specs, and prices are approximate and were checked on 20 October, so check the shop. Run the quiz for a list based on your own answers.
One more thing
Your game will change fast in the first few months. A forgiving racket in the middle of your budget is plenty, and lessons will do more for you than a more expensive frame.