Padel

How to Choose a Padel Racquet

How to choose a padel

Diamond, round or teardrop?
High, medium or low balance?
Light or heavy?
Carbon fiber or fiberglass?
And have you thought about the size and the pattern of the holes you would like in your racquet’s hitting surface?

There's a lot of choice out there, and you've got some decisions to make, but there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. We've created this guide to choosing a padel racquet - with advice on why you might select a certain shape, balance or weight – so you can find one that’s just right for you.

Choose well and your racquet will let you have more fun on court while helping you to develop your game.

Shape

There are three shapes to pick from: diamond, round and teardrop. A racquet’s shape determines the position of the sweetspot. That means that each shape has performance characteristics that suit a different type of player. Depending on whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, and whether you’re looking for more power, extra control or a combination of the two, there will be a shape for you.

What’s the sweetspot?

The sweetspot is the area on the hitting surface which gives you maximum performance. Hitting the ball also feels and sounds best from the sweetspot.

Diamond

Attacking players will often choose a diamond-shaped racquet as it adds power to your game. This shape is better suited to more advanced players, rather than beginners, as it doesn't give you as much control as the other shapes, as the sweetspot is smaller and is nearer the tip of the hitting surface, rather than in the center.

Round

If you're a beginner, or any level of player seeking extra control, you should consider choosing a round racquet. The sweetspot is larger than on diamond and teardrop-shaped racquets and is also in the center of the hitting surface. When you're new to padel, you'll find it easier hitting the ball with a round racquet.

Teardrop

If you're searching for a mix of power and control, you should be considering a teardrop-shaped racquet. This is ideal for players who have been playing for a while, and perhaps have a more balanced game.

What’s the perfect racquet for a beginner?

If you’re new to padel, or still learning the game, we recommend a round racquet. You’ll find it easier to hit the ball using a racquet with that shape.

Balance

A racquet's balance influences whether it offers more power or control, or a mix of the two. The balance is largely determined by the racquet's shape.

High balance

A racquet with a high balance - with the balance point that's higher up, towards the head of the racquet - offers more power. Racquets with a high balance tend to be diamond shaped.

Medium balance

The balance point is between the head and the handle, which gives you a blend of power and control. Teardrop-shaped racquets tend to have medium balance, with an even distribution of weight.

Low balance

Beginners will probably prefer a racquet with a low balance which means it's towards the handle. But players of all levels will choose racquets with a low balance if they are looking for more control. These racquets tend to be round.

Weight

The heavier a racquet, the more power you can generate. That extra weight will help you to hit smashes and give you additional stability. But there’s a downside to a heavier racquet: it can be a little harder to handle. Attacking, experienced players usually prefer heavier racquets as they want the extra power.

Beginners, younger players, and those still learning and developing their games, should consider a lighter racquet, which you can swing faster and more freely. As you become more advanced, you might find you want to switch to a heavier racquet.

What is the average weight of a padel racquet?

While beginners and intermediate players usually prefer racquets that weigh between 340 and 360 grams, tournament and more advanced players tend to choose racquets that weigh between 360 and 375 grams. But those are just general guidelines, and you can be flexible with the weight you choose as you need to find what works for you. Some more advanced players like lighter racquets because of the faster handling and the reduced physical strain, and some beginners pick heavier racquets for a more solid feel and easy power.

Carbon fiber or fiberglass

The materials used in the hitting surface affect how a racquet performs. Carbon fiber supplies more stiffness during impact, giving extra control, and tends to be more durable. Fiberglass provides additional flexibility and softness, which delivers more power.

A few other things to consider:

Holes drilling pattern

The number, size and position of the holes in the hitting surface will change the performance of the racquet, with a direct impact on control, power and spin. While more and bigger holes provide more power and spin, fewer and smaller hole deliver additional control.

Rough surface

If you play with a lot of spin, a rough surface will add to your game.

A few other things to consider:

Anti-vibration technologies

Some racquets are engineered to have lower vibrations, which will reduce the feeling when you hit the ball but will help to protect you from injury.

Protection

While it won’t affect performance, having protection against bumps and scratches makes your racquet more durable and means you can enjoy playing with it for longer.

Design

The design of a racquet is an important factor. If you like how your racquet looks – perhaps you prefer a modern aesthetic or something fresh, colorful and bold – that can change how you feel on the court and how you play.

Personal choice

Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice and how the racquet feels in your hand, and whether it allows you to play as you want. If you have an opportunity to try a racquet, you should always take it as that will inform your decision.