How To Make A Padel Racquet

For almost 25 years HEAD has championed padel, innovating enhancements for padel equipment and making racquets for players of all levels. In that time, we firmly believe we have managed to create the best padel racquets on the market, including our first single-hole padel racquet, the Extreme One.

Pasquale Ruzicka, Global Business Manager at HEAD, explains through the video from HEAD’s headquarters in Kennelbach (Austria), the various stages of the manufacturing process of a racquet, from the interior foam, through defining the mould, all the way to when it’s in action on the court.

A padel racquet is actually quite a complex piece of engineering comprised of various materials all contributing to how it performs in the heat of battle. Let’s examine how it’s put together, starting with the heart of the shovel:

THE FOAM: The foam filling inside the shovel gives stiffness depending on the density of the material, which will strongly influence the performance of the padel racquet.

SHAPES: We offer diamond-shaped padel racquets for more aggressive play, tear-shaped padel racquets for more offensive and defensive players, and round padel racquets, primarily for control players. The shape helps determine the play characteristics of the racquet.

DRILLING PATTERN: The number, size and position of the holes also affect the performance of the padel racquet, with a direct impact on control and power. The playing characteristics of each racquet line is unique; some offer control and precision, others power. HEAD has developed a remarkable Optimised Sweet Spot, by adapting each hole pattern to give the desired performance characteristics.

THE FRAME: In a sense, each padel racquet line has its own DNA. Some have control and precision, others power and comfort. HEAD has developed the Smart Bridge which seamlessly adapts the bridge area to the needs of each racquet. Smart Bridge comes in several versions offering different advantages and benefits.

HITTING SURFACE: The type and combination of materials used on the striking surface strongly affects the performance of the padel racquet. Different materials can offer completely different playing characteristics, although the specifications (shape/weight) are similar.

PROTECTION: HEAD has pioneered their own Anti-Shock technology, using a special polymer sheet that increases the durability of the blade, protecting it from bumps and scratches. We also utilize an Integrated Protector, an integrated pre-moulded carbon shield, to protect the racquet from breaks and scratches.

Once the shape is defined and the mould created, we begin assembly of the racquet. We start with the frame and its foam interior. The assembled structures are held with a high-performance glue and ‘baked’. Once the pieces have been joined, they are taken out of the oven and holes are drilled in the striking surface. From here, the edges are outlined, the blade is weighed and the balance is measured so that the model perfectly meets the technical characteristics required.

Last, but not least, the finished article is tested by our coaches and quality control monitors, all members of Team HEAD, before final distribution for sale all over the globe.

As Ruzicka emphasises in the video: “Each component plays a specific role”, HEAD PADEL leave nothing to chance. Creating a racquet is an art that requires knowledge, experience and a great deal of passion.

Hopefully, this article has given you some insights into the meticulous manufacturing process that goes into creating a HEAD, high-performance padel racquet. Grab your racquet - and see you on court!