A padel racket is the most important piece of equipment when it comes to playing the sport of padel. Whether you are a complete amateur or a professional player, you’ll need a racket if you want to play.
However, there’s a lot to think about before you purchase a racket, especially if you’re new to the sport. Before you make a purchase there are certain features you should look out for, as well as some considerations that can impact your final decision.
In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to buy the best padel racket for you. We’ll go through the features that make a good racket, and then discuss how things like skill level, playing frequency, and budget can impact your final choice.
What Makes a Good Padel Racket?
There are hundreds of rackets on the market, but not all of them are worth your money. Before you go out and buy one, look out for the following features.
Perforation
All padel rackets have holes in them. In fact, it’s required by the International Padel Federation as part of the rules. If you’re wondering why manufacturers drill into their products, it’s because of aerodynamics, balance, and weight.
As you swing your racket, the holes will allow air to pass through, reducing air resistance. However, if these perforations aren’t spread out correctly the moving air can apply force unevenly on your racket, messing up your swing, which is why proper perforation placement is important.
Finally, by drilling holes, you can reduce overall weight. This may seem like a non-issue while you’re holding it in the shop, but start swinging your arm around for a few minutes and you’ll see that every gram counts.
Impact Surface
For the most part, rackets are split into two groups. Those with rough impact surfaces that resemble sandpaper, or those with smoother surfaces. Although both work just fine, rougher surfaces allow players to apply more spin on the ball, which will alter the way it travels through the air and bounces on the court.
Materials
The material that the core of the racket is made from is another important feature you need to consider. This can have a direct impact on how long your racket will actually last. After all, you don’t want to spend money on something that will break on the first game, right?
Generally, rackets are made using materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber. The latter is more durable and light, although fiberglass can work well if you are just starting out.
The core of the racket is made from either EVA or foam. EVA can be more durable and faster when compared to foam and can work better for you if you are an advanced or professional player.
Shape
Padel rackets typically come in three different shapes; round, diamond, or teardrop. Each shape is designed to accommodate a different style of play.
Round
Rackets with a round shape are quite light and flexible, making them great if you are a beginner. They can also work well for players who are more focused on the defensive part of the game because of the control they offer.
Diamond
Diamond-shaped rackets are ideal for more advanced players, especially those on the offensive who need greater power and speed. The weight of the racket is towards the top, which allows players to produce much more force with each swing.
Teardrop
Teardrop rackets are a hybrid form of round and diamond shapes. Through such rackets, you can get an overall balanced combination of both power and control. This makes these rackets resourceful and flexible, great for intermediate players who still haven’t figured out their preferred play style.
Balance
Balance not only refers to the overall steadiness of the racket (which is also important) but also to how the weight is distributed over the racket. Based on this, rackets can be used for different kinds of players.
If the weight is located at the top of the racket, this is meant to provide greater speed and power to you instead of control.
If the weight is located at the bottom of the surface of the racket, this will not give you too much speed but will allow you to control the racket better during the match.
If the weight is well distributed throughout the racket, then this can combine the benefits of the above two forms without overdoing one or the other.
Weight
Generally, padel rackets roughly weigh up to a maximum of 400 grams or one pound. Overall, lighter rackets can be better for you if you are just starting out, as they can allow you to control the racket much better.
If you are a more advanced or professional player, you can go for heavier rackets that provide more power. Of course, you should also keep in mind your own strength levels before making a purchase. You’ll be swinging the racket for a long time, so you want to buy something you can handle with ease.
Firmness
Some padel rackets can be soft while some can be harder. Which one should you choose for yourself?
Soft rackets can be better for you if you want to focus on defending. Because the core of the racket will be softer, the ball will have better bounce, allowing you to have quite a bit of flexibility while playing. This can also work better for amateur players.
On the other hand, hard rackets are made for those on the attack. Unlike soft rackets that can provide cushioning for the ball, hard rackets focus on increasing the power and speed. These can serve more experienced players better.
Other Considerations
Apart from the features of the racket, you should also keep some other considerations in mind so that your racket can cater to your specific needs better. Let’s take a look at what these are.
Player Ability
Are you a beginner, an intermediate player, or a professional? Considering your ability can make a difference while looking for a racket to buy for yourself.
If you are an amateur player, you should opt for comfort instead of power. Since you will need time to get used to the sport, a soft, light, and well-balanced racket can serve your needs much better than a hard and powerful racket.
Once you understand the sport better, as well as how you want to play it, you can keep upgrading your racket.
Playing Frequency
Your playing frequency is also important to consider here and is similar to your playing level. If you are only a casual player who plays once in a while for fun, then a cheaper, mid-range racket will do the trick. Since you do not need to use it too often, it will also last you for a long enough time.
On the other hand, if you play on a daily or weekly basis or are an advanced player, then it will be better for you to look for a more professional and expensive racket that can offer more features.
Player Technique
Your playing technique refers to what role you play in the game and where you stand on the court. For instance, as a defensive player, it is likely that you play on the right side of the court. Here, a balanced and soft racket can work well for you.
If you are primarily an attacker, then you might be positioned on the left. In this case, you should look for a powerful, top-heavy, and hard racket for yourself.
Of course, it’s not mandatory to play this way, and you’ll find plenty of players that do the opposite.
Costs
Of course, the cost of the racket is an essential consideration as well. Before you even start looking, you should have a rough idea of how much you’re willing to spend.
Your style of play should definitely factor into how much you spend. While no one is stopping you from buying a high-end racket as a beginner, you probably won’t be able to make the most of it.
On the other hand. if you are a professional player, you should invest in a more expensive racket while also ensuring that all the other features mentioned above are present as well.
Warranty
Make sure you check out the warranty period of the racket before buying it. Different brands will offer different warranty periods, so it can help to do your research and go through reviews before picking a brand.
The warranty period can help you make easy repairs or replacements in case something goes wrong during the mentioned period. For instance, if the warranty period is one year, you can access free replacements or repairs as long as you meet the conditions of the warranty.
Time to Buy a Racket!
Purchasing gear to start practicing a new sport can be quite daunting, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the countless options available. Fortunately, now you’re armed with knowledge and ready to get your own racket.
Remember, you should look for features like proper perforation, balance, shape, weight, material, impact, and firmness. Other considerations such as playing level, frequency, technique, cost, and warranty can also make a difference. Before you make a choice, be sure to look into the ratings and reviews as well to get a better and more realistic idea about the racket.
