We'll Find the Best Padel Racket for You
If you're looking for a new padel racket, we are certain we can help you. At Padellife, we're experts in all aspects of padel tennis - and we'll be happy to be your go-to padel specialist when you need guidance to take your game to the next level or if you are looking for the latest equipment for the sport.
No two padel players have the same playing style, but there are several traits that are common to many - which is precisely why we've given you the option to filter our selection of rackets by playing style, racket head shape and weight balance.
Are you an allrounder, a power player or a control player? Depending on your style of play on the padel court, you'll want to go for a racket that can support that style and make it even stronger. For many padel players, variations in the racket’s head shape, surface and balance will determine their choice of racket.
Shop Equipment from the Best Padel Brands
As padel enthusiasts, we never go down on equipment - but of course we make sure there's something for every player, budget and preference. Our most popular brands when it comes to padel rackets are Babolat, Head and Adidas. If you already have a favourite brand that meets all your needs and suits your style of play perfectly, you can sort our rackets by brand in the selection on this page.
This is also the place to be if you're looking for a great offer on padel rackets. At Padellife we offer discounts on several of our padel rackets and brands, so there will be a good bargain to look forward to for you.
A good padel racket is typically at a more expensive price point compared to squash, badminton or tennis racqets, so you should expect to invest a little more money if you want a top racket for padel tennis. And that's exactly why a bargain is worth keeping an eye out for!
5 important considerations when buying a new padel racket
When you are looking for a new racket, the choices can seem endless. Below we have gathered 5 of the most important parameters that you should consider when choosing the right padel racket for your needs.
1) Material of the frame
The frame of a padel racket is typically made of fiberglass, carbon fiber or a mix of both. Fiberglass provides a softer surface on the racket, offering you more comfort and a larger hitting area compared to rackets made of carbon. The more tightly the carbon fibers are woven, the harder the racket becomes. This results in a smaller hitting area, but in return you are rewarded with a greater output in the stroke when you hit the ball in the center. If you are new to padel, it is recommended to start with a softer surface, as it is easier to play with and reduces the risk of overuse injuries such as tennis elbow.
2) Head shape
There are roughly 3 different head shapes on padel rackets: Diamond shape (power), teardrop shape (all-round) and a round head shape (control). The head shape is crucial for the playing characteristics of the racket and you should therefore choose the head shape that best suits your player type.
3) Weight balance
The distribution of weight in the racket also plays a key role in its performance. There are also roughly 3 types of weight balance, namely the main heavy (power), the neutral (all-round) and the main light (control). The weight balance of the racket should be seen in interaction with the head shape, as the two things in interaction affect the type of player that the racket is aimed at. For example, you often see diamond-shaped paddle rackets with a head-heavy balance to maximize power.
4) The foam in the core of the racket
The inner core of the padel tennis racket is made of foam of different types and hardnesses. Like the material of the frame, the foam affects the hardness of the paddle. Most padel rackets are produced with EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam, where it comes in different hardnesses. In general, the harder the foam, the more power you get in the strokes. A softer foam gives you a higher tolerance in the racket and is easier to control.
5) The target audience of the paddle racket
As the sport of padel evolves, the different padel brands are also targeting their padel rackets to more and more specific audiences. It can be for a specific type of game such as control or power player, but it can also be for a specific physique. Thus, several brands are developing padel rackets designed for women, where the shaft and frame of the racket are thinner than the standard unisex padel rackets. At the same time, the weight of women's rackets is typically 30-40 grams lower.
If you want to dive deeper into what characterizes the different types of rackets, read more in our complete guide to padel rackets.
Need a Recommendation, Help or Sparring?
Are you in doubt about which racket is right for you or do you need a recommendation for a padel racket that might suit you? You are more than welcome to contact us by email to info@padellife.com and we will guide you to the best padel racket for you.
Which Padel Racket Should I Choose?
The right padel racket for you depends largely on personal preferences. Among other things, you should choose a racket based on your level of play, style of play and the price of the racket. All the major brands in padel offer a wide range of rackets to cover the above needs. As padel specialists, we will be happy to help you choose your next racket.
What Is a Padel Racket Made of?
The core of a padel racket is made of EVA foam. The racket's frame is made of carbon or fibreglass or a combination of the two.
How Much Does a Padel Racket Cost?
The price of a padel racket ranges from around €55 up to €400. Typically, a beginner's padel racket costs €60-105 , the intermediate level is €120-190 and the top rackets cost anywhere from €200up to €400.
What Is the Difference between Padel Rackets?
The two biggest differences in padel rackets are the quality of the materials and the type of player the racket is aimed at. Padel tennis rackets made from fibreglass are lower quality and cheaper than rackets made from carbon. Additionally, padel rackets differ by their playing characteristics, i.e. whether they provide hitting power, control or whether they are allround.
How Long Does a Padel Racket Last?
As a rule of thumb, a padel racket lasts 9-12 months if you play twice a week. The foam in the core of the racket gradually wears out and the response of the racket when you hit the ball reduces over time.
