Padel Rackets Guide

Materials:

Cores:

EVA rubber - of varying densities (generally between 25 and 50 kg/m^3). Sparser densities generally deliver better feel and control whereas greater densities promote speed, power, liveliness and reactivity making them prefferable for more experienced players. EVA is prefferable to polyethylene in terms of hardness meaning it delivers better shot power as it is less flexible. However this will reduce the shock attenuating properties of the racket meaning it will be less comfortable to use if the ball is hit imperfectly and also reduces shot forgiveness. Rackets with EVA rubber cores may also be easier to control due to reduced elasticity meaning the spring effect is lessened and hence do not bounce excessively. The heightened density and reduced elasticity also mean that they are more durable.

Polyethylene foam - Polyethylene foam rubbers tend to be sparser (generally between 15 and 25 kg/m^3), this gives a softer feel and lower balance and increases the spring and elasticity effect of the racket making them faster playing. Rackets using polyethylene will have a larger sweet spot and hence better shot forgiveness making them more playable for beginners.

Frames:

Carbon - carbon is used on more advanced rackets to improve the strength to weight ratio. It makes the racket more stiff exacerbating the power and speed in the shot.

Fibreglass - Fibreglass is lightweight and is generally more common in beginner rackets as it gives great maneuverability for newer players.

Face:

Carbon - Carbon is used on the outer surface of more advanced rackets as it is strong and lightweight

Fibreglass - Fibreglass is used for a smooth finish

Finishes:

Faces may also have finishes on some more advanced rackets which improve the grip or spin.

 

Shape:

Padel rackets come in 3 main shapes:

Round - easier handling and more shot forgiveness makes this shape perfect for beginners or for more advanced players who play with a focus on precision and control

Diamond - aimed at more experienced and aggressive players, they promote power and speed but will be harder for beginner players to control

Teardrop - For a balance of power and control for intermediate players

 

Balance:

Lower balanced rackets (usually under 250mm) generally offer better handling, playability and control. Higher balanced rackets (usually greater than 290mm) are generally preferred by more experienced player and offer more power and speed but will have reduced shot forgiveness. Rackets balanced between 250 and 290mm will begin to improve power and speed without compromising as much on control and feel.

 

Weight:

Lighter rackets (generally under 360g) have better maneuverability, feel and control, whereas heavier rackets (generally over 370g) are better for power as they exert a greater force on the ball for the same effort.

 

Thickness:

The maximum legal and most common thickness of a padel racket is 38mm. The thicker the racket the more power it will deliver. A few smaller players may however prefer a more narrow racket as this will allow easier grip, though this may impact on the performance of the racket.

 

Holes:

Padel rackets are solid and do not have any strings. They do however have drilled holes which may be arranged in various configurations. Different brands will use different patterns but the aim is usually to improve aerodynamics. Different configurations may also cause the ball to play in different ways. For example, beginner rackets will often have their holes arranged in straight line patterns to promote consistency in shots so that the ball will play similarly wherever it is hit. However some more advanced rackets may arrange the holes in different shapes to, for example, help the ball to grip or to create more spin.