How to choose a padel racket?

There are 3 shapes: round, teardrop and diamond.

The round shape has a low balance point and a low sweetspot. This gives you more control, a better maneuverability and also stability at impact of the ball. This shape is ideal for beginners.

The teardrop shape has a neutral balance point and a neutral sweetspot.This offers you a good mix of control and power.This is an all-round racket.

The diamond shape has a high balance point and a high sweetspot. This enables you to generate more power.This racket is ideal for advanced players and players who have an attacking style of playing .

The different zones can have different coatings.
The 2 most used coatings are fiberglass and carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber is light and gives you more control. They are more expensive and more vulnerable.

Fiberglass lasts longer and is affordable. They are heavier and offer less control.

The impact surface covers the core. This surface is made of carbon fiber, fiberglass or graphite.

Several layers can be used (up to 3 layers). The number of layers will have an influence on the hardness of your racket.

3 layers don’t give as much power but are more durable. Fewer layers offer more power but won’t be as strong.

The core is made of foam or EVA rubber.
There is also a hybride version foam/EVA rubber.

Both foam and EVA rubber come in different densities.

Eva rubber is harder, so it offers more control and it is more durable. This is best fit for players that are physically strong and have a good technique.

Foam offers more power but less control. This is best fit for beginners.

The thickness of a padelracket has a range from 36 mm to 38 mm.

According the padel rules, you can’t use a racket that is thicker than 38 mm.

Juniors mostly use a thickness of 35 mm.

Beginners mostly start with 36 mm

Advanced players go fort he 38 mm.

Thin rackets offer more maneuverability and control. Thicker rackets offer more power.

Balance has an impact on power and control.

Diamond shaped rackets have a high balance point. This offers you more power but less control. These rackets are less suited for beginners because a good technique is required to be able to control the power.

Tear drop shaped rackets have a neutral balance point. These rackets offer a good mix of power and control and are ideal for regular players.

Round shaped rackets have a low balance point and are best suited for beginners.

There are 3 categories: < 365 gr, 365 – 375 gr and >375 gr.

Rackets < 365 gr are light and offer more control but less power.

Rackets from 365 gr up to 375 gr are easy to handle and are diverse.

Rackets > 375 gr offer more power but are less maneuverable.

They also offer more stability on impact of the ball.