How to choose a padel racket

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Shape

Round

A round racket gives the player better control. The shape has a centralized and larger hitting surface, known as the sweet spot. This makes it easier to hit the ball with precision.

Racquets with the round shape often have a lower balance point, which means that the weight is distributed closer to the handle. This makes the racket easier to maneuver and provides better control. However, it does not generate the same power in the strokes as other racket types.

Teardrop shaped

The teardrop-shaped racket is usually described as a cross between a round and a diamond-shaped racket. It offers both power and speed, without compromising on control. The shape allows the weight to be evenly distributed, giving the player both power and precision in the strokes. However, it is not superior in either speed or control, if you are looking for a racket that excels in one of the characteristics.

Diamond shaped

The diamond-shaped racket gives players more hitting power as the weight is concentrated higher up on the racket. This way, more speed and power is generated with every hit. The sweet spot of the racket is located high up in the widest part of the racket. The hitting surface is therefore smaller, making it more difficult to hit with precision. However, the stroke is more powerful when hit cleanly.

Cybershape, hexagon shaped

Cybershape is an innovation developed by STIGA Sports. The hexagonal shape of the racket offers the possibility to combine fast acceleration while maintaining control.

The shape provides up to 20% more sweet spot than a round racket, positioned higher up and further out. It provides both more stable hits and more powerful strokes. The straight sides make it easier to play close to the ground and glass as they align better with the court. Daniel Dios, former player on the Padel Pro Tour and coach of the Swedish national padel team, describes Cybershape in a STIGA press release:

“This racket takes the concepts of sweet spot and power to a whole new dimension, thanks entirely to its hexagonal shape. The ability to reach balls close to the ground or walls was probably what surprised me most when I first tried it out. Every shot feels amazing and you can hit it hard without compromising on technique.

Read the full press release here: World first from classic Swedish racket maker.

Round shape: Greater control, easy to maneuver.
Drop shape: Balanced power and control.
Diamond shape: Maximum power.
Cybershape: Control and fast acceleration.

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Weight and balance

Weight

The weight of the racket usually varies between 320-385 grams. Women's padel rackets and children's padel rackets are usually between 320-360 grams. Men's padel rackets are usually heavier, around 350-385 grams. Of course, you can choose a padel racket according to your preferences, regardless of gender or age. The most important thing is that it feels comfortable.

Lighter padel rackets are easier to maneuver and reduce the risk of elbow strain. Heavier rackets maximize the power of the strokes and provide more stable ball strikes.

Lighter weight for control and maneuverability

Heavier weight for power

Balance

Balance is about how the weight of the padel racket is distributed. It affects the performance of the racket and can be low, medium or high.

Low balance rackets have more weight distributed towards the handle. This provides better control and makes the racket easier to handle. However, it is more difficult to generate the same power as top-heavy rackets.

Medium balance rackets distribute weight evenly across the racket and provide a stable and controllable playing experience. However, if you want to maximize either power or control, a high or low balance racket is preferable.

High balance rackets have more of the weight distributed towards the top of the racket, generating more power in the shots. Ideal when you want to hit hard balls and smashes. They require more strength and technique and are more difficult to control.

Low balance for control
Medium balance for versatility
High balance for power
Heavier weight for power

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Materials, surface and durability

The choice of material and surface affects the performance of the racket. A rough surface can help generate spin on the ball, and enable advanced shots such as topspin and slice. These include the roughened surface and the sandpaper surface, which both improve grip and spin. A smooth surface gives you better control and precision in your shots

How long does a padel racket last? Durability depends on the material, use and how well you take care of the racket. Higher quality rackets last longer and frequent use wears out the racket faster. Padel rackets can last anywhere from a few months up to about 2 years.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a material that provides control and softer hits. Fiberglass is relatively flexible, and contributes to a cushioned and comfortable playing experience. The material is often cheaper than other options. With intensive use, it can wear out faster compared to carbon fiber, for example.

Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is a stiffer material that adds strength to the strokes, without significantly increasing the weight of the racket. Carbon fiber rackets offer high performance and longer durability when cared for, which can justify the extra dollars paid.

The carbon fiber has different densities which are indicated in a K-value. A lower value like 3K means fewer and coarser strands, making it stiffer and better for power transmission. A higher value like 18K means more and finer strands, and is more flexible and provides softer impact feel. Since carbon fiber is generally quite stiff, rackets made of the material are not very flexible and have a less forgiving hitting surface

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EVA foam

EVA foam comes in different densities: soft, medium and hard. Softer EVA foam provides better control and comfort, while harder foam provides power and faster response. At the core of the padel racket, one often finds the material. Over time, it can compress and lose its original shape and cushioning effect, shortening its lifespan.

Level

Best padel racket for beginners

The rounded racket is usually a good start for beginners. The large hitting surface makes it easier to hit the ball optimally. As you learn the game and develop your technique, you'll appreciate how the shape keeps the ball in play for longer. You can focus more on improving your hitting technique, and less on compensating for poor shots.

A lighter racket with a low to medium balance is also good for beginners, as it is more manageable and provides control. Lighter weight also reduces the risk of injury, which can occur when technique is not developed.

Fiberglass is a common material in beginner rackets, as it is soft and flexible and makes the racket easier to handle. It also offers a good balance between durability and performance.

When getting a beginner's racket, choose an affordable and durable option. It doesn't have to be expensive, but avoid low quality. The investment will help you improve your game.

Round racket
Lighter racket
Low to medium balance

Best padel racket for experienced players

If you are an intermediate player developing your skills, teardrop-shaped rackets offer a good mix of characteristics that help improve both offensive and defensive games.

A medium-weight or heavier racket with medium to high balance are good options for more experienced players. This allows you to practice slightly more powerful shots without losing control, giving you the opportunity to develop further.

Preferences and playing style also play a role in choosing the right padel racket for you.

Drop-shaped rackets
Medium to heavy racket
Medium to high balance

Best padel racket for skilled players

The balance and weight of a padel racket is influenced by the playing style you have developed as an experienced player.

A Cybershape is a good option for skilled players. The shape allows for more stable and powerful hits without losing control. The optimized hitting surface allows you to effectively adapt your game to the situation on the court.

Diamond-shaped rackets are also a common option. It brings power and aggressiveness to the game on clean hits. The racket is aimed at skilled players who prioritize speed and who already have good control.

Thanks to its stiffness and power transmission properties, carbon fiber is a common material in the rackets of skilled players. It has good durability, which is preferred when playing a lot.

Weight and balance according to playing style
Cybershape racket
Diamond-shaped racket
Carbon fiber commonly used

Defensive style of play

A racket that provides control, stability and precision is important for the defensive style. The racket should be easy to handle so that you can quickly defend against the opponent. The balance tends to be light to medium for better control and maneuverability.

A round racket or Cybershape 3K is a good choice because it has a larger sweet spot. This makes it easier to maintain control and keep the ball in play with accurate placements.

Balance light to medium
Round racket
Cybershape 3K

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Net players

For net players, the racquet needs to be able to respond quickly and be easy to maneuver and control. A light to medium weight racket with medium to high balance is preferred. It provides more power in the strokes when smashing or playing fast volleys at the net.

Good options are Cybershape 18K Hard and teardrop-shaped racquets that provide a good balance of power and control.

Lighter to medium weight racket
Medium to high balance
Cybershape 18K Hard
Teardrop shaped rackets

Injured players

Players recovering from injuries, such as tennis elbow, should choose a lightweight and balanced racquet to reduce stress on the arms and wrists.

Racquets with a larger sweet spot like the round shape, and flexible materials that reduce vibration and shock, are also gentler on injured players. Softer materials such as fiberglass and low-density EVA foam are good options.

Lighter racket
Balanced racket
Round shape
Flexible materials

In conclusion, choose a padel racket that suits your playing style, level and needs. Consider shape, weight and balance for best performance and comfort. The right material will provide better durability and feel. Use the guide to help you and customize your choices for best results. Don't forget that your playing experience also depends on factors other than the choice of padel racket. For a complete set of equipment, it's a good idea to add padel accessories, such as grip sticks, padel balls, padel clothing and shoes.