Finding The Perfect Racket For You

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United Kingdom, and choosing the perfect padel racket is an essential first step to having an enjoyable time. Whether you’re completely new to the sport or are levelling up your game, putting some thought into selecting a suitable padel is key.

Different padel rackets will affect your control, power, and comfort on the court. With so many styles, shapes, and brands available, Play Padel here to help you choose the best match for your play style. 

How to Choose The Right Padel Racket

A padel racket will make a massive difference in how you feel and perform at the court. It is crucial to remember that selecting the best padel racket depends on your physical strength, skill level, and preferred play style. These are all factors that come into play when picking the right choice. 

Here is a detailed look at the key factors when choosing the best padel for your gameplay:

Racket Shapes: Diamond, Round, and Teardrop

Padel rackets come in different shapes, offering unique benefits for different play styles and skill levels. 

Diamond Shape

A diamond-shaped padel racket is perfect for players who prefer power. It’s the ideal choice for players who like aggressive plays with forceful attacks, but requires high skill and technique.

• Best for: Advanced players seeking more power
• Benefits: Maximum power on smashes
• Drawbacks: Less control and smaller sweet spot

Round Shape

Round-shaped rackets are best for beginners who are still learning the control and positioning of their game. This shape is the go-to option for new players due to its forgiving nature. 

• Best for: Beginners or players seeking enhanced control
• Benefits: Better maneuverability, great for defensive play
• Drawbacks: Slightly less power when aggressing

Teardrop Shape

Teardrop rackets are the best at adapting, and are often recommended for progressing players who want to find great balance in their gameplay. It’s the all-rounder choice. 

• Best for: Intermediate to advanced players seeking balance
• Benefits: Versatile for offense and defense
• Drawbacks: Not as specialized as other padel shapes

Soft vs Hard Rackets

Another considerable factor is how a racket feels and performs depending on the hardness of its core. Soft and hard rackets offer different levels of power, control, and comfort. 

Soft Rackets

Soft rackets are great at absorbing shock and reducing the risk of injuries, making them a great choice for beginner or casual players. 

Soft rackets feature a softer core, normally composed of flexible materials such as EVA foam. This cushioned feel absorbs the impact of the ball, translating to safety, stability, and enhanced control.

• Best for: Beginners, defensive players, and comfort seekers
• Benefits: Easier on the arm, safer, and superior control on slower balls
• Drawbacks: Less power on hard or aggressive shots

Hard Rackets

Hard rackets are the perfect choice for players who prioritize power. These rackets allow for crisp and powerful hits. 

Unlike soft rackets, hard rackets are made up of denser EVA foam, and instead use high-density materials like carbon fibre to ensure your hits get the full effect. A hard racket will help you feel more “connected” to your game. 

• Best for: Advanced players who prioritize power on attacks
• Benefits: Higher precision and more efficient energy transfer for powerful shots
• Drawbacks: Requires good technique and timing, requiring skill

Weight and Balance

Padel rackets typically range between 350g and 385g depending on various head sizes. The right weight for your racket depends on your strength and play style. 

Weight

Player Type

Pros

Cons

Light (< 360g)

Beginners, young players, injury-prone

Best maneuverability

Less power when smashing

Medium (360 - 370g)

Most players

Balanced feel

Requires general fitness

Heavy (> 370g)

Advanced, strong players

Higher power on shots

Slower, more strain on arm

Rackets on Play Padel also have varying balance points:

• Head-Heavy: Head sizes that are heavy on the head have more power but less control, making them perfect for aggressive play.
• Even Balance: Looking for a balanced performance? Getting a padel racket that is evenly balanced is perfect for new players.
• Head-Light: When selecting a head-light racket, expect quick handling and better control – ideal for defensive play. 

Best Padel Racket Brands

At Play Padel, we provide various racket options from leading brands in the UK. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, choosing the brand that resonates with you and your play style always matters. Here are some of the best padel brands and what makes each one stand out. 

Adidas

Adidas is one of the most well-known sports brands worldwide, and brings the same innovation to its padel gear. Their padel rackets are made with high-tech materials such as carbon aluminized fibre for the best durability.

• Top Series: Adipower, Metalbone
• Perfect For: All skill levels, primarily experienced players

Bullpadel

Bullpadel is a go-to brand for numerous World Padel Tour players. Using technical innovation, their rackets are built solely for performance, offering precise control and powerful options for aggressive plays.

• Top Series: Vertex, Hack, Flow
• Perfect For: Intermediate to professional players

Babolat

Known for its tennis line, Bobolat has expanded its horizons to padel. Babolat rackets are extremely user-friendly and affordable, making them ideal for beginners and players developing their technique. 

• Top Series: Reflex, Technical Vertuo
• Perfect For: Beginners to intermediate players

NOX

NOX is less known among casual UK players, but is rising at rapid speed. Their paddles are known for excellent build quality and racket consistency, offering high-performance rackets to all-round players. 

• Top Series: Quantum Carbon, Quantum Cobalt
• Perfect For: Intermediate to advanced players

Shop With Confidence At Play Paddle

At Play Paddle, we’re more than just a paddle store – we’re players too. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide you with the best shopping experience possible so we can all enjoy the game we love. From fast shipping to easy returns, you can count on Play Paddle as your best buddy. 

When you shop with us, you’re not just getting great gear. You’re getting great service, too. Here’s what makes shopping at Play Paddle stress-free:

• Free UK Shipping: Enjoy free standard delivery on all orders above £100, anywhere in the UK. No hidden fees, no surprise costs – just service that gets your gear to your door.
• Next-Day Delivery: Can’t wait to try out your new equipment? Select next-day delivery at checkout and get your gear in time. Perfect for delivering last-minute gifts or tournament prep. 
• Hassle-Free Returns: Not the right fit? No problem. We offer a 14-day return window on all eligible items. If sent back unused, we’ll issue a full refund or exchange it – no questions asked.