Your first padel racket sets the tone for how quickly you improve. The wrong one makes the game harder than it needs to be. Here's what to look at.
Shape
Three shapes: round, teardrop and diamond.
- Round — Large sweet spot, low balance point, forgiving on off-centre hits. Best for beginners.
- Teardrop — Mix of control and power. Medium balance. Good for improving players.
- Diamond — Small sweet spot, high balance, maximum power. For experienced players who can direct the ball precisely.
Balance
Low-balance (head-light) rackets are easier to manoeuvre and gentler on the arm. High-balance (head-heavy) rackets hit harder but need better technique to control. Start low.
Materials
- Fibreglass face — Flexible and forgiving. Good for beginners.
- Carbon fibre face — Stiffer, more responsive. Better once your technique is settled.
- Soft foam core — More comfort and power on slower swings. Good for beginners.
- EVA foam core — Firmer, more consistent. Better for control-oriented play.
Weight
Aim for 355–370g to start. Lighter is easier on the arm. Heavier generates more power once your technique is there to use it.
Once you've chosen your racket
A quality racket is worth protecting. A COVR canvas and leather cover keeps it safe in transit and between sessions. Shop COVR covers — free worldwide shipping.