Walk into any padel club and you'll see rackets in every shape and colour. They might look similar, but small differences in shape, weight and materials change how a racket feels in your hand. Here's how to choose one that suits your game.
1. Start with the shape
Shape is the biggest single factor in how a racket plays.
- Round: the sweet spot sits low and in the centre, so off-centre shots still feel solid. Round rackets are easier to control and the best choice for beginners and defensive players.
- Teardrop: a balance of control and power. The sweet spot sits slightly higher, giving more punch on volleys and smashes without losing much forgiveness. A good all-round choice.
- Diamond: the sweet spot is high and the weight sits towards the head. Diamonds deliver the most power but are less forgiving, so they suit confident, attacking players.
2. Think about balance
Balance describes where the weight sits. A low or even balance feels lighter and quicker in the hand, which helps at the net and is kinder to your arm. A head-heavy balance adds power to overheads but takes more effort to swing quickly.
3. Check the weight
Most adult rackets weigh between 345g and 375g. Lighter rackets are easier to manoeuvre and put less strain on the elbow and shoulder. Heavier rackets feel more stable and hit harder. If you're new to padel or have any arm discomfort, stay towards the lighter end.
4. Choose the core: soft or hard
Inside every racket is a foam or rubber core.
- Soft cores give a comfortable, cushioned feel and help the ball come off the face at lower speeds. Great for control, touch and protecting your arm.
- Hard cores feel firmer and reward fast swings with more power, but they transmit more vibration and need good technique.
Many rackets now use a mix of the two for a balance of comfort and power.
5. Look at the face
The face material changes how the ball feels on contact.
- Fibreglass is softer and more flexible, giving easy power at slower speeds.
- Carbon is stiffer and more precise. You'll see numbers like 3K, 12K or 15K, which refer to the carbon weave. As a rough guide, higher numbers feel firmer and more responsive.
Many faces also have a textured or sandblasted finish to help you add spin.
6. Match the racket to your level
| If you are... | Look for |
|---|---|
| New to padel | Round shape, soft core, lighter weight |
| Improving and playing regularly | Teardrop or round, mixed core, carbon face |
| Confident and attacking | Teardrop or diamond, firmer core, head-heavy balance |
| Managing elbow or shoulder discomfort | Soft core, lighter weight, low balance |
7. Try before you buy
The best way to choose is to hold a few rackets and, ideally, hit with them. Visit our factory store in Wimborne to get hands-on with every racket we sell, or come along to one of our regular racket testing events.
Our rackets
We stock six handmade rackets from Rolenn, built in Almería, Spain, covering everything from soft, arm-friendly control to fast, powerful attack. Read our guide to Rolenn padel rackets explained to compare them side by side, or browse all rackets.
New to the game? Our beginner's guide to padel covers everything else you need for your first match.