Choosing your first padel racket

Walk into a padel shop and you will see dozens of rackets that look almost the same and cost anything from a dinner out to a weekend away. Here is how to choose your first one without overthinking it.

Start with the shape

Padel rackets come in three main shapes, and the shape matters more than anything else for a beginner.

• Round. The sweet spot is large and low, near the middle of the face. Forgiving, easy to control, the best choice for your first racket.
• Teardrop. A balance between control and power. A good second racket once you play regularly.
• Diamond. The weight sits high in the head, which adds power to smashes but makes the racket harder to control. Made for advanced players.

If in doubt: round.

Weight

Most rackets weigh between 355 and 375 grams. Lighter rackets are easier on the arm and quicker at the net. Heavier ones hit harder but tire you sooner. As a beginner, stay in the lighter half.

Hard or soft

The core of a padel racket is foam. A softer core gives the ball more help, so it travels further with less effort, and it is kinder to your elbow. A harder core gives more control and power to players who already swing well. Start soft.

The face

The surface is usually fibreglass or carbon. Fibreglass is softer and more forgiving. Carbon is stiffer and more precise. A fibreglass racket is perfect to learn with.

How much to spend

You do not need a professional racket to learn. A good beginner racket costs a fraction of a top model and will serve you well for your first year. Spend more once you know what you like.

Try before you buy

Many clubs rent rackets. In Padli you can add a racket to your booking when the club offers it. Rent two or three different ones over a few games: you will learn more from that than from any catalogue.

Look after it

• Keep it out of a hot car: heat damages the core.
• Use a cover in your bag.
• Always wear the wrist strap. A racket that flies out of your hand can hurt someone.