Which padel racket to buy? Tips for choosing my padel racket

Nowadays there are many brands and models of padel rackets. Sometimes they are chosen simply because of their design, their price or because they are worn by our favourite player, but in the following article we are going to show you how to choose the padel racket that best suits your playing profile.

In the majority of adult rackets we find, with some exceptions, a series of common characteristics in terms of measurements, determined by the rules of the International Padel Federation:

"Fist: maximum length: 20 cm, maximum width (of each of the forks, without considering the empty space between them): 50 mm, maximum thickness: 50 mm.

Head: length: variable. The length of the head plus the length of the cuff may not exceed 45,5 cm, maximum width: 26 cm, maximum thickness: 38 mm".

For more information: https://www.padelfederacion.es/refs/docs/REGLAMENTO_DE_JUEGO_FIP_2017.pdf

Here are the main characteristics to take into account when choosing your padel racket:

SHAPES OF THE SHAPE

- Round: this type of shape is mainly intended for control, with a balance more towards the fist. It is the ideal shape for players who are just starting out in padel, as it is easy to handle and has a wider sweet spot (optimal hitting point). It is also recommended for advanced players who already have strength in their strokes and need a little extra help in defence to control their groundstrokes.

- Hybrid or teardrop: The teardrop shape is an intermediate point between the round and the diamond shape. It is designed for players who want to give their all in their attacking shots without losing too much control. Blades with this shape tend to have a more centred balance or even have the weight of the racquet slightly pitched. This means that the sweet spot is still wider than in a diamond racket.

- Diamond: Diamond blades are perfect for players looking for absolute power. These blades have a high balance, so, as they are further away from the fist, they will make us lose manoeuvrability, giving up a little control to have maximum power. It is the most recommended for advanced players who, due to their level, already have a lot of control over their racket. Although it may be more difficult for beginners or intermediate players to adapt to this type of shape at the beginning, it is still a good option if you take into account other characteristics that we will see later on.

BY THE FACE MATERIALS

Here we will talk in general terms about the two main components with which the paddle blades are made, but within each type of fibre there are different intertwined and each time there is more and more progress in the manufacture of each one of them.

- Glass fibre: it is a less light fibre than carbon, but more flexible, being ideal for beginners or intermediate level padel bats, as it gives us a very good ball exit. It is an easier material to process than carbon.

- Carbon fibre: it stands out for being lighter than fibreglass and for its greater rigidity and resistance. It is the most common material in advanced level blades and there are a multitude of densities depending on its interlacing that will influence the hardness. Carbon fibre will give us extra power.

- Other materials: there are brands that add other components such as graphene, kevlar, titanium, etc. to give extra strength. Another material that is also often used is graphite. In addition, many brands are starting to develop hybrid fibres that mix carbon with glass, taking advantage of the best of each type of fibre.

See: Padel rackets at the best price in https://padelmarket.com/es/palas/

BY THE RUBBER OF THE INNER CORE

Here at a generic level we find two types of rubber, FOAM and EVA. The truth is that within each rubber there are infinite densities and each brand is customizing their rubber with different names, so we will distinguish between soft rubber, medium hardness and hard rubber.

- Soft rubber: it gives us more control and better ball output, but we will give up power. It is a very comfortable rubber to the touch.

- Medium rubber: intended for players who fall short in power with a soft rubber but want to maintain the comfort that a less rigid rubber provides.

- Hard rubber: hard rubbers make us lose sensations when hitting, but being stiff, the ball will not sink on impact and will come out with much more power in attacking shots.

OTHER ASPECTS

We have seen the main characteristics when choosing the perfect padel racket without distinctions. But depending on age, height, strength or gender we will also have to take into account the weight of the racket. Women tend to play with padel racquets weighing between 340 and 365 grams, while men tend to play with racquets weighing between 360 and 375 grams. A heavier weight will give us more power, while lighter blades allow us to have better handling. Junior paddles, on the other hand, are usually 36mm thick or less and weigh a maximum of 340 grams. In addition, the dimensions may change depending on the age group for which they are intended.

For players with arm problems, light paddles are recommended, with medium or soft rubber and flexible materials such as fibreglass or hybrid fibres. In addition, nowadays brands are developing technologies aimed at reducing vibrations.

IN SUMMARY

Depending on our level and our style of play, we will have to choose one racket or another. Not by having the best paddle racket we are going to play better, each player is different and will have a racket that suits him/her, so it is much more important to look at the characteristics of the racket than at its design or the fact that our favourite player uses it. Choosing the right padel racket will allow us to get the best out of ourselves when we step on the court.