Choosing your first (or next) padel racket can be a headache. You walk into a store and see hundreds of rackets , all with colors and technologies that sound like something out of a spaceship: 18K Carbon, Soft EVA, the balance... Watch out! Don't just go for the prettiest one.
In padel, the racket is an extension of your arm. Choosing the right one is the fundamental step to success on the court, whether you're a beginner or already consider yourself a pro. A poor choice not only hinders your learning but can also lead to injuries.
In this Padel Storage guide, we'll break down the different types of padel rackets available, explain what each one is used for, and help you choose the right one for your playing style. Let's get straight to the point.
The "Holy Trinity": The 3 Types of Shovels by Their Shape
The first thing that catches your eye is the shape. This isn't just about aesthetics; the shape defines 90% of the racket's performance: where the "sweet spot" is and where the balance point is.
1. Round Blades (Total Control)
These are the perfect rackets for players who value precision and strategy over brute force. You can spot them instantly by their round head.
- Sweet Spot: It's located right in the center of the paddle and is very large. This gives you a huge margin for error, forgiving many "bitten" shots.
- Balance: Low (close to your hand). This makes it super easy to handle, like carrying a frying pan. You'll tire your arm less and be able to react quickly at the net.
- Ideal for: Beginners who need control and defensive ("drive") players who love to place the ball with pinpoint accuracy. If you're starting out, we recommend beginner padel rackets , which are almost always round.
2. Diamond Paddles (The Raw Power)
If your style is aggressive and you love to "hit it out of the park," this is your weapon. They're the ones with the diamond-shaped head.
- Sweet Spot: It's located at the top of the paddle and is much smaller. It requires greater precision when hitting the ball.
- Balance: High (towards the tip). This creates a "hammer" effect that multiplies the power of your shots, especially smashes and volleys.
- Ideal for: Advanced or professional players looking to dominate with powerful shots. We don't recommend it for beginners, as it's difficult to control and can injure your elbow. Check out our professional padel rackets for examples.
3. Teardrop Paddles (The Perfect Balance)
For those seeking a good middle ground. These teardrop-shaped (or inverted teardrop) rackets offer the best of both worlds and adapt to almost any playing style.
- Sweet Spot: It's still at the top (like the diamond), but it's wider, giving you good balance.
- Balance: Medium. It's not as "big-headed" as the diamond one, but it gives you more power than the round one.
- Ideal for: This is our best-selling racket. Perfect for intermediate players who already have good control of their shots but are looking for extra power without sacrificing maneuverability. Most intermediate padel rackets have this shape.
The Heart and the Skin: Inner and Outer Materials
Now that you've defined the shape, let's talk about the inside. The "feel" of the paddle (whether it feels hard or soft) depends on the materials of its core (the inside) and its faces (the outside).
Interior Materials (The Core)
It's the rubber inside the paddle. There are two main types:
- EVA foam: This is the most common type. It offers an excellent combination of power and control, with a quick and firm response. It's also more durable. Soft EVA is a softer version that absorbs vibrations better, ideal if you have elbow problems.
- Foam (Polyethylene Foam): Provides a very soft feel and spectacular control. It absorbs all vibrations, minimizing the risk of injury. The disadvantage is that it tends to last a little less than EVA.
Exterior Materials (The Faces)
This is what covers the rubber and defines the hardness of the impact.
- Fiberglass: It's more flexible and elastic. This provides greater comfort and an easier "ball release" (the ball launches with less effort). It's excellent for beginners.
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Carbon fiber: It is lighter and much stronger. It gives a harder, drier feel.
- 3K Carbon: It's the "softest" of the carbon fibers (3,000 filaments). A perfect balance between strength and responsiveness.
- 12K, 18K, or 24K Carbon: The more "Ks," the denser the weave. Note: this doesn't always mean greater stiffness, but rather greater flexibility and a faster response. Nox rackets , for example, frequently use 12K and 18K Carbon for incredible power and comfort.
- Bamboo fiber or graphene: These are innovations to add strength and flexibility, but the base will almost always be glass or carbon.
Paddle Finishes: Rough, Matte or Glossy?
The surface finish is not just aesthetic, it also affects how the ball "grips":
- Rough: Maximizes grip on the ball. It's ideal if you love to add spin (slice or topspin) to your shots.
- Matte: Offers less light reflection (helpful on sunny days) and usually provides a slight extra grip.
- Glossy: It is more aesthetically pleasing and makes the surface smoother, promoting faster and more direct gameplay.
It's not all about form: weight and balance.
We're almost finished. Two factors that are sometimes forgotten but are crucial:
Weight: Paddles range from 360 to 390 grams. A lighter paddle (less weight) gives you more agility and reaction speed, but less power. A heavier paddle gives you more power in your shots, but it's slower to move and more tiring.
Balance: As we mentioned, this is related to the shape. A balance towards the handle (low) favors control. A balance towards the head (high) enhances your smashes. The choice is yours!
Special Paddles: Ladies and Children
Ladies' Paddles
Padel rackets designed for women typically have two main characteristics: they are lighter (between 340 and 370 grams) and have a more centered or handle-oriented balance. This facilitates a more agile game, improves control, and prevents arm fatigue. And of course, they often come in amazing designs, which you can find in the women's clothing and racket section.
Children's (Junior) Spades
For the youngest players, it's crucial to choose a racket that suits their strength and size. Junior rackets are even lighter (between 280 and 320 grams) and are designed with a balance that facilitates learning and proper stroke technique. Let them have fun without getting hurt!
Padel Storage Compa's Tip:
When buying your next padel racket, don't just think about your current skill level, but also how you want to play tomorrow. And a golden tip for beginners: the vast majority of people who try padel become regulars. There are countless stories of people who bought the cheapest racket "because they didn't want to spend much" and then abandoned it a month later to buy a better one.
Don't waste your money. Consider this and start with a mid-to-good-range racket. At Padel Storage, we have the best deals so you can get started with quality equipment without spending a fortune. Remember, the best racket is the one you feel comfortable and confident with on the court.
Good luck with your choice!
