Get to know padel rackets better to choose the right one

To help you choose the right padel racket, we will first look at what it is and the key features to consider. 

 

Anatomy of a padel racket

A padel racket is made up of four distinct components: 

• The racket frame 
• The core - racket rubber 
• The hitting zone 
• The racket surface 

All rackets must comply with the regulations governing a number of criteria. These rules come from the International Padel Federation and are the following: 

• Length: 455 mm 
• Width: 260 mm 
• Thickness: 38 mm 
• Hitting zone: 300 mm long and 260 millimetres wide 
• Zone de frappe : features holes with a diameter of 9 to 13 mm; their number is unlimited
• Safety wrist strap required at the end of the handle, with a maximum length of 350 mm. 

In addition to these regulatory criteria, it is essential to know the 5 technical specifications that define a padel racket. Their combinations make every racket unique and determine whether it suits you and your game!  

 

The key specifications of a padel racket

Racket shape

 

Three different racket shapes exist, each matching a specific playing style. 

• Round shape: this shape provides the best control thanks (generally) to a handle-heavy balance. Its manoeuvrability allows you to quickly feel at ease with round padel rackets. Below is an example of a round racket.

 

• Teardrop shape: this shape offers the best balance between control and power. It is therefore recommended for intermediate players (level 5-8). It is currently the best-selling shape in France thanks to the combination of control / power. Below are different examples of teardrop-shaped rackets.

 

• Diamond shape: the power offered by this racket shape makes it a racket aimed at advanced players with a strong technical level. These rackets have a fairly small sweet spot, which enhances their technical demand. Below are a few examples of diamond-shaped rackets.

 

Racket balance 

Balance is generally linked to the racket shape. 

• Round rackets: handle-heavy balance, better manoeuvrability and control, but a loss of power in your shots. 
• Teardrop rackets: versatile medium balance, the ideal balance between control and power 
• Diamond rackets: head-heavy balance that gives the racket power with a loss of manoeuvrability. 

 

Racket manufacturing materials

Padel racket manufacturers use the same key materials, namely fibreglass, carbon fibre and Kevlar. The purpose of these different materials is to provide durability, control and power.  

• Fibreglass: flexible, durable at an accessible price, but heavier and with slower rebound. Mainly used on the racket face. Here, for example, is the Babolat Reflex, made of fibreglass.

 

• Carbon fibre: light and fairly stiff, offering great explosiveness, it is clearly the material of choice for padel rackets today! Here, for example, is the Bullpadel Hack 03 2021, made with carbon fibre.

 

• Kevlar: rare due to its high cost, but offers great durability. It can also be used to reinforce specific areas of rackets 

Much like loose stringing, a soft material will provide more power but less control, whereas a hard material will offer greater shot control with less power. An article will also be dedicated to this topic.

Other "secondary" materials are used in racket manufacturing, such as EVA rubber, foam, titanium, graphite, etc.  

 

The core 

In the core of the racket, there are mainly two types of foam: EVA rubber, with all its variations depending on the brand, and FOAM (polyethylene foam). 

These two types of foam have opposite characteristics, although brands have introduced developments to offer a wide range of variations for each foam 

• EVA rubber: hard, less flexible, significant durability. Widely used by various brands, it provides a lot of control thanks to its rigidity. But beware: the rigidity of this foam can lead to injuries, especially if technique is not optimal. 
• FOAM foam: soft, medium control, medium power, but a very fast ball release. Foam is more fragile, so rackets do not last as long. 

 

Weight 

Weight directly influences how you play and is linked to your playing style. The heavier the racket, the more powerful your shots will be. Conversely, the lighter the weight, the faster and more precise you will be, but with a loss of power. 

The weight of a padel racket ranges between 300g and 390g. 

 

  Sébastien Cornet, Founder of Esprit Padel