How to choose the weight of your padel racket to improve your game

The weight of a racket is very important and some players (rightly or wrongly) can be quite picky about the weight of the racket, sometimes down to the gram. However, it is an essential criterion; no matter how good the best padel racket you buy is, if you get the weight wrong, you risk affecting your game and risking injury.

We are therefore going to talk to you about the weight of padel rackets, why this parameter is decisive for your game, and give advice on choosing your racket based on your level and needs. We will give you an idea of the weight that suits you to be as comfortable as possible on the court.

General information on padel racket weight

Most of the time, padel rackets have a weight between 330 and 380 grams.

Of course, children's rackets are lighter (and also smaller), generally weighing under 345 grams.

Influence of weight on playing style

Weight

Simply put, the weight of a padel racket determines two things in the game: racket manoeuvrability and ball control, and the power of shots. The heavier a racket is, the more it will allow you to hit powerful shots. The downside is that you lose control of the ball. A racket that is too heavy can also lead to early wrist, elbow or shoulder injuries and cause fatigue.

Conversely, a lighter racket will offer better control thanks to its increased manoeuvrability, but you will have to compensate for the reduction in power by hitting shots harder. With a racket that is too light, you will therefore also tire more quickly, and the risk of injury is also increased, because instead of the racket, it is your arm absorbing the impact.

Balance - weight distribution in the racket

Racket balance, which is often linked to its shape, is decisive when talking about the weight of a padel racket. It is directly linked to the distribution of weight on your pala. 

We have already mentioned this topic in our general article on how to choose a padel racket, but let's recap here since it is important:

• Round racket: the weight of a round racket is distributed more towards the handle, so the balance is said to be low. A low balance is ideal for handling the racket with greater ease. This type of racket is recommended for players starting padel, as these are the ones that (by choosing the weight recommended in the following section) will undoubtedly be the best for learning.

• Teardrop racket: a teardrop-shaped racket is a racket whose weight is located more in the middle of the face. With most of the weight in this area, it is harder to handle the racket when starting out.

• Diamond racket: its weight is mainly distributed towards the head. You must be careful not to choose a diamond racket that is too heavy because, added to the fact that the weight is at the top of the racket, it can be difficult to manoeuvre. They are mostly reserved for advanced or professional players. 

How to choose the right padel racket weight based on your level

As you will have understood, choosing the ideal weight for your new padel racket is a matter of compromise between power and manoeuvrability. We will try to give you weight recommendations based on your gender, your weight and above all your level, but it is often said that it is best to choose the racket you feel comfortable playing with. 

At an equivalent level, the weight of padel rackets for men is higher than for women. To start with, here is an indicative table of recommended racket weight for men and women, based on player weight:

Player	Player weight	Recommended racket weight
Men	50-60 KG	360-365 g
Men	60-70 KG	360-365 g
Men	70-80 KG	365-370 g
Men	80-100 KG	370-380 g
Women	40-60 KG	330-355 g
Women	60-70 KG	355-360 g
Women	70-80 KG	360-370 g

Men's padel racket weight according to your level

If you are about to choose a padel racket for beginners, we recommend choosing a lightweight racket, weighing between 355 and 360 grams. This is an ideal weight to take your first steps. You have full mobility in your hand to return the ball easily and not experience difficulty moving the racket.

As you improve your level, it is advisable to increase the weight of your racket, for the simple reason that you are already loading your playing arm and, with a lower weight, you need to use more force to follow through on the shot. A good-level amateur player, able to manage all aspects of the game, should get a racket weighing at least 360-365 grams. This weight provides more power and above all prevents elbow injuries, because you have to use less force to hit.

Discover the best intermediate-level padel rackets here.

Professional players, for their part, have racked up many hours of training. They need expert-level padel rackets, sometimes over 375g to maximize the power of their shots. However, this remains rather rare and rackets rarely exceed this weight except for custom-made exceptions. If you do not have the required level, having a padel racket of this weight can lead to injuries and difficulties moving it in many situations.

Women's padel racket weight according to your level

The weight of women's padel rackets generally ranges between 330 grams and 355 grams maximum. 

For a beginner female padel player who has never played a racket sport, the best choice is to look for a model with a weight between 330 and 345 grams. These are the lowest weights you can find in adult padel rackets. With good mobility, learning will be easier. 

For more advanced players with good technique, it is recommended to opt for a racket between 350 and 355 grams. You can find advanced-level padel rackets here.

In the case of female professional players, they train and play their matches with rackets of at least 370 grams, or more.

In any case, this information is only indicative and one of the most important things in padel is to play with the most suitable racket, but also the one with which you feel best on the court. 

Tips to adjust the weight of your padel racket

We have tried to guide you towards the ideal weight for your next padel racket, but it is above all a matter of feel. Even when testing a racket in-store before buying it, you can make a mistake and want to change it. Before getting rid of your new racket, note that there are various tips to modify the balance and increase the weight of your padel racket.

Weights 

Some brands offer tips to increase the weight of rackets in strategic places. Bullpadel, for example, has created head weights and grip weights, which can be attached to the top of the frame or underneath the handle. However, these weights are unfortunately not compatible with other brands because they require special slots to insert the weights. 

Adidas, for their part, have released a special racket range that allows you to modify the weight of palas. Called Multiweight, their particular feature is having small screws on the side of the handle or on the top of the racket to attach extra weights. These weights, along with an Allen key to attach them, are supplied with the racket. 

Shock Out

Shock Out dampers are anti-vibrators to be placed in the holes of your racket. Like lead tape strips, place them in the lower area if you want a low balance and in the upper area if you want a high balance. They will also add more weight, which can prove useful if you want to increase your power.

If you feel it is nevertheless time to change your padel racket, the Esprit Padel team is at your disposal for personalised advice.