Padel Rackets
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The choice is individual and depends on your style of playing and your level. There are three different types of padel rackets, as follows:
- Round: This is a good option for beginners, because it’s easy to manoeuvre and very forgiving for less perfect strikes. The round shape is also an option for someone more experienced who is looking for more precision and control whilst playing.
- Diamond-shaped: This type suits those with good technique and accuracy, and a player who is looking for more force in their volleys. The shape makes the racket more difficult to manoeuvre, and it’s not as forgiving as the round racket.
- Drop-shaped: A drop-shaped racket is for those who consider themselves somewhere between the two descriptions above. It’s a racket that suits an all-round game and for those who want a mix of control and speed.
Apart from the shape of the racket, there are a few more specifications that can be good to know about when selecting your racket:
- A padel racket weighs around 340 and 400 grams; the lighter models don’t weigh over 355 grams. If you are a beginner, or just play for fun, the lighter racket is recommended because it’s easier to manoeuvre. It’s also better for your wrists and elbows in the long run. Remember that as you improve and the intensity of your game develops, you can switch to a heavier racket, which will give you more possibilities in the game.
- Another factor to take into account when making your choice is the thickness of the racket. Most padel rackets are 36 mm or 38 mm, where the latter is more common. A thinner racket is usually easier to play with, which can be good to consider as a beginner.
- The sweet spot of the racket affects your game. The sweet spot can be soft or hard, where the soft spot gives more speed and less control, and the hard spot does the opposite.
Imagine you are gripping a hammer when holding your padel racket. This makes the racket stable in your hand whilst your wrist is kept relatively straight. This ensures a good strike for both backhand and forehand without having to change your grip.
Yes and no. The more expensive rackets are often manufactured with advanced techniques and materials, which in turn can create a higher-quality product. But this doesn’t mean that it’s the better choice for you. A padel racket that suits someone else perfectly doesn’t mean it will be a good fit for you; it all depends on your style and skill level when you play.
Three things to consider when buying a padel racket
Diamond-shaped: With this shape, the racket’s weight and point of impact are at the top, and the shape of the racket makes the sweet spot (the surface for ball hits) slightly smaller, which means that the racket can be perceived as more difficult to control. A good alternative for players who want speed in their game, and also for those who have experience in other racket sports.
Round: Round padel rackets are more oval than round, and the sweet spot is in the middle of the racket. This gives the player more control and balance, but also less speed. This model is often recommended for beginners, as it is easier to play with, but there are also very experienced players who play with a round racket.
Drop-shaped: The shape is a mixture of round and diamond-shaped, which means that drop-shaped rackets are also known as hybrids. The point of impact is slightly above the middle of the racket and, thanks to its hybrid shape, the player gets both speed and control, with a focus on speed. A good option for the medium-level players and advanced players.
Most padel rackets weigh between 340–395 grammes, and the weight you should choose for your racket depends on both your playing level and playing style. A lighter bat makes it easier to reach balls that require you to move quickly, making it a good choice for beginners. A heavier racket is harder to handle, but also gives your strokes more power.
It is important that you choose a racket with the right weight, as a racket that is too light or heavy increases your risk of injury. Damage, such as tennis elbow, is often caused by having the wrong racket weight.
Padel rackets have either a soft or hard core, which determines the material that the base of the racket is made from. A hard core gives the player more control and less speed, which is recommended for beginners, or experienced players who simply value control above speed. A soft core works the other way around, giving the player less control and more speed.
Need some more advice? Check out this guide at Padeljoy.com.