Choosing a suitable product among hundreds of available options takes time. If you want to know how to choose padel racket, read here.
Finding the right padel racket is the first and the most crucial step in the game because it gives you confidence and boosts overall performance. In contrast, picking the wrong padel racket will reduce your performance on the court and may cause injuries.
Choosing a suitable product among hundreds of available options takes time and effort. If you want to know how to choose padel racket, read here. In this guide, I will cover all the essential factors you need to consider so you can pick the right product.
Related: Best Padel Racket for Beginners 2023
How To Choose Padel Racket
1. Level
Before keeping your hand on any padel racket, determine your playing level. The right racket type depends on the level, i.e., beginner, intermediate, and advanced. For instance, a beginner requires an easy racket to get reasonable control.
However, with time and experience, you can use a hard racket for better power but less control. Simply put, each factor you need to consider while buying a padel racket depends on your level; therefore, it is the first step in this buying guide.
2. Weight
The next most crucial factor in this process is weight. Here, you can find both light and heavy rackets. Each weight level has its own pros and cons. If you are looking for a racket that offers good control and you are ready to compromise on power, choose a light one. In contrast, as an experienced player, you need power, which is possible with a heavy racket. However, with this, you have to compromise on control.
Other than this, there is a difference in racket weight for women, kids, and men. For women, it is between 350 and 360 g, while for men, it is between 355 and 360 g. However, for kids, it is between 240 and 280+ g. Also, remember to add the weight of the grip and protector. Weight plays a vital role in overall control and power, so pick it wisely.
3. Shape
There are three types of shapes available in padel rackets, i.e., diamond shape, teardrop shape, and round shape. Like the weight, each form has its own pros and cons, depending on your experience and expertise.
- Diamond Shape
The diamond-shaped blades of a racket offer more power while providing less control. Therefore, if you are a beginner, this shape is not for you.
- Drop Shape
If you are confused, the drop shape is the best option. This shape offers the perfect balance between control and power. Also, this is suitable for an intermediate player.
- Round Shape
This shape is ideal for beginners as it offers more control and less power. However, its pros are wider than just newbies; experienced players can also get benefits.
Related: How To Choose Pickleball Paddle
4. Hardness
How to choose padel racket? The hardness of the racket provides benefits for a specific game type. For example, the soft racket offers more power because of its higher ball output and less control, which makes it ideal for the net game. In contrast, the tough racket reduces power because of more excellent resistance but offers good control. If you are an experienced player and know how to hit the ball efficiently, go with a soft padel.
5. Core
The core of the padel racket can use two types of rubber as a building material, i.e., EVA rubber and FOAM rubber. The EVA rubber is a hard, durable, and smooth material that offers a better hitting experience. The hard nature of the core allows you to hit the ball with more power. However, if you like soft rubber, you can use the soft version of EVA rubber.
On the other hand, the FOAM rubber is a less durable and soft option. The delicate nature allows the core to absorb vibration efficiently. However, before picking any material, make sure to consider weather conditions because they can alter the hitting properties of the center. In high temperatures, the rackets become soft due to heat. In winter or cold environments, the rubber becomes harder.
6. Padel Racket Technologies
Every brand works on its product and uses particular technologies that offer a better hitting experience. Therefore, read about the technology used in that racket while going for any brand. This step also allows you to get a better understanding of the product.
7. Balance
The balance of a padel racket determines the control, and it is the middle spot where the weight of the blade is concentrated. There are three types of ratios, i.e., high, centered, and bottom.
- The high balance means the weight is closer to the head. With this type, you will get more power. The diamond-shaped blades often come with high balance.
- The centered balance means the weight is between the head of the blade and your grip. This type is common in teardrop-shaped blades.
- In the bottom balance, the weight is close to the handle. This type offers more control and comes in rackets with round tops.
8. Thickness
The correct grip size is vital to get good control. If you pick an extra thin grip, you will end up with an injured little finger. In contrast, an extra thick grip reduces power and pressurizes the wrist. Therefore, choose a grip size between 0-1 overgrip if you are a woman. While for men, 1-3 overgrips are suitable. Simply, never go thicker than 38 millimeters if you want comfortable hits.
9. Additional Materials
Some structural factors of the racket frame affect your playing experience. For example, a stiff frame offers precise hits and less deviation. Also, a rigid frame stays with you for years. Furthermore, a racket with a baked-in structure allows you to hit the ball with better control. Moreover, if you have a sensitive arm, choose a lower grip because of 92% less vibration, which reduces the chances of injuries in more extended plays.
10. Frequency
Before going for any random Padel, observe your playing frequency and then pick one for you accordingly. Also, you need to consider how many times you visit the Padel court in a week and the playing duration. If you are a frequent player, choose one with EVA rubber and invest more money. This way, you will get a durable and robust product with efficient performance.
Related: How To Build A Padel Court
11. Price
The racket’s price depends on the racket’s quality and the player’s level. As a beginner, you can get a high-quality racket for between 50 to 100 dollars. However, for experienced players, the price range is between 250 to 400 dollars.
To get a perfect racket, make sure to set a budget. After that, look for a product with all the required features within that price range. However, if you find a good option that costs more than your budget, go for it because finding all the required features in a single racket is a bit tough.
12. Look At The Reviews
After finding a suitable racket with all the amazing features, read reviews before clicking on the purchase button. It is a wise decision to learn from others’ experiences. This step will help you understand the product in a better way. Make a final decision after watching ratings and reading reviews to stay safe.
FAQs
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The Bottom Line
After this detailed guide, now you know how to choose padel racket. However, keep in mind that there is nothing like a perfect padel racket. Your preferences, requirements, and pre-conditions make a racket perfect. To find that racket, make sure to ask yourself your playing frequency, playing level, fitness, and budget. Once you find all these things, look for a suitable weight, balance, material, shape, and thickness. This is an expensive investment; therefore, choose wisely.
Meet Daniel, a highly experienced writer who is passionate about pickleball. Widely recognized as a trusted source in the pickleball community, Daniel has extensively tested and reviewed countless pickleball products, ranging from paddles to shoes and beyond. Their writing showcases a keen understanding of the sport and its various intricacies.