The short version. Shape decides most of how a racket plays. Round for control and beginners, teardrop for a balance of both, diamond for power once your technique is there. Pick a weight you can swing for 90 minutes without your elbow complaining, and hire a few at your club before you buy.
The three shapes
| Round | Teardrop | Diamond | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet spot | Large, central | Medium, slightly high | Small, high |
| Balance | Towards the handle | Neutral | Towards the head |
| Best for | Beginners, defenders, control | Most club players | Experienced attackers |
| Watch out for | Less punch on overheads | Few drawbacks | Harder on the arm, unforgiving |
Weight and balance
Most adult rackets weigh roughly 340–375 g. A lighter racket is quicker at the net and kinder to your elbow; a heavier one is more stable and hits harder. Balance matters as much as weight: a head-heavy racket feels heavier than it is.
If you have had tennis elbow, choose a lighter, round, handle-balanced racket with a softer core.
Core and face
- Core hardness. Soft cores (often EVA foam or foam blends) give more help on slow shots and are more comfortable. Hard cores give more control and power to players who swing fast.
- Face material. Fibreglass faces are more flexible and forgiving; carbon faces are stiffer, more precise and usually dearer.
- Rough faces help you put spin on the ball, which matters for the bandeja and víbora.
What a beginner should buy
Hire for your first few sessions; most UK clubs charge £2 to £5. When you buy, a round racket with a soft core and a fibreglass face is the safe choice. You do not need a top-end carbon racket to enjoy padel, and a forgiving racket will make you better faster than a demanding one.
Shoes and balls
- Shoes: padel or clay-court shoes with a herringbone or omni sole. Running shoes slide on the sand-dressed turf.
- Balls: padel balls, not tennis balls. They are a little smaller and lower pressure. A tube goes flat after a few sessions.
Quick answers
What padel racket shape is best for beginners?
Round. It has the biggest, most central sweet spot and the most forgiving balance.
How heavy should a padel racket be?
Most adult rackets weigh between about 340 g and 375 g. Lighter is easier on the arm and quicker at the net; heavier gives more power and stability.
Can I use a tennis racket for padel?
No. Padel rackets are solid, stringless and perforated, with a wrist strap, and are the only kind allowed.