How to choose a padel racket: shape, weight and balance
You choose a padel racket on three properties: shape, weight and balance. For beginners and recreational players, a round or teardrop racket of 350 to 370 grams with a low or medium balance is the safest choice. Below we explain why, property by property.
Written byTeam Custom Your Padel
Buying a padel racket for the first time means wading through hundreds of models and terms like teardrop, EVA foam and balance point. The good news: the choice really comes down to three properties. Shape, weight and balance. Get those three right for your game and you are sorted.
Which shape suits you?
There are three main shapes, each with its own character. For most recreational players, round or teardrop is the sensible territory.
- Round: sweet spot in the middle, the largest margin for error, maximum control. The best shape for beginners and defensive players.
- Teardrop: sweet spot slightly above the middle, a balance between control and power. Suits the largest group of players, from beginner to intermediate.
- Diamond: sweet spot high in the head, maximum power. For advanced attacking players with a settled technique.
Our custom rackets are round. That is a deliberate choice: the round shape gives the biggest sweet spot and forgives the most, which suits the widest group of recreational players. If you specifically want a diamond shape for competitive top-level play, we will point you honestly towards the big brands. Read our comparison custom padel racket vs brand racket.
Which weight should you choose?
Most padel rackets weigh between 350 and 385 grams. Lighter is more manoeuvrable and kinder to your arm; heavier gives more power on the smash. As a guideline, men are usually comfortable between 365 and 375 grams, women and juniors between 350 and 365 grams. If you are torn between two weights, take the lighter one. Our rackets weigh 360 grams: light enough for control, heavy enough to hit a solid ball.
What does the balance do?
The balance point determines how the weight is spread across the racket. A low balance, with the centre of gravity towards the handle, makes the racket easy to handle and kind to your arm. A high balance, with the centre of gravity towards the head, gives a heavier hit but loads your elbow more. For recreational play and for players just starting in competition, low to medium is the sensible choice.
How much should a good racket cost?
Under 100 euros you can now buy a solid carbon racket that lasts for years. Between 100 and 200 euros you pay for better materials and finish. Above 200 euros you are mainly paying for specialist playing properties and the brand name. What a racket actually costs, and where that money goes, is set out in what does a padel racket cost.
And if you want something of your own?
In playing terms, plenty of brands will serve you well. What the big brands do not do is make a racket that is yours. With us you design a racket with your own name, colours or logo. A blank racket costs €79.99, a printed face €99.99, and Full Custom (face plus side) €119.99, all including VAT with shipping shown separately at checkout. Finishing takes 7 days, then at most 3 days with DHL to any address in Europe.
Read next
- Guide
Padel in the UK and Ireland: how to start and what it costs
Padel has gone from a rarity to a normal weekend booking in the UK and Ireland. Where you play, how to start, what a racket costs and how delivery works.
- Guide
What is a custom padel racket? Meaning, differences and prices
A custom padel racket is a professional racket personalised with your own design. What it means, how it differs from brand rackets, and prices from €99.99.
- Gift
Padel racket with a name: a personal gift for any padel player
A padel racket with a name on it, as a gift or for yourself. How it works, what it costs and how it arrives within 10 days anywhere in Europe. From €99.99.