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Coaches Helped Us Find the 10 Best Padel Rackets for Every Skill Level
From better control to more power, these rackets will take your game to the next level
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Shannon combed through hundreds of studies on health, wellness, and fitness while editing for Healthline and MedicalNewsToday. She's tested products and interviewed experts to write guides for MindBodyGreen, Insider Inc., and Everyday Health. She's exercise enthusiast training for her first strongwoman comp!
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Kristin McGee is a certified personal trainer and currently teaches yoga and meditation for Peloton. She is also certified in Pilates by the National Association of Sports Medicine.
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Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.
Verywell Fit / David Hattan
Court games are having a moment, and padel is no exception. As with its sister sports, tennis and pickleball, padel has plenty of benefits: Studies show that playing regularly can improve your cardiovascular health, upper body strength, grip strength, speed, and agility.
But to make the most of your game, you need the right equipment. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, the right padel racket can help you control the ball, increase your power, and unleash a whole new level of skill.
Before you start shopping for a padel racket, it’s important to assess your individual skill level and playing style. Also, consider which materials the racket is made from—carbon fiber or fiberglass?
To help demystify the process, we tapped Marek Czerwinski, a racket sports professional and the senior director of business development at Volley, and Sandy Farquharson, founder of The Padel School, for their expert advice. Plus, we had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy and how to shop for a padel racket that's high-quality, durable, and easy to use.
What is padel?
Padel has been growing in popularity since it was invented in Mexico in 1969. According to Czerwinski, it's typically played with two teams of two people, where the goal is to play a ball to your opponent’s side of the court without it coming back to your side. That may sound familiar to tennis and pickleball players, but the major difference is that padel is played on an enclosed court with walls that can be used as part of the game.
What is a padel racket?
A padel racket looks a bit like a cross between a tennis racket and a pickleball paddle, with a few notable exceptions. The first is that it doesn’t have strings or a solid surface. Instead, the racket is covered with holes that allow you to swing it more easily. Czerwinski says the holes come in different sizes and arrangements that give each paddle unique playing characteristics. He adds that padel rackets tend to be around 18 inches long—a little shorter and smaller than your standard tennis racket—and are usually made of fiberglass or carbon fiber, along with a foam core.
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Sweat-resistant grip
Large sweet spot
Budget-friendly
Wrist strap may slide
This padel racket from Grandcow is our top overall pick because it has a basic, all-around design that’s ideal for beginners and intermediate players alike. The large, centered sweet spot and 18-inch length make for a powerful hit. But don’t worry—it’s also balanced in the middle, meaning new players will still get a good amount of control without sacrificing power.
We love the budget-friendly price point. Plus, for a little more, you can choose from Grandcow’s two-racket sets and complete starter kit if you’re shopping for more than just yourself (another solid value). There are also plenty of colors and patterns to choose from that will stand out on the court.
While we like that the hand grip is sweat-resistant, some players have found that the wrist strap tends to slip during play. Even so, this racket’s overall design and price makes it one of our favorites on the market.
Key Specs:
Shape: Waterdrop | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Weight: 12.7 ounces | Type: All-around | Material: Carbon fiber
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Good for beginners
Round shape helps with defense
Low sweet spot provides better control
May be too loud for some
For beginners looking to spend a little less, we recommend WLSRW’s Carbon Fiber Padel Racket. Its round shape is ideal for defense—plus, it shifts the sweet spot toward the bottom of the racket’s frame. That means you'll have greater control but a little less power, which makes it a great choice for new players who are still getting used to the game.
We like that this racket’s mid-level balance will help you stay competitive as you learn the ins and outs of padel while perfecting your form. And it comes in a range of colors and designs, so you can get a look that suits your personal style. You can also choose between single rackets and sets of two, in case you’re also shopping for a teammate.
The only downside is that the racket can be slightly noisy when it makes contact with the ball. But for a budget-friendly padel racket that still performs well, this one’s our top pick.
Key Specs:
Shape: Round | Level: Beginner, intermediate | Weight: 12.4 ounces | Type: Control | Material: Carbon fiber
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Lightweight
Large, centered sweet spot
Great value
Not as durable
Not great for power
Just getting into the padel hype? Try Babolat’s Reveal Racket. Its high-balance design is lightweight yet sturdy, and its large, centered sweet spot makes it easier to hit the ball.
Farquharson recommends that new players opt for a lighter racket, as they offer more control—something every rookie needs to master before they move onto more aggressive, power hits. This racket weighs in at just 12 ounces (the lightest on our list), so you can put in the hours working on your form while putting less stress on your upper body muscles.
The Reveal Racket is made from fiberglass and carbon fiber, which gives it a bit more flex than a solid carbon fiber paddle. That means the racket will be less durable, but also less expensive. While you won't have quite as much power with each return, this racket is a great starting point to help you get used to the game.
Key Specs:
Shape: Round | Level: Beginner | Weight: 12 ounces | Type: Control | Materials: Fiberglass and carbon fiber
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Long, with a wide sweet spot
Great for aggressive games
Rough texture can help with spin
Texture may wear down over time
Expensive
If you’re an intermediate player who loves going on the offensive, Bullpadel's Vertex 03 is our top pick. This high-balance racket has plenty of power, with its extended length and wide sweet spot.
We like that the racket’s rough surface texture makes it easier to send the ball flying back over to your opponent's side with full force—perfect for aggressive players. (Czerwinski says that while it's not always guaranteed, that extra texture can also give your shots some extra spin.)
This diamond-shaped racket is made from carbon fiber, with a harder core. However, some players have found that the roughness of the racket may start to wear down over time. The Vertex 03 is also one of the more expensive options on our list, although we think it’s worth investing in if it matches your playing style.
Key Specs:
Shape: Diamond | Level: Intermediate, advanced | Weight: 12.9 ounces | Type: All-around | Material: Carbon fiber
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Great maneuverability
Round shape helps with defense
Heavier weight provides more control
Smaller sweet spot
Expensive
Advanced padel players looking for a high-performance racket need look no further than Siux’s Electra ST2 Stupa Pro. Used by professional padel players like Franco Stupaczuk, this medium-balance racket comes in a unique hybrid shape that's in between round and diamond.
It's heavier than other models out there, which gives you greater control over your shots—especially when you're on the defensive. Of course, a heavier racket means more risk for arm and wrist fatigue, but we think its maneuverability makes up for what it lacks in lightweight comfort.
The smaller sweet spot can be an issue for newer players, but those with experience will appreciate the precision and control that comes from a more concentrated hit. Even though it’s one of the more expensive rackets on our list, we think the high-tech design is exactly what advanced players need to hone their skills even further.
Key Specs:
Shape: Hybrid | Level: Intermediate, advanced | Weight: 13.2 ounces | Type: Control, power | Material: Carbon fiber
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Centered sweet spot
Teardrop shape
Ideal for fast-paced games
Not as durable
A favorite of professional player Ariana Sanchez, Head’s Speed Motion Racquet is our pick if you’re looking to improve your accuracy. Learning how to manipulate the ball is essential for any padel player, and this racket’s teardrop shape is exactly what Czerwinski prefers for better control.
The hybrid construction and medium balance give the racket the maneuverability you need for fast-paced games. While the addition of fiberglass makes this racket less durable than some of our other picks, we like that the sweet spot is directly in the center.
For all the control and accuracy you need to master your shots, we highly recommend the Speed Motion Racquet.
Key Specs:
Shape: Teardrop | Level: Intermediate, advanced | Weight: 12.7 ounces | Type: Control, speed | Materials: Fiberglass and carbon fiber
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Rough texture
Unique hole pattern improves ball grip
Stiff frame offers more control
Texture may wear down over time
Spinning the ball in padel is not an easy skill to master, but Dunlop’s Sports 2021 Padel Bat Series racket is designed to make it easier.
Unlike other rackets, the Bat Series features a rough, graphite finish that's specially designed to create maximum ball contact—which translates into more spin with every hit. While we love this feature, some players have found that the racket’s texture can fade over time.
The racket’s unique, V-shaped hole pattern also helps improve the racket’s grip on the ball, while the frame is designed to be stiffer for better control. With medium balance, the Bat Series is a solid choice if you’re getting serious about mastering your spin game.
Key Specs:
Shape: Hybrid | Level: Intermediate, advanced | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Type: Control, spin | Materials: Graphite, foam core
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Large, centered sweet spot
Rough texture can help with spin
Shock resistance limits wrist and elbow fatigue
Expensive
Texture may wear down over time
Wilson’s Bela Pro Racket is made for advanced players who want to send their shots flying. The high-balance design and high-density frame are the results of input from professional padel player Fernando Belasteguín.
Players will quickly notice the lethal combo of a large, centered sweet spot and a rough surface that can help put spin on the ball. Built with some serious power, we also like that this hefty, diamond-shaped racket has a foam core that provides solid shots.
We love that the shock shield grip limits wrist and elbow fatigue during long rallies. While we think these upgrades are well worth the cost, the price tag is significantly higher than some others on our list. It’s also worth noting that the racket’s rough texture may wear out over time.
Key Specs:
Shape: Diamond | Level: Intermediate, advanced | Weight: 13.1 ounces | Type: Power | Materials: Carbon fiber, foam core
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Comes with a carrying bag
Absorbs shock well
Non-slip, sweat-resistant grip
Doesn’t have as many holes
Our favorite fiberglass racket is Royal’s Whip. Unlike some fiberglass rackets, this one is made with a mix of high-density EVA-polyethylene rubber, aluminized fiberglass fabric, and carbon reinforcements that make it lightweight but strong.
Its medium balance helps you find the perfect blend of power and control. And we love that the Whip offers a large—and forgiving—centered sweet spot, for more satisfying shots on the court. Plus, it's designed with shock absorption in mind: It helps reduce the impact on your arm and shoulder, so you can enjoy your next game without worrying about upper body pain.
A non-slip, sweat-resistant grip and included carrying bag make the Whip a smart buy. However, this racket doesn’t have as many holes as some of our other picks do, which may affect the way you play.
Key Specs:
Shape: Round | Level: All levels | Weight: 12.9 ounces | Type: All-around | Materials: Fiberglass, carbon fiber
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Budget-friendly
Large sweet spot
Comes with a carrying bag
Heavy
Many padel rackets are made from carbon fiber, and for good reason: It's durable, light, and allows for a powerful stroke. But these rackets are often sold at a premium, which is why we love BatZoom’s Padel Racket. Its high-quality construction, premium materials, and budget-friendly price make it hard to ignore on the court.
This racket has a slightly high balance that offers more power than your average padel racket, without sacrificing too much control. (That's thanks to the large sweet spot located in the center of its face.)
And if you're on the go, this racket also comes with a cushioned carrying case for convenience. It might be too heavy for beginners, but if you're looking for a racket with plenty of power, we think this one delivers.
Key Specs:
Shape: Heart | Level: All levels | Weight: 13.1 ounces | Type: Power | Material: Carbon fiber
How We Selected the Best Padel Rackets
To choose the best padel rackets, we first ask experts for their guidance on top brands, materials, features, and more. For this guide, we’ve consulted:
- Marek Czerwinski, a racket sports professional and the senior director of business development at Volley
- Sandy Farquharson, founder of The Padel School
They helped us understand what to look for when shopping for a new padel racket, no matter your experience or skill level.
Then, we research dozens of rackets from the top, trusted brands. We examine each racket’s design, including which materials it was made of and its dimensions. We also consider how easy each racket is to use, which skill levels they’re best for, and how they’ll affect your playing style. To assemble our final list, we take price and overall value into account, too.
What to Look For in a Padel Racket
Materials
Padel rackets are usually made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. Fiberglass tends to be less expensive, less brittle, and provides a softer feel, Czerwinski says. Our favorite fiberglass option is Royal Padel’s Whip Technical Padel Racket, which has a large sweet spot and solid shock absorption. Meanwhile, carbon fiber brings more feel and control, including greater stability. We recommend BatZoom’s Padel Racket because it’s budget-friendly and has a heftier weight to help you get more power with each shot.
Size
Padel rackets come in different sizes. While most are around 18 inches long, some (like WLSRW’s Padel Racket) are only about a foot long. The length of a paddle, combined with the balance point—where the paddle can be balanced without tipping in either direction—can affect your game. Research has shown that the farther away the balance point is from the end of the racket’s handle, the less it will twist as you swing it. Depending on your skill level and playing style, you may want to look for a longer or shorter racket. It’s also worth noting that a lighter racket is often easier to use, especially for new players.
Shape
You’ll find that there are three racket shapes to choose from: round, diamond, and teardrop. Diamond-shaped rackets are often made from carbon fiber, with a harder core. Round-shaped rackets tend to weigh less and have a softer core. Teardrop-shaped rackets combine features of both and lay somewhere in the middle. Since they’re lighter, round rackets like Babolat’s Reveal Padel Racket are our top choice for beginners. As you play more padel, you’ll get a better feel for which shape is your favorite.
When shopping for a padel racket, you’ll also need to consider a few things about yourself as a player:
Playing Style
Choosing a padel racket based on your playing style won’t just feel better—it can also help prevent injuries. Farquharson says more aggressive players tend to prefer hard rackets, as they exude more power than softer ones. However, being this specific on your gear is only necessary when you reach advanced levels of playing. Czerwinski says most players will do just fine with a racket that feels natural in their hands.
Skill Level
As with all sports, your padel skill level will influence the kind of racket that’s best for you. Czerwinski recommends beginners start with a lighter racket before working their way up to something with a bit more mass.
Also, consider the racket’s sweet spot, or the area on the racket that will give you the most power. A racket's sweet spot may be located anywhere from the center of the racket’s face to the top. Where you like your sweet spot comes down to personal preference. But Czerwinski says that having it near the top provides more power (especially when you're hitting overheads), while the center offers more control.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can you buy a padel racket?
You can purchase a padel racket at some brick-and-mortar sporting goods stores. When it comes to online retailers, Amazon has a large selection. Specialty websites, like Padel USA, are another great option. Or, you may want to buy directly from the brand—Wilson, Babolat, and Head have many rackets available for purchase on their own sites.
- How expensive is a padel racket?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $400 for a high-quality padel racket. Our top overall pick, Grandcow’s Carbon Fiber Padel Racket, was $63 when we published this list. More expensive rackets may have high-tech design features that will help experienced players up their game. But if you’re a beginner, a less expensive racket may be best as you learn the game and develop your individual playing style. Later on, you can invest in a more expensive racket that’s catered to your personal preferences.
- Should you get a rough or smooth padel racket?
When it comes to deciding between a smooth or a rough racket, Farquharson says it's really a matter of personal preference. The friction rougher rackets provide on the ball is marginal.
- Why do padel rackets have holes?
The size and configuration of holes can vary between padel rackets. According to Farquharson, the holes help ensure that the racket has the right combination of weight and density, which can affect how it makes contact with the padel ball.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Shannon Ullman is a writer who specializes in covering the latest health and fitness products. She’s an avid pickleball player who’s dabbled in padel and hopes to convince her friends to play padel, too. You also can find her work in Healthline and Medical News Today.
Sánchez-Alcaraz BJ, Courel-Ibáñez J. The role of padel in improving physical fitness and health promotion: progress, limitations, and future perspectives—a narrative review. IJERPH. 2022;19(11):6582. doi:10.3390/ijerph19116582
Blanes C, Correcher A, Beltrán P, Mellado M. Identifying the inertial properties of a padel racket: an experimental maneuverability proposal. Sensors. 2022;22(23):9266. doi:10.3390/s22239266
Muñoz D, Coronado M, Robles-Gil MC, Martín M, Escudero-Tena A. Incidence of upper body injuries in amateur padel players. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19(24):16858. doi:10.3390/ijerph192416858
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