Coaches Helped Us Find the 6 Best Padel Rackets for Every Skill Level

What to Look for When Shopping for a Padel Racket

• Material: Padel rackets are usually made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. Fiberglass tends to be less expensive and more flexible, with a softer feel, says Czerwinski. This type of racket can be great for beginners. Meanwhile, carbon fiber offers more durability while balancing power and control for intermediate and advanced players. 
• Core Material: The core is typically made from foam, polyethylene, or a combination of both. Foam, while less durable, is usually softer and more comfortable—making it a good option for beginners. Polyethylene gives you more durability, power, and control thanks to its hard and dense construction. 
• Shape: There are three main shapes to choose from: round, diamond, and teardrop. Round rackets are generally more forgiving and offer more control, making them best for beginners. Meanwhile, teardrop rackets balance power and control. And diamond-shaped options maximize power, so they’re ideal for advanced players. 
• Weight and Balance: Lighter rackets are easier to maneuver across the court, while heavier rackets offer more power and stability. And the weight balance matters, too. A grip-heavy racket offers better control for precision play, and a head-heavy racket increases power for more aggressive players. 

When shopping for a padel racket, you’ll also need to consider a few things about yourself as a player.

• Playing Style: More aggressive players can benefit from a hard racket since it delivers more power, says padel coach Sandy Farquharson. And recreational players may want to choose a lighter racket for an easier hold. However, finding one that feels comfortable and natural in your hands is most important, Czerwinski says. 
• Skill Level: As with all sports, your padel skill level will influence the racket best for you. Czerwinski recommends that beginners start with a lighter racket before working up to something with more mass. 

How We Selected the Padel Rackets

To find the best padel rackets, we first consulted racket sports experts to learn more about the key specs to look for. Using their guidance, we researched dozens of rackets from top, trusted brands. When considering each option, we evaluated it based on the following criteria. 

• Brand: We only choose rackets from recognizable, reputable, and reliable brands. Our experts shared some of their favorite options. We also researched to find out what brands real players are actually using. Our list includes budget-friendly brands as well as higher-end options. 
• Materials: The surface and core materials change the racket’s performance. We recommended rackets made with various surface materials (mainly fiberglass and carbon fiber) and core materials (mostly foam and polyethylene) to provide an option for every player. 
• Shape: As with materials, shape also plays a role in how the racket performs. The three main shapes are round, teardrop, and diamond. You’ll find a combination of these in our final list of recommendations. 
• Weight: Another way to accommodate various playing styles and skill levels is through weight. Lighter rackets tend to be best for beginners, while advanced players can benefit from a heavier option. We included a scale of light to heavy rackets. 
• Price: Finally, we look at the price of each racket to determine if it’s worth it based on the brand, materials, shape, and weight. Typically, beginner options should cost less, while rackets for advanced, aggressive play can be more of an investment. 

Our Experts

We consulted experts during our research and reporting to find the best padel rackets. They helped us better understand what key features to look for when shopping and what type of racket different skill levels need. They also provided some brand-specific recommendations. While we always choose products independently, our experts help inform our selections. 

• Marek Czerwinski, tennis coach and senior director of business development at Volley
• Sandy Farquharson, padel coach and founder of The Padel School
• Tim Quijano, padel expert and founder of Padel.FYI 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are expensive padel rackets worth it?  

They can be, especially if you play often and competitively. Higher-priced padel rackets are often more durable, with better power, spin, and control. If you’re serious about stepping up your game, it might be worth it to invest in a better-quality product. 

Where can you buy a padel racket? 

When it comes to online retailers, Amazon has the largest selection. Specialty websites, like Padel USA, are another great option. Or, you may want to buy directly from the brand. You can also purchase a padel racket in person at sporting goods stores. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Shannon Ullman is a Verywell Fit 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 can also find her work in Healthline and Medical News Today.