PADEL RACKET SIZES, SHAPES, MATERIALS, DESIGNS & MORE

Padel rackets distinguish the sport from other racket sports, as they don’t feature strings like you’d find on tennis, badminton, and squash rackets. Instead, they are strong and firm with holes distributed across the racket face to deliver performance characteristics of power and control.

There are many different elements that you need to take into consideration when buying a padel racket, as each one has its own unique benefits to players of ranging skill levels.

With this in mind, we’ve created this padel racket guide to provide you with all the information you need on padel rackets, which in turn will help you figure out which padel racket to buy.

When choosing a racket, it's important to research which type of design and materials will best suits your needs. Professional rackets are typically made from premium carbon fibre, providing the weight needed for powerful shots. Beginners and intermediates might prefer lighter rackets to enhance control and movement, with fiberglass being a popular choice due to its lightweight feel.

Why do padel rackets have holes?

One of the most frequently asked questions relating to padel rackets is "why do padel rackets have holes?". Just like a tennis racket, the padel’s holes help to reduce weight, and improve aerodynamics by reducing air resistance when players swing their racket. Another reason padel rackets have holes is that they help absorb the vibration during ball impact, lessoning the risk of injuries and discomfort to players.

The holes also have some performance benefits, as they can help to generate spin which can alter the flight off the ball more dramatically than a padel without holes would. The reduced air resistance, allows players to swing the racket with more speed, which in turn allows the generation of more spin. The reduced vibrations improves grip, allowing players to transfer force and spin more proficiently.

Why is there a strap on padel rackets?

A padel rackets strap or cord is an important safety feature that again differentiates padel rackets from rackets used in other sports. The usage of a safety strap by players is mandatory based on regulations set out by padel’s governing bodies. The reasons for this are predominantly based on player safety, as the strap stops rackets from flying out of players hands during play.

The straps also stop players from switching playing hands during a point which isn’t allowed and is penalised (players can switch playing hands between points by attaching the strap to their other wrist). When buying a padel racket always make sure that you buy a racket that has a wrist strap.

Padel racket face sizes do not tend to change too much. However, the racket depth and weight can vary albeit not too drastically. Depending on skill and age of the player, beginners will typically use light rackets which are around 36mm thick and weigh between 320g and 355g. Skilled or experienced players typically go for more powerful rackets which are normally heavier at around 370g and are 38mm thick.

As you’d expect, junior rackets are smaller/lighter, they only normally weigh 280-320g and measure around 30-35cm. These rackets still follow the LTA’s guidelines and come at a minimum thickness of 36mm.

Senior rackets are bigger, with the maximum racket size being 45.5cm. Senior rackets involve more variations of shape meaning they could weigh anything from 320-375g. All senior racket depths are measured at the maximum thickness which is 38mm.

The answer is yes, padel rackets do come in different shapes. The shape of the racket is just as, if not more important, than the racket material. There are three different racket shapes: Round, Teardrop and Diamond.

Round shape rackets: The rounded shape racket is ideal for beginners. This is the lightest racket and has the largest sweet spot which is centrally located on the racket face. This makes it easier to handle and more forgiving when you hit the ball off centre.

Teardrop shape rackets: The teardrop shape racket is good for intermediate players as it looks to hone the balance between power and control. It has a moderate sweet spot, meaning you can still hit high speed shots.

Diamond shape rackets: The diamond shape racket is the perfect choice for professionals who want a racket with power. If you have an aggressive play style, it has a smaller sweet spot located higher on the racket face, so you can generate impressive speed. The downside of these rackets is that they aren’t as forgiving with mishit shots, which makes them less suited to beginners.

The ‘sweet spot’ of a padel racket refers to the area of the racket that can produce the highest amount of force and control. As mentioned above, the size of a rackets sweet spot will differ between racket shapes which is why different rackets cater to different skill levels.

For example, if you buy a round racket you can expect to have a much larger sweet spot which will reduce mishits. The weight of the racket is fully distributed across the full racket face which makes it easier to use. More experienced or intermediate players will often opt for a tear drop racket, as this still offers a decent size sweet spot whilst allowing players to hit with a bit more power and generate greater spin.

Advanced players will likely choose a diamond racket, as they allow players to generate the most power and spin with shots hit from the sweet spot. The sweet spots on diamond shaped rackets are much smaller and located around the top of the face, meaning you have to be precise to avoid mishit shots. Many professionals use diamond rackets as they are precise enough to take advantage of the performance benefits diamond shaped rackets can offer.

At Net World Sports we stock a wide range of padel rackets for players of all levels of experience and skill. Our padel rackets are available in both junior and adult sizes, and boast a range of pioneering features and technology including Spin Max 3D textured face for superior grip, and spin light technology for a higher level of control. Developed by our inhouse team of sports equipment engineers and product designers, whatever your ability level and budget, you're sure to find the racket that you need.

Shape: Round

Designed for: Beginner

Our padel racket range starts with the Vermont Origin racket which is ideal for beginners. Available in junior and senior sizes, it is the perfect option for those who are just starting out in padel. The Origin is a light, round-shaped racket with a large sweet spot, which makes it easier to control and play.

Shape: Round

Designed for: Beginner/Intermediate

If you’re looking for a slightly more premium racket that is still easy to use, then our Vermont Ascend racket could be for you. Suitable for beginners and intermediate players, the Ascend racket features a round face and is made from carbon fibre for a professional feel.

Shape: Teardrop

Designed for: Intermediate

Our first teardrop racket is the Vermont Triumph racket. The teardrop shaped racket is designed for players with padel experience that want a combination of control and power. The sweet spot on the Triumph racket is smaller than a round racket but bigger than a diamond shaped racket, making it a popular choice with experienced recreational players.

Shape: Teardrop

Designed for: Intermediate/Advanced

Our other teardrop racket is the Vermont Apex racket. Aimed at experienced players that want a high-performance racket, the Apex racket is an advanced full-carbon padel racket that has a rough sand grit texture to allow players to produce more spin from their shots.

Shape: Diamond

Designed for: Advanced

Finally, our Vermont Imperium racket is our renowned diamond shaped racket that is designed for use by skilled padel players. Heavier in weight than our other rackets, the Imperium can generate unmatched power and spin. It is a full-carbon racket that has a Spin Max 3D face to maximise its performance.

So, some key things to remember before you buy a Padel racket:

• Check the shape and buy ones tailored to your ability.
• Make sure to use the safety strap to prevent accidents.
• Look at the materials, heavier rackets are made with carbon, whereas lighter rackets are made with fibre glass.
• Practice hitting the sweet spot. This is easier with round rackets, more difficult with teardrop rackets and much harder with diamond rackets.