Beginners Guide to Choosing Your First Padel Racket

If you’re looking to get your padel tennis journey started, you will first need the essentials and specifically, a padel tennis racket. But, what are the key things to consider to ensure that you get the right one? In this blog, we will go over some vital points to consider to help you choose the best padel tennis racket for you.

Grip, Size and Shape

The grip of your padel tennis racket can be compared to a glove as it needs to be comfortable and suit your hand size and playing style. Grip sizes are typically measured in millimetres (mm) or denoted with letters. For example, L for large or S for small etc. To find your ideal grip size, try different options and see which feels most natural in your hand. The right grip size will ensure better control and prevent injury. If you cannot find a racket with a grip size you can feel comfortable with, you can always amend this yourself after you purchase your padel racket.

Weight Matters!

Padel tennis rackets come in various weights, usually ranging from 340 to up to 400 grams. The weight you choose depends on your physical strength and playing preferences. Lighter rackets offer more manoeuvrability, while heavier ones provide more power. Beginners often find mid-weight rackets (between 350-365 grams) to be a good balance for control and power. Novor’s Padel tennis racket weighs in at 360 grams making it the perfect balance for a beginner/regular padel player providing both manoeuvrability and enough weight to get the best performance out of your racket.

Balance Point

The balance point of a padel tennis racket refers to where most of the racket’s weight is concentrated – head-heavy or head-light. A head-heavy racket generates more power, while a head-light racket offers better control and manoeuvrability. Beginners often benefit from a slightly head-light racket as it helps in learning strokes and maintaining control. Once you have developed as a player it is worth considering an upgrade to a head-heavy racket to get the best out of your game.

Shape and Material

Padel tennis rackets typically have a tear-drop, diamond or round shape. The choice between these shapes depends on your playing style. Tear-drop rackets offer a larger sweet spot and more power, while diamond-shaped rackets provide better control and manoeuvrability. Additionally, consider the material of the racket – most are made from carbon fibre, which combines lightweight and strength for optimal performance. Other padel’s are also made with a fibreglass finish, which can also be a good choice, however they are not as strong nor as durable as carbon rackets.

Padel Tennis Racket Price

Rackets come in a wide price range, and it’s important to set a budget before shopping. While expensive rackets may offer advanced features and materials, there are excellent options available at more affordable prices for beginners. It’s advisable to start with a moderately priced racket until you’re more experienced and can better identify your specific preferences. Novor’s padel racket is the perfect example of a high quality padel racket tailored for beginners/intermediates which has a very competitive price which is just hard to ignore!

Try Before You Buy

Before making your final decision, try out different padel tennis rackets if possible. Many sports stores have demo rackets you can use to get a feel for what suits you best. Likewise, renting padel’s at your local padel club or even borrowing a padel racket from a friend is a great way to get the feel of different padel rackets and find what style works for you. It’s crucial to test the racket’s weight, balance, and grip size to ensure it complements your playing style. This will massively aid your decision making when it comes to buying your own.

Seek Expert Advice and Do Your Research

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced padel tennis players or coaches. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your skill level and playing style. Their expertise can guide you towards the right padel tennis racket for your needs. As well as asking for professional advice, there is plenty of information online about what is the perfect padel for you, so do your research!

Geoff Fourie

Managing Director