Padel Tennis Racket Weight: How to Make Your Decision?

In padel, choosing the right racket can make all the difference to your game. One of the most crucial factors that often goes unnoticed is racket weight. Whether you’re a beginner stepping onto the court for the first time or a regular player, the weight of your padel racket plays a notable role in how you perform. 

Why Padel Racket Weight Matters

The weight of your padel tennis racket isn’t just a number on a scale, it can significantly affect your technique, control, and muscular endurance on the court. Here’s why it’s important to get this decision right:

Your Skill Level

If you’re new to padel, a lighter racket is ideal for learning the ropes. It offers more manoeuvrability and allows you to focus on perfecting your form without spending too much energy. You’ll be able to swing quicker and more comfortably, easing into the sport with less strain. For more advanced players, a heavier racket is typically favoured. Experienced players often use the added mass to generate powerful shots, which can be particularly beneficial for smashes and overhead hits. As the famous formula goes, E=mc², meaning the extra weight (mass) can translate into more powerful shots. Where the weight is balanced in the rackets are also a contributing factor to choosing a racket, you can explore another article we have on racket balance here. 

Your Playing Style

Your style of play should guide your choice of racket weight. For finesse players who prioritise control, spin, and placement, a lighter racket offers the agility you need to position your opponents around the court. Quick reactions and accurate placements are easier with a racket that doesn’t slow you down. However, if you’re someone who prefers aggressive, power driven play, with regular smashes, a heavier racket might be the right fit. It will give you the extra power needed for bandejas and viboras. The added weight behind the ball can help deliver your winners.

Natural Strength and Endurance

Physical strength also plays a role in determining your racket’s ideal weight. Lighter rackets are easier on the arm and require less effort to swing, making them a smart choice for players who may not have a lot of upper body strength or are looking to conserve energy during longer matches. However, if you have natural strength, a heavier racket can help you access even more power. That said, if you’re committed to improving your strength and endurance, transitioning to a slightly heavier racket over time can unlock new levels of power and control, enhancing your overall game.

How to Make Your Decision? 

When deciding between a lighter or heavier padel racket, it’s essential to balance your own capabilities with your game strategy. Let’s break it down a little further:

Light Padel Tennis Rackets

These rackets, typically weighing around 340-360 grams, are fantastic for beginners or intermediate players who value speed and agility. A lighter racket allows you to swing faster, which is ideal for rapid exchanges and defensive plays at the net. The reduced weight also means you’re less likely to experience fatigue over the course of a long match, giving you more endurance on the court. If your playing style involves quick volleys, accurate placement, and subtle spins, a lighter racket could be your best asset. If your game suits these characteristics, you should give the Novor Evolve a try! 

Heavy Padel Tennis Rackets

Rackets that weigh closer to 370-380 grams are designed for players who want to maximise their power. The extra weight allows you to hit harder and take more commanding shots, especially on serves and overheads. If you’re someone who likes to dominate the game with aggressive smashes and deep, hard driven overheads, a heavier racket will give you that added punch. Keep in mind, however, that a heavier racket will demand more physical strength and stamina to wield effectively over an extended match, so it’s crucial to consider whether your fitness level supports that style of play.

The Importance of Endurance

It’s also essential to think about the long term effects of racket weight on your play. A lighter racket can help you avoid unnecessary strain, especially over the course of long rallies or matches. By reducing the load on your wrist, elbow, and shoulder, lighter rackets can help prevent common overuse injuries like tennis elbow. Additionally, a heavier racket can put more strain on these joints over time, particularly if your technique isn’t perfect. That’s why it’s important to balance power with sustainability.

Choosing the right racket weight is about more than just comfort, it directly affects your performance, tactics, and endurance in the game. Whether you’re aiming for finesse with a light racket, or power with a heavier one, it’s essential to consider your own style of play, fitness level, and goals on the court. 

At Novor, we understand the importance of finding the right balance, which is why our Evolve and 361 RG models are designed with a perfect medium high balance, weighing between 350-360 grams. Our rackets offer a blend of control and power, giving players the confidence they need to dominate the court. Whether you’re hitting powerful overhead smashes or placing precision volleys, Novor rackets ensure you’re always in control.

Ryan Staveley

Managing Director