Padel is a sport that requires very little equipment to play. The most important tool for any player is the racquet! A number of well-known brands such as adidas manufacture racquets but there are also several padel-specific brands such as NOX that are less well-known in the UK but certainly worth considering. With the rise in popularity of the sport, more new brands are popping up as well.
Here we look at things you should do when buying a racquet.
Try different models
When looking for that perfect racquet it’s essential that you try more than one out. Most clubs or shops that sell racquets should see this as part of the buying process. We recommend that you play for an hour and in that hour, switch up racquets to get a feel for what you like. If you have three racquets, try them for 20 minutes each. This will enable you to compare how the ball feels coming off the racquet, if there is a weight you prefer, or if one feels easier to swing. The comparison process should help you find a one you like which is perfectly suited to your game.
Consider your standard
Picking the right Padel racquet is essential to your chances of success on court and you need one that matches your standard. Like tennis racquets, Padel racquets will fluctuate in weight, head size and shape.
For players new to the game a lighter racquet with a bigger sweet spot is probably what you need. A lighter racquet will also make swinging it much easier, which is important when you start out.
All shapes and sizes
The basic size and shape is relatively similar but different brands and models have variations. Top British players like Tia Norton, Christian Murphy and Louie Harris, who have played for many years, will have developed very specific preferences. As a beginner, you’ll probably want to experiment a bit.
Power vs control
Think about what type of player you’d like to become. Will you relish in the big, thundering smashes, or do you prefer to be a touch player, deftly moving the ball around the court and introducing subtleties into your shots to bamboozle your opponents? Some racquets are more suited to the power game, and others to control, so consider this on your search.
Budget
Price can differ greatly. Advanced players often opt for models that can cost upwards of £300. These racquets are expensive because they are optimised for high performance.
Expert advice
There’s no substitute for expert advice, and in this day and age, it’s easier to email or talk to chat-bots than it is to pick up the phone. Don’t fall into that trap! Despite the fact that padel is only just breaking through in the UK, retailers like Padel Shack have been around for many years and they can offer expert advice you won’t find on the internet. If you’re going to part with some hard-earned cash, we recommend you speak to these guys first.
