So, you’re starting to get hooked on padel and feel your racket is not quite keeping up with your rate of progress? If your game is getting more sophisticated, read on for some suggestions for how to upgrade your weapon too.
Our Spanish padel expert, Joaquín Serna Sánchez, has chosen five models of padel racket recommended for intermediate players who know their way around a court and are past the stage of crashing their smashes against the glass.
Before we start, beginners can check out our previous guide to the best padel rackets for amateur players and it’s also worth reading our guide on what to look for when buying a padel racket.
Adidas RX 2000 Light
This oversize, round-shaped racket is perfect for bringing control to the court.
If you are looking to increase the length of each point, this Adidas model will allow you to drive your opponents to desperation thanks to its large sweet spot, which gives more forgiveness when you don’t quite strike the ball with the centre of the racket face.
It is ideal for more defensive players who take the role of preparing the point for their partner close to the net to finish with a flourish.
It is a handy racket, weighing in at around 355 grams, and is aimed for both men and women. It also currently has a very reduced price for a racket of this season: £80.
Babolat Air Vertuo 2023
The brand that sponsors the “Wolf” Juan Lebron, one of the best players in history, bring us a racket designed for players who stand out for their aggression at the net.
The oversize diamond size gives the player the ability to hit fast shots that can disarm opponents who struggle to hit good lobs from the back of the court.
The racket is made of fibreglass and Black-EVA rubber, which gives it flexibility and makes the ball come out at high speed after hitting. However, you should keep in mind that the sweet spot is slightly smaller than in other models, so you will have to hit the ball with the upper part of the racket to have a better chance of success.
On the other hand, it also has a rough surface designed for those players who like to mislead their opponents with spin shots which hit the back glass and fall downwards – always a demoralising sight for your opponent!
Its current price is around £120 in specialised shops such as Padel Nuestro.
Starvie Comet Black Force
Its round shape allows for great ball control but also responds well to powerful shots thanks to the carbon material in the core.
This is a racket designed for versatile players who know how to adapt to the different moments of the game, both when attacking and when trying to win the net with good defences from the middle of the court backwards.
You can buy this racket for around £100, a competitive price for a brand that makes quality products and is known for the durability of its rackets.
Bullpadel Axym DB 2022
The best volleying tool is this Bullpadel racket from last season.
With its teardrop shape, it allows you to obtain a balance in the shots, although where it excels is in the transition from defence to attack. This racket will allow you to start winning your volley duels when all four players are in the middle of the court trying to win the net.
It is a light and versatile racket for players who are aware that they must learn to play on both sides of the court to better understand the game.
It has a rough surface that allows you to play with the effects of the ball and has an innovative design in its heart (the area just above where the grip ends).
In the official Bullpadel shop you can find it right now for around £90.
Nox Load 3D
If you are starting to think more about strategy and looking for points to stretch out, this racket is a good option.
This is a teardrop-shaped racket, suitable for maintaining a constant pace of play. Made of 3K carbon fibre, it has a hard feel that responds very well when looking for fast shots with a short arm movement.
It also features a rough finish that not only helps with spin, but also improves shot direction, as well as a considerably large sweet spot.
It is a racket that surprises with its silver-black colour and is highly recommended for the price-quality relationship: around £60.
Main pic: Babolat
