So you’ve started playing padel, had some coaching, improved your level… and now you want something a little more sophisticated to play with? This is the article for you.
Our Spanish padel expert, Joaquín Serna Sánchez, brings you five quality options with prices between £100 and £200 to start taking your game to the next level.
Alkemia Vento 2023
This eye-catching model is ideal for intermediate and advanced players looking to make precision their best weapon on the court.
Among its strong points are its resistant Kevlar frame and medium-hard 100% carbon fibre faces. In addition, it has a considerable grip size, which makes it very comfortable to handle even in the longest points.
Its exceptional balance of power and control helps players elevate their game by offering an advantage in both offensive and defensive play. This is further enhanced by the teardrop design.
In addition, the balanced weight distribution (between 350 and 375 grams) provides stability during shots, allowing for better accuracy.
It is a very versatile racket that will respond perfectly to the needs of each player. Despite its large sweet spot it will require a good technique to use 100% of the qualities of the Alkemia Vento 2023.
This racket from the current season can be purchased for around £150 on the Alkemia website.
Head Speed Pro X 2023
This racket from Austrian brand Head has stood out in the market throughout this year for its elegant grey design and the technology used to compose its materials.
It is a weapon created for advanced level players who fulfil the attacking role in the pairing and have a good smashing technique.
While at the back of the court it is a racket that behaves very well defensively due to its large sweet spot, it is near the net where you have to choose the right shots for each play.
Its FOAM rubber material means that when it comes to blocking powerful shots from opponents you have to be very aware of the position of the racket so that the ball doesn’t go straight to the glass.
The same happens with smashes, where the rulo and the over the fence smash are best options, although if the technique is correct, the carbon fibre will help to give that extra power to win the point.
The only weak spot of this racket is its high weight (375 grams), which may not be recommended for players who have suffered upper limb injuries in the past. Otherwise, it is a highly recommended option due to its performance and resistance.
In web shops like PadelProShop and PadelMarket this Head model is priced at £160.
Bullpadel Vertex 03 2023
We could not miss out the racket with which the professional player Juan Tello has competed in World Padel Tour this year.
Designed for advanced players, the Bullpadel Vertex 03 2023 has a lighter weight than previous models and is very manageable for its Air React Channel technology incorporated into the frame that makes the air flow and reduces resistance in the movements.
At the back of the court, its medium hardness and good ball exit make this racket a good defender with a good technique and a great ally in the defence-attack transition if good lobs are made.
With good placement and technique, the volleys come out full of power – to the displeasure of your opponents! In addition, thanks to the rough surface, the bandejas and viboras will be loaded with a great spin.
Thanks to the Custom Weight technology, it is possible to adapt the weight and balance of the racket to the taste of each player to perform quality smashes, thanks to the Multi EVA rubber that is responsible for absorbing the force necessary for this winning shot.
This Bullpadel model can be purchased for £160 at the moment with end of season offers.
Puma Solar Attack 2023
The Solar ATTACK racket designed for the player Momo Gonzalez has been one of the most eye-catching this year for its colourful design and versatility in defence and attack.
Designed in a round shape, it is the most technical racket of the PUMA brand. It has a double tubular frame, made of 100% carbon fibre, which gives it exceptional resistance and great durability.
In addition, its 3k foam core inside has been improved, being harder than the previous model, which improves responsiveness and power in each shot.
This unisex racket aimed at intermediate level players can be purchased for £175. Undoubtedly a great option that will respond perfectly on the court to increase the duration of the matches and improve the level of each player.
Siux Diablo Revolution II Sanyo Pro
The hardest racket in Siux’s Diablo line has been the perfect partner for the legend Sanyo Gutiérrez throughout this season.
It is a racket that combines lightness, handling, power and control. In defence it fulfils its function remarkably well due to its large sweet spot, located in the medium-high part of the surface. On the other hand, in attack it stands out in volleys, where players will be able to give depth to their shots thanks to the 18K carbon core and its medium-touch rubber.
It also comes with shockout technology and a special grip that adjusts to each player’s hand to provide comfort and firmness to the shot, as well as to avoid uncomfortable vibrations.
In short, it is a teardrop-shaped racket for players of medium level and upwards who want to be able to defend with guarantees but also be powerful in attack even if that may not be their role in the team.
Its current price is around £160 on online platforms such as PadelProShop and PadelTienda.
If you are still wanting to find out more models of recommended rackets, check out our previous articles on the best rackets for amateur, intermediate and advanced players, as well as the best value-for-money rackets and tips on the aspects to take into account before buying your new weapon to enter the court with confidence.
