As the weather starts to thaw, thoughts naturally turn to a glorious summer spent on the 20×10. And when you head to the club, you’ll want to equip yourself with the very latest in racket technology.
Our Spanish padel expert, Joaquín Serna Sánchez, takes you through the models that can help raise your game this season.
Bullpadel Vertex 04
This model of the prestigious Bullpadel brand has it all: versatility, comfort and manageability in equal parts.
For this season, it has a diamond shape and high balance, which means you’ll get maximum value from power shots with the upper part of the racket. It is made of carbon and it has a hard touch.
Its sweet spot is quite wide despite being a power racket, so it is not too technically demanding. In addition, the Air React Channel technology that modifies the design of the core reduces the vibrations generated after each hit by up to 38%, which will prevent injuries to arms and elbows.
This racket will be found in the hands of Premier Padel world No.10, the ‘Cat’ Juan Tello this season.
Adidas Metalbone Hard+
The new racket of the world No.1, Ale Galán, is aimed at dominating opponents on the court with power and control. It has an octagonal structure that gives it a lot of rigidity, as well as a rough surface designed to add spin to the ball, especially on volleys and viboras.
The high density EVA rubber provides a soft feel at ball impact. In addition, this year’s model includes the Weight & Balance system to modify the weight and balance of the racket by up to 12 grams.
Undoubtedly this is one of the most striking models of this 2024 for the quality of the materials and the sensations it provides, especially for its ability to help the player to adapt to a quick style of play – and ones with a slower pace where controlled shots are key to winning the game.
Bullpadel Flow W24
One of the most revolutionary rackets on the market because in addition to its great features, it is a model that changes colour. Thanks to its photosensitive paint, when exposed to the sun’s UV rays, new colours appear on the surface, giving it a mystical style.
It is a diamond-shaped racket and is made of carbon and glass fibre, so it feels a bit softer than other models. Despite being designed for a power game, its large sweet spot is key to executing bandejas and depth lobs.
It has a light weight of between 350-360 grams, and is ideal for those players looking for a model that will help them to progress without requiring a great technical level.
This season, it will be the racket used by the best player in history: the Spanish Alejandra Salazar.
Nox AT10 Genius 18K
The new racket of the genius Agustín Tapia returns to the court with a renewed design and technologies that allow it to adapt to every playing situation.
Made of 18K Alum aluminised carbon, the racket’s resistance and durability are guaranteed to withstand blows with the glass or the fence. This season, it has a hybrid format that mixes the round and diamond shape to be able to mix power and control, depending on the match.
It comes with the Pulse System in the handle to reduce vibrations and joint fatigue, as well as the Air React Channel technology: small openings in the heart of the racket that make it very manoeuvrable on the volley or defensive block.
It is a very eye-catching model thanks to its silver design and is ideal for players with a good technique. It allows the player to apply control without sacrificing the ability to hit quick shots when the opportunity presents itself.
Head Radical Pro 2024
The Austrian brand has attempted to change the rules of the game this season with its Radical series, from which we highlight the Pro model, designed to offer balance in every match situation.
It is designed with an oversize teardrop shape and has a medium balance that provides good performance in every shot. In addition, its 3K carbon construction offers durability, while the Auxetic technology provides good sensations to guarantee the correct execution of lobs, bandejas and volleys.
It has a FOAM rubber core for a softer feel, while the new design of the bottom part of the grip reduces pressure on the hands and makes it more comfortable to play with.
This is one of the most versatile models on the market for players who compete regularly and want to change to a racket with superior performance.
Nines Padel Team & Navy
The Nines Sports brand, with a rapid expansion in the world of padel, presents its new Team & Navy models, perfect for entry-level players as well as intermediate players that seek precision and control.
Designed with a unique blend of performance and purpose, the Nines Padel rackets are more than just pieces of equipment; they symbolize a statement that health is a fundamental human right, that’s why they include powerful statements on the surface.
Both models are designed in 100% carbon, have round holes and are technically forgiving for players who are just starting to adapt to the game.
They weigh between 360-375 grams and are made of UK30 EVA rubber, which provides a good feel when hitting the ball and helps players gain control of their game.
Undoubtedly two models to take into account for 2024 that not only focus on making the game easier for amateur players, but also raise awareness on such an important aspect as physical and mental health.
