Padel Equipment Guide

Rackets: Shape Is Everything

Padel rackets are solid, perforated and stringless. Official rules limit them to 45.5 cm long and 26 cm wide, and every racket has a safety cord you wear around your wrist. The biggest choice is the shape.

• Round rackets are the most forgiving: mishits still go over, and they're easy to swing.
• Teardrop rackets balance control and power — a good second racket.
• Diamond rackets give the most power on smashes, but punish poor technique and can tire the arm.

Core: soft or hard

The core is usually EVA rubber or foam.

• Soft cores (soft EVA or foam) give more ball output at low speeds and are comfortable on the arm — ideal for beginners.
• Hard cores (hard or high-density EVA) give more control and power at high speeds, but need a fast swing and feel firmer.

Face: fibreglass or carbon

• Fibreglass faces are softer and more flexible, giving easy power and comfort. Common on beginner rackets.
• Carbon faces are stiffer and more precise. The number (3K, 12K, 18K) refers to the carbon weave — higher numbers are generally stiffer and found on premium rackets.
• Rough faces add grip on the ball for spin.

Weight

Most adult rackets weigh 350–375 g. Lighter rackets are easier to manoeuvre and kinder to your elbow; heavier rackets are more stable and powerful.

Shoes: Grip on Artificial Grass

Most padel courts are artificial grass filled with sand. Regular running or hard-court tennis shoes slip on it.

• Sole: look for a herringbone or clay/omni pattern, designed to grip sand-filled turf while still letting you slide a little.
• Lateral support: padel is all short sideways movements, so you need a stable, supportive upper and a firm heel.
• Cushioning: you'll be on your toes for 90 minutes — choose a shoe with good shock absorption.
• Durability: sand is abrasive. Reinforced toes and durable rubber help shoes last.

Balls: Pressure Matters

Padel balls look like tennis balls but have slightly lower internal pressure, so they're a little slower. Official balls measure 6.35–6.77 cm and weigh 56–59.4 g.

• Balls come in pressurised cans of three. They play best when freshly opened.
• A can usually lasts about 3–5 matches before the balls lose their bounce, depending on how hard you hit and the conditions.
• Fast balls suit attacking players and indoor courts; control balls last longer and suit most club players.
• Don't use tennis balls — they bounce too high and too fast for padel.

Grips and Accessories

• Overgrips: a thin wrap over the handle that adds tack and absorbs sweat. Replace it every few sessions.
• Frame protector tape: clear tape around the top of the frame that protects it from scrapes against the glass and ground.
• Racket cover: protects the racket from heat and knocks. Don't leave it in a hot car — heat can damage the core.
• Wristband: keeps sweat off your hand and racket handle.

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