Gear up for your level
Honest padel gear guides for beginners, intermediates and advanced players. Every racket gets game-style stats, so you can see power, control and speed at a glance.
29 rackets rated · 15 buying guides · Links to the shops we checked
NOX AT10 Genius 18K Alum
- Power
- 8
- Control
- 6
- Speed
- 5
- Comfort
- 6
- Sweet spot
- 6
Pick your level
The right racket for a beginner is the wrong one for an advanced player. Start here, and we'll show you the racket, shoes and balls that fit.
Beginner
Your first 6 to 12 months
- Power
- 5
- Control
- 8
- Speed
- 7
- Comfort
- 9
- Sweet spot
- 8
Intermediate
Usually after 1 to 3 years of weekly play
- Power
- 6
- Control
- 7
- Speed
- 6
- Comfort
- 8
- Sweet spot
- 8
Advanced
Competitive players, often level 4 and above on app ratings
- Power
- 9
- Control
- 5
- Speed
- 5
- Comfort
- 5
- Sweet spot
- 5
Round, teardrop or diamond?
The shape of the head decides where the sweet spot sits, and that decides how a racket plays. Compare the three shapes →
Round
Sweet spot in the centre
Control and forgiveness
Teardrop
Sweet spot a little higher
Power with control
Diamond
Sweet spot near the top
Maximum power, smaller sweet spot
Yellow = where the sweet spot sits. Generic shapes, not real rackets.
Racket stats
Power, Control, Speed, Comfort and Sweet spot, rated 1 to 10 for every racket from its specs: shape, balance, core, weight and face.
NOX AT10 Genius 18K Alum
All-rounderHead Coello Pro
Power hitterBuying guides
Rackets, shoes and balls we'd recommend, with links to the shops where we found them, more than one where we can.
How we recommend
No paid placements. Picks come from makers' specs and independent reviews, grouped by who they actually suit.
Specs, not hype
Every stat is worked out the same way from shape, balance, core, weight and face material, so rackets are rated on equal terms.
Shops we checked
We link to the shops where we found each pick, more than one where we can, so you can compare on the day.
Open about money
Shops may pay us a commission when you buy. It never changes the picks. Read our disclosure.