10 FACTORS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN BUYING A PADEL RACKET

If you're in the market for a new padel racket, you may be wondering what features to look for to get the best one for your needs. Here is our top 10 of factors to consider when buying a padel racket:

1. Weight: The weight of the racket is crucial to consider as it affects the maneuverability and speed of your swings. Lighter (under 360 gram) rackets are generally easier to maneuver, while heavier rackets (380 gram) offer more power.
   
   
2. Shape: Padel rackets come in different shapes, with round and teardrop shapes being the most common. Round rackets provide more control, while teardrop rackets offer more power. Diamond shapes rackets makes you slower at the net, but will give you the most power for the deciding smash.
   
   
3. Balance: A racket's balance point affects how it feels in your hand and how it performs. Head-heavy rackets offer more power, while head-light rackets offer more control. By adding more overgips to the handle you can change this balance too.
   
   
4. Materials carbon or fiberglass?: Padel rackets are typically made of either carbon fiber or fiberglass (also aluminum, kevlar or basalt). Carbon fiber is more expensive, but it provides better control and power. Fiberglass is more affordable and offers a softer feel. Graphene is a mixture of carbon and fiberglass.
   
   
5. Grip: The grip of the racket is crucial for your comfort and control during gameplay. Look for a grip that is comfortable to hold and offers a good level of friction. Normally you should be able to put 1 finger in between the fingers of your playing hand when you grip the padelracket. All rackets are about the same grip size. You can customize this by adding another under grip and / or overgrips.
   
   
6. Grip of the racket on the ball: basically there are 4 different types. 
1. No extra layer on the hitting surface
2. A sticker with a structure on it (no much effect on the ball)
3. Coating on the hitting surface (will wear off after several times of playing)
4. A baked in top-layer. This is very difficult to produce for a manufacturer of padelrackets. This layer will never wear off. Maximum grip on the ball and it will last forever.
   
   
7. Physical and technical capabilities of the player. We do have special solution for players with a sore elbow and we will ask you about your technical skills. If you sometimes play a volley a little more behind you, it makes no sense to play with a tearshape or diamondshape padelracket.
   
   
8. Are you left or right handed? Lefties or very sensitive players many times prefer softer padelrackets as they are able to feel the ball better when they hit the ball. Also the position on the court (left or right side) may be influencing the choice for the right padelracket. In the past it was likek this: a righthanded player on the right side is most likely to go for a round racket and a righthanded player on the leftside is more likely to play with a tearshaped racket or diamond. Of course there are many exceptions to this and nowaways both sides could be more aggressive as the game is tending to become faster and more aggressive on the highest level after Juan Lebron introduced the parallel kicksmash.
   
   
9. Foam: nowadays there are different foams on the market. The best foam for you (EVA50, EVA30, superspeed, dual-layer) will depend on your needs. Softer foam is more comfortable for the arm, has trampoline effect on slower balls and is lighter. Harder foam will give you more control and more power on fast balls, weighs more, will last longer. Hard foam is better suited for warmer conditions as the foam will soften due to the higher temperature and for high level players who are looking for both control and power (hard foam results in less absorption which results in more energy to accelerate the ball).
   
   
10. Budget: we can help you with the best padelracket within your budget. However do understand from under 125 euro it is very hard to find a full carbon frame and full carbon hitting surface. Carbon will last longer and probably you will benefit from spending a little more on your padelracket as in the end this will give you more pleasure every time you play and your racket is less easy to break apart.

When searching for a padel racket, it's essential to consider your playing style and level of experience. Beginners may want to start with a lighter, more forgiving racket that is easier for the arm, while advanced players may prefer a heavier racket with more power.

At our store, we offer a wide range of padel rackets to suit all levels of experience and playing styles. Our rackets are made of high-quality materials and come in different shapes and sizes to cater to your individual needs. Shop with us today to find the perfect padelracket for your game.

We want to be your best teammate and are considered to be the padelexperts. 
If you want the best advice, come test your new racket at our Experience Center in Alphen aan den Rijn. Here you get customized advice and you can test the racket directly on our own padel court.