The Ultimate Padel Equipment Guide 2024
Whether you're swinging a padel racket for the first time, eager to elevate your game, or competing at top levels, Padel Project UK has everything you need for your padel journey.
Choosing Your Racket
The racket is undoubtedly the most crucial item in your kit. The features to consider when making a purchase depend on your skill level and, for the more advanced players, your style of play. We're here to guide you to the best choice.
Round Shape: Best Racket for Beginner Players
Round rackets have a weight distribution closer to the handle, making them the easiest to manage. They also boast a larger sweet spot at the center, making them an ideal choice for newcomers.
Note: This racket is also suitable for players with previous injuries, such as tennis elbow - the lower weight distribution means less strain on the arm
Recommended Round Rackets:
Head Evo Sanyo
Adidas Drive 3.1
Head Flash
Teardrop shape: Best Racket for Intermediate Players
Teardrop rackets offer a higher weight distribution and sweet spot than round rackets. This shape provides more power for an aggressive playstyle, perfect for those who have outgrown the beginner stage and seek to improve their game.
Note: Advanced players might prefer a teardrop-shaped racket for its balance between offensive and defensive play.
Recommended Teardrop Rackets:
Nox Load 3D
Bull Padel Axym DB 2022
Head Gravity Elite 2022
Diamond: Best Racket for Advanced Players
Diamond rackets feature the weight and sweet spot towards the top, demanding more skill to handle than teardrop and round rackets. The smaller sweet spot requires solid technique, but for players with a refined bandeja, like Paquito Navarro, this racket can enhance your power.
Note: Be confident in your skills before transitioning to a Diamond racket. A premature switch can negatively impact your play.
Recommended Diamond Rackets:
Bull Padel Hack 03 2023
Wilson Bela Pro V2
Babolat Technical Viper Juan Lebron
Head Graphene 360 Alpha Pro (teardrop)
Choosing Your Shoes
Proper footwork is the basis of every padel shot, demanding footwear that supports swift, precise movements. Quality shoes are essential for all levels of play—from World Padel Tour professionals to local club beginners—and can help prevent injuries.
Surface Considerations and Shoe Compatibility:
Tennis shoes are mostly suitable for padel due to similar movement patterns. However, running shoes are not recommended; they lack the necessary stability and support for padel's lateral movements.
Padel courts have a sandy surface, so tread patterns must provide adequate grip. Clay court tennis shoes, with their herringbone pattern, offer optimal traction, while hard court tennis shoes may not provide enough grip for padel.
Shoe Recommendations:
Cheapest:
Adidas Court Jam Control
Performance:
Babolat Jet Premura 2
Premium:
Adidas Adizero Cybersonic
Durability:
Joma Open
Comfort:
Asics Solution Swift FF
All-Around:
Asics Gel-Resolution 8