How to Choose a Padel Racket for Beginner Players: A Step-By-Step Guide

Starting padel? Choosing your first racket online can feel overwhelming, with talk of power, control, shapes, cores and carbon. The good news is that for beginners, the right choice is simpler than it looks. Here's what actually matters.

Don't start with an advanced racket

It's tempting to buy the racket the pros use, thinking it'll speed up your progress. In practice, advanced rackets are usually stiffer, heavier in the head and less forgiving. They punish off-centre hits and can make learning harder. Choose a racket that suits where your game is now, with room to grow.

Step 1: Go light

A lighter racket is easier to manoeuvre, quicker at the net and kinder on your arm while your technique develops. Around 355–365g is a comfortable range for most adult beginners.

Step 2: Choose a softer core

Soft EVA or foam cores give more rebound at low swing speeds and absorb vibration, which makes the racket more comfortable and helps avoid arm problems like tennis elbow. You'll get the ball over the net with less effort while you work on technique.

Step 3: Pick a round shape

Padel rackets come in three main shapes:

Round – the sweet spot sits low and central, making the racket forgiving and easy to control. Best for beginners.

Teardrop / hybrid – a balance of control and power. A good step-up once you're playing regularly.

Diamond – sweet spot high up the face for maximum power, but much less forgiving. Best left to advanced players.

Want the detail? Read our guide to padel racket shapes explained.

Step 4: Look for a low or even balance

Balance describes where the weight sits. A low (head-light) or even balance feels lighter in the hand and gives more control and precision – exactly what you want while learning. Head-heavy rackets add power but are harder to handle.

How much should you spend on a beginner padel racket?

Under £50

Usually fibreglass-only rackets that can feel dead and wear out quickly. Fine for a one-off try, not for regular play.

£50–£100

The sweet spot for most beginners. Look for a carbon frame for durability, with a soft core for comfort. Our guide to the best beginner padel racket under £100 covers exactly what to look for.

£100–£200

For players who've caught the bug and are playing weekly. Expect better materials, more feel and a racket that will last as you improve.

£200+

Performance rackets for intermediate and advanced players.

Which VIBEPADEL racket is right for you?

Spark – for beginners (£69.99)
Built to tick every box above. At 360g with a low balance and our soft VIBE EVA core, Spark is light, forgiving and comfortable, with a large sweet spot and a durable carbon frame that can handle the odd clash with the glass. A carry case is included.

Torch – for beginners to intermediates (£169.99)
The step-up racket. A hybrid shape and middle balance give you control and stability, with an 18K carbon face and VIBE EVA P-CORE for a plush, consistent feel. Ideal if you're playing regularly and want a racket you won't outgrow quickly.

Flare – for intermediate to advanced players (£169.99)
For players who like to attack. Fast in the hand, punchy, with a 3K carbon face and VIBE EVA C-CORE. Not the one to start with, but the one to aim for.

Compare all VIBEPADEL rackets →

Don't forget the overgrip

Whatever racket you choose, put an overgrip on it from day one. It protects the handle, gives you a better grip and costs a fraction of replacing the base grip. Read why every padel player should use an overgrip, or shop Grip 'n' Rip overgrips.

New to the game altogether? Start with our padel kit checklist, our guide to padel rules and our 5 quick tips to boost your game.

Beginner padel racket FAQs

What weight padel racket should a beginner use?

Most adult beginners are comfortable around 355–365g. Lighter is easier to control and kinder on the arm.

Is a round or diamond racket better for beginners?

Round. The sweet spot is lower and more central, so off-centre hits are more forgiving and control is easier.

Can I use a tennis racket for padel?

No. Padel rackets are solid (no strings), shorter and perforated, and padel is played with a lower-pressure ball.

When should I upgrade my padel racket?

When you're playing regularly, your technique is consistent and you're looking for more control or power than your current racket gives you – usually after several months of weekly play.