What is a padel racket: a solid, perforated paddle approximately 45.5cm long with no strings. The core is made of EVA foam (a closed-cell foam similar to what is used in running shoe midsoles), wrapped in carbon fibre, fibreglass, or a blend of both. The face is perforated with holes between 9mm and 13mm to reduce air resistance. Padel rackets come in three main shapes (round, teardrop and diamond) and weigh between 340g and 380g.
What is a padel racket made of: anatomy
Every padel racket has the same basic structure: a foam core sandwiched between two flat faces, surrounded by a frame, with a handle and grip. The differences between rackets come from the materials used, the shape of the face, the density of the core and the layout of the holes.
- Face (planes) - the two flat hitting surfaces, made of carbon fibre or fibreglass weave
- Core - the foam sandwich filling, typically EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) of varying densities
- Frame - the structural rim around the head, usually carbon fibre
- Holes - drilled through the face, typically 38-71 holes depending on design
- Heart - the throat area connecting the head to the handle
- Handle - the grip section, usually wrapped in absorbent overgrip
- Wrist strap - mandatory in competition, attached to the bottom of the handle
What padel rackets are made of
Face materials
The face material determines how the ball comes off the racket. Carbon fibre is stiffer and more responsive, generating more power and feel. Fibreglass is softer and more forgiving, better for beginners and arm-sensitive players. Many premium rackets use multi-layer carbon weaves like 3K, 12K and 18K - the number refers to thousands of carbon strands per bundle. See our 3K vs 12K vs 18K carbon explained.
Core materials
The core determines how the ball feels on impact - soft and forgiving, or hard and responsive. EVA foam comes in varying densities. Soft EVA absorbs vibration and is easier on the arm. Hard EVA gives a livelier, more responsive feel but transmits more shock to the wrist and elbow. See our EVA foam guide for full detail.
Padel racket shapes
There are three main padel racket shapes, each with a different sweet spot location and playing characteristic.
| Shape | Sweet spot | Best for | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Central, large | Beginners, control players | Easy |
| Teardrop | Slightly higher than centre | Intermediate, all-round | Medium |
| Diamond | High, concentrated near top | Advanced, power players | Hard |
Round rackets are the most forgiving and easiest to control. Diamond rackets offer the most power but punish off-centre hits. Teardrop sits between the two. Read our racket shapes guide for the full breakdown.
Padel racket weight
Padel rackets weigh between 340g and 385g. Weight affects manoeuvrability, power and arm safety more than any other spec.
- 340-355g (light) - fast swing, easy on the arm, lower power. Good for beginners, juniors and players with arm injuries.
- 355-370g (medium) - the standard range. Most players should be in this bracket regardless of level.
- 370-385g (heavy) - more power but requires strong technique and a conditioned arm. Advanced and competitive players only.
Playing with a racket that is too heavy is the most common cause of padel-related elbow pain. See our racket weight guide for full detail.
Padel racket vs tennis racket
These two rackets share almost nothing in common beyond the word racket itself.
| Padel racket | Tennis racket | |
|---|---|---|
| Strings | No - solid face with holes | Strung |
| Length | Max 45.5cm | 68.5cm standard |
| Weight | 340-385g | 270-340g |
| Material | Foam core + carbon/fibreglass | Frame only - graphite, alloy |
| Sweet spot | Built into shape geometry | Determined by string pattern |
| Vibration | Absorbed by foam core | Absorbed by strings + dampener |
A tennis racket cannot be used for padel and vice versa. The lengths, weights and rules of both sports prohibit substitution.
Padel racket regulations
The International Padel Federation (FIP) regulates the maximum dimensions of any racket used in official competition.
- Maximum length: 45.5cm including handle
- Maximum width: 26cm
- Maximum thickness: 38mm
- Holes: must be drilled through the face in a fixed pattern
- Wrist strap: mandatory in all FIP-sanctioned competition
Find a racket built for your level
Three questions, one personalised pick.