How to choose your first padel racket

Padel usually starts with a borrowed racket and a booking with friends. Then it becomes a habit — and suddenly every racket in front of you promises more power, more control and a “pro” feel. Here’s how to choose a first racket of your own, simply.

1. Start with how often you play

If you’ve only played a handful of times, renting a little longer is perfectly sensible. Once padel is part of your week — once or twice, or more — a racket of your own means the same feel every session, and you stop relearning a new racket each time.

2. Pick for how you play today

Choose for the player you are now, not the one you might be in two years. Most new regular players are best served by an all-round racket: forgiving enough on off-centre hits, with enough response to reward a good swing.

3. Look at the shape first

• Round: the sweet spot sits lower and closer to your hand. It’s the most forgiving shape and a natural choice if control and comfort matter most.
• Diamond: the weight sits higher for attacking shots and smashes. Powerful, but less forgiving when you miss the centre.
• In between: some rackets sit between the two and suit players who want a bit of everything.

4. Then check the weight

Most padel rackets weigh between about 345 and 380 g. Lighter rackets are quicker to move and easier on the arm over long sessions; heavier ones feel more solid and put more weight behind the ball.

5. Don’t buy on the carbon number alone

3K, 12K and 18K describe how many thousand filaments are in each carbon thread. It changes the weave and look of the surface — it isn’t a level, and a higher number isn’t automatically better. How a racket feels depends on the whole build: face, core, frame, weight and balance.

6. Check the practical side

Before you order, look at the total price, the delivery estimate, what’s in the box and the returns terms. At Lorivano, delivery is free across Europe and the UK, and you have 14 days from delivery to ask for a return or an exchange.

Still not sure?

Our 5-question guide suggests a racket from our range and explains why — including what it gives up. You can also browse every racket and filter by style, weight and budget.