Padel Racket Buyer’s Guide: Best Picks for Every Budget (£50, £100, £200)
If you’ve ever watched a padel match, you know it’s like tennis met squash, they hit it off, and voilà – pure fun! Whether you’re a total newbie or a court regular, having the right padel racket can make all the difference. It’s not just about looking cool (though that helps) – it’s about control, power, and making your shots look like you know what you’re doing.
Fear not, dear player! We’ve whipped up the ultimate guide covering padel rackets across three budgets: under £50, under £100, and under £200. You’ll discover the perfect racket for your style, skill, and wallet. Let’s dive in!
Padel Rackets Under £50: Beginner-Friendly Fun
Budget doesn’t have to mean boring. The best under £50 rackets are like your first pair of roller skates, easy to handle, forgiving, and tons of fun.
Top Pick: IANONI Paddle Tennis Racket
Material: Composite frame with an EVA core (soft and comfortable for your rookie smashes)
Weight: ~360g – light as a feather but sturdy enough for the court
Shape: Round – giving you ultimate control while you learn the ropes
Pros: Affordable, beginner-friendly, easy on the arms
Cons: Limited power for advanced shots
This racket is perfect if you want to start hitting the ball without spending a fortune. It’s like training wheels for your padel journey, except way cooler.
Check the latest price and grab it here →
For a deeper dive into the specs and real-world feedback, check our full IANONI review.
Pro Tip: If you’re a casual player or buying for a friend who’s just curious about padel, this is your go-to choice. Fun factor: 10/10.
Padel Rackets Under £100: Level Up Your Game
Once you’ve mastered a few smashes and dodged the occasional accidental wall collision, it’s time to step up your game. Enter the under £100 category – where you get more power, more control, and a serious upgrade for your play style.
Top Pick: Wilson Fiberglass Optix V1
Material: Fiberglass with precision technology – giving you that sweet spot feeling
Weight: 370g – a nice balance of control and power
Shape: Teardrop – perfect for all-round performance
Pros: Durable, versatile, great feel on the ball
Cons: Slightly heavier than beginner models
The Wilson Optix V1 is like upgrading from a bicycle to a mountain bike, it just feels right. You can handle more speed, more angles, and your shots suddenly look professional.
Read our full Wilson Optix V1 review for every nitty-gritty detail.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to play regularly, this racket gives you the right mix of power and control without making your wallet cry. Bonus: your friends might actually notice your improved skills!
Padel Rackets Under £200: Serious Power Players
Now we’re getting serious. These rackets are for players who want maximum performance, precision, and the kind of shots that make opponents scratch their heads.
Top Pick: NOX Genius Agustin Tapia 18K
Material: Carbon frame with 18K graphite – professional-grade power and spin
Weight: 375g – optimized for aggressive and dynamic play
Shape: Diamond – perfect for advanced shots, killer smashes, and fancy spins
Pros: Explosive power, precision control, durable
Cons: Higher price, steeper learning curve for beginners
If you’ve got some experience and want a racket that lets you show off your inner padel genius, the NOX Genius is like strapping a rocket to your hand—minus the actual danger.
For the full breakdown of specs, performance, and player impressions, check out our full NOX Genius review.
Pro Tip: Only choose this if you’ve played a bit and are ready to commit to improving your game. Think of it as the sports car of padel rackets. You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari for your first driving lesson, right?
How to Choose the Right Padel Racket
Choosing a racket is like picking the perfect pair of shoes – you want comfort, style, and function. Here’s the lowdown:
Weight: Lighter (~360g) for beginners, heavier (~375g) for more power and professional play.
Shape: Round = control, Teardrop = all-round, Diamond = power and spin.
Material: EVA core and fiberglass for beginners/intermediates; carbon and 18K graphite for advanced players.
Skill Level: Match your racket to your experience to improve faster and enjoy more.
Budget: Don’t overspend unless your game really demands it. Remember, practice > price.
Budget vs. Performance: Quick Comparison
| Budget | Weight | Shape | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under £50 | 360g | Round | EVA + Composite | Beginners / Casual Play |
| Under £100 | 370g | Teardrop | Fiberglass | Intermediate / All-Round |
| Under £200 | 375g | Diamond | Carbon + 18K | Advanced / Competitive |
Final Thoughts: Smash, Spin, Repeat
Padel is all about fun, skill, and a little bit of swagger. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of padel or you’re chasing tournament glory, the right racket can make your time on the court more enjoyable, effective, and stylish.
Budget beginner? Go for the IANONI under £50. Fun and forgiving.
Intermediate player? Wilson Optix V1 under £100. Perfect balance and versatility.
Serious competitor? NOX Genius under £200. Professional performance in your hands.
No matter which level you’re at, there’s a perfect racket waiting to help you crush it on the court.