Best Padel Racket for Beginners in 2025 – Shapes, Materials, and Tips
Padel is exploding worldwide, and if you’re just starting your journey, you’re probably asking: What is the best padel racket for beginners? With so many shapes, materials, and price points available, finding the right racket can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about beginner padel rackets, including:
The differences between racket shapes (round, teardrop, and diamond)
Materials and weight considerations for beginner padel rackets
Whether you’re buying your first racket or upgrading from a rental, this guide will help you make the right choice in 2025.
How to Choose the Best Padel Racket for Beginners
Choosing your first padel racket is a big step. Unlike tennis, where rackets are more standardized, padel rackets vary significantly in shape, materials, and weight. The wrong choice can slow down your progress – or worse, cause injury.
Here’s what beginners should prioritize when choosing their first racket:
Control over Power – As a beginner, consistency matters more than smashing winners. Look for rackets that prioritize control.
Comfort – Lightweight, softer materials help reduce strain on your arm and wrist.
Forgiveness – A larger sweet spot (common in round rackets) makes the game easier while you develop your skills.
Budget – Beginners don’t need to spend £300+ on a racket. There are excellent beginner padel rackets under £100.
Pro Tip: If you’re new, start with a round racket, fibreglass surface, and a weight around 350g – 365g.
Racket Shapes (Round, Teardrop, and Diamond)
One of the most important factors in choosing a beginner padel racket is the shape. Each shape has different characteristics:
Round Rackets – The Best for Beginners
Forgiving: Large sweet spot, so mishits are less punishing.
Control-Focused: Helps develop accuracy and technique.
Best for: Absolute beginners and players who want to learn consistency first.
If you’re a beginner searching for the safest choice, the beginner round padel racket is your best bet.
Teardrop Rackets – A Balance of Power and Control
Medium sweet spot: More challenging than round rackets but more rewarding.
Power/Control Mix: Good for players who have some experience.
Best for: Intermediate beginners who want to transition to a more aggressive game.
Diamond Rackets – For Power Players (Not Recommended for Beginners)
Small sweet spot: Harder to use effectively.
Power-Heavy: Great for smashes but difficult to control.
Best for: Advanced players with strong technique.
👉 For beginner padel racket shape, stick to round rackets until you’re confident with your strokes.
Materials (Fibreglass & Carbon Fiber) and Weight for Beginners
| Feature | Fibreglass Rackets | Carbon Fiber Rackets |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Soft & flexible – absorbs impact | Stiff & rigid – transfers more power |
| Comfort | Very forgiving, easy on the arm | Less forgiving, can strain the arm |
| Control | Great for beginners, easy to handle | High precision, requires skill |
| Power | Moderate – focused on comfort & control | Stronger shots, more power potential |
| Durability | Adequate but less than carbon | Very durable, built for long-term use |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
| Best For | Beginners & casual players | Advanced & competitive players |
| Weight Tendency | Usually lighter to medium | Often medium to heavier |
Recommendation: For beginners, fibreglass rackets are ideal.
Beginner Padel Racket Weight
The ideal beginner padel racket weight is 350 – 365g.
Lightweight (340g – 360g)
Easy to handle, less stress on your arm. Perfect for new players.
Medium (360g – 375g)
More stability but harder for absolute beginners.
Heavy (375g+)
More power but tiring. Best avoided at first.
Comfort, Balance, and Price – Best Rackets Under £100
When buying your first racket, comfort and balance should be at the top of your checklist. Heavy or unbalanced rackets can cause elbow pain (hello, tennis elbow).
Balance Types:
Head-Light: More control, easier to swing.
Even Balance: Balanced mix of control and power.
Head-Heavy: More power, less maneuverability (not great for beginners).
For beginners, head-light or even balance rackets are best.
Best Beginner Padel Rackets Under £100 (2025)
If you’re looking for affordable yet reliable beginner rackets, check out this guide:
Best Budget Padel Rackets Under £100
Some strong picks for beginners under £100 include:
Wilson optix V1 – Round, lightweight, great for control.
Head Evo Speed – Beginner-friendly with soft feel.
Bullpadel BP10 EVO – Reliable choice with forgiving design.
🎾 Tips for Beginners
💡 Having the right racket is important, but improving your game also depends on smart practice.
📌 Remember: padel is about strategy and positioning just as much as technique.
✅ Master the Basics First
🔹 Focus on consistent returns, not raw power.
✅ Use the Walls
🔹 The glass is your friend -practice letting the ball bounce off and controlling your shot.
✅ Footwork Matters
🔹 Stay light on your feet and position yourself early for every ball.
✅ Keep the Racket Up
🔹 Don’t drop your racket – keeping it ready gives you faster reactions.
✅ Play Smart, Not Hard
🔹 Placement always beats power in padel.
✅ Warm Up Properly
🔹 Prevent injuries with dynamic stretches before you hit the court.
FAQs – Best Padel Racket for Beginners
1. What’s the best padel racket shape for beginners?
A round racket is the best for beginners because it has a large sweet spot and offers maximum control.
2. What’s the ideal beginner padel racket weight?
Between 350g – 365g is perfect, light enough for control but stable enough for learning.
3. Fibreglass or carbon fiber – which is better for beginners?
Fibreglass. It’s softer, cheaper, and more forgiving on the arm.
4. Can beginners use teardrop or diamond rackets?
Not recommended. They’re harder to control. Stick with round rackets at first.
5. Do I need to spend a lot on my first racket?
No. Many of the best beginner padel rackets cost under £100 and perform brilliantly.
6. What’s more important: comfort or power?
Comfort and control. Power will come later with better technique.
Final Thoughts – Finding the Best Padel Racket for Beginners in 2025
Choosing your first padel racket doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember:
Shape: Round rackets are best for beginners.
Material: Fibreglass offers comfort and forgiveness.
Weight: Stick to 350–365g for balance and ease.
Budget: Excellent beginner rackets exist under £100.
Padel is all about fun, teamwork, and learning. The right racket will help you improve faster and enjoy the game without injury. Whether you’re buying your first racket or upgrading in 2025, choose wisely and get ready to fall in love with the fastest-growing racket sport in the world.