How to read weight and balance before you buy

Nearly every padel racket weighs between 350 and 385 grams. It's a narrow range, but the difference is obvious after an hour on court.

Weight

• 355–365 g (light). Faster to swing, easier to control at the net, kinder to your arm. You give up a little power on a smash.
• 365–375 g (medium). The safe middle for most players.
• 375 g and up (heavy). Real power, and stable against hard shots, but it drains you and asks more of your elbow.

Manufacturers usually print a range such as 360–375 g, because production isn't exact. The racket you receive can sit anywhere inside it.

Don't forget what you add afterwards: an overgrip is 5–10 g, a head protector 8–12 g. A 370 g racket can reach 385 g in your hand.

Balance

Balance is where the racket's weight sits.

• Low balance (head-light). Weight near your hand. Feels nimble, reacts fast, comfortable for beginners.
• Medium balance. Versatile.
• High balance (head-heavy). Weight at the tip. Big momentum on a smash, but slower to react and more tiring.

Rule of thumb: round shapes are usually head-light, diamonds head-heavy, teardrops in between.

Combinations by situation

Once you know your numbers, filter the catalog: see all rackets and use the balance filter, or answer a few questions in the Racket Finder.