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Choosing A Padel Paddle/Racquet/Bat

 

Buying a Padel paddle can be a real challenge due to all the choices.  It is very important to choose wisely, as the wrong paddle not only hurts your game, but  it can also hurt your body.  Here is some information to help in your process, but you can always CONTACT US for further help.

 

GRIP SIZE:

One of the most important things to get right when buying a paddle is the grip size. If it’s too big or small you can sustain injuries like padel elbow. There’s a simple way to test that you’ve got the right grip size – when you hold the handle, there should be a gap between the tips of your fingers and the palm. In other words, you should be able to slide the forefinger of your free hand between the tips of your fingers and palm of your playing hand.

PROFILE:

The outside shape of the paddle providing the strength and endurance of your racket. Usually made up of tubular laminated layers of Fibreglass, Carbon Fibre, or Graphite. Impregnated with wax or Epoxy Resin.

CORE:

The inside of the paddle, the core. Either Foam or EVA Rubber (a shock absorbing rubber). The core can differ, which will create a difference in stiffness and playability.

SURFACE/SKIN:

The area where you hit the ball. This is usually a 1,2 or 3 layer surface of Fibreglass, Carbon Fibre or Graphite. The materials change the strength, power and endurance of the bat. The paddle will be impregnated with wax or Epoxy Resin.

WEIGHT:

There is no ideal weight for a Padel paddle, yet there is an ideal weight for any individual player. This weight depends on player characteristics. Is the player a quick mover (dynamic), a strong player (strength) or a technical player. Lighter blades are easier to handle/move, making them useful for the attacking net player, but will be more difficult to guide to a hard/fast shot. A heavier blade will help you in the pace of a shot, putting real force behind it, but will cause your movement towards the ball being slightly delayed.

BALANCE:

If you pick a even balance paddle, it will give you a medium mix of volley and groung stroke effictiveness.  Shifting the balance of the weight to a higher balance point, will increase your power on the ground strokes and increased paddle head speed. A lower balance (weight towards the handle) will make it easier for controlling your paddle's manuerability.  This will make it volley friendly.

THICKNESS:

Rules state the paddles are not allowed to be more than 38mm thick. Thicker paddles give more strength behind the shot (although this equally depends on the layers on the skin).  Thinner paddles improve manuerability and accuracy.  Usually adult thicknesses range between 36mm and 38 mm while junior paddles start at 35mm.

DENSITY:

The softer the paddle, the more bounce it will create on the surface, catapulting it with greater power back into the opposite direction. This means it will give you great power at the net, and will make it good for control from the background. If you are physically strong, we would advise to use a stronger paddle, as you will have a lot more control on the shots, especially at the net. The lack of force will be complemented with your own physical strength.