The best padel rackets for beginners and how to choose the right one

Choosing the right padel racket as a beginner makes a huge difference to how quickly you improve and how much you enjoy the game. With padel expanding rapidly across the UK, there are now more models, materials, and technologies than ever before. This can be overwhelming for new players who simply want a comfortable, forgiving racket that supports their early development.

This guide explains what beginners should look for and links directly to beginner-friendly options available at https://allthingspadel.co.uk.

why choosing the right beginner racket is so important

A beginner racket should help you control the ball, reduce vibration, and make the sport feel intuitive from day one. When a new player chooses a racket that is too heavy, too advanced, or too powerful, it can lead to frustration, poor technique, and unnecessary strain. The right racket accelerates improvement and makes learning padel far more enjoyable.

At https://allthingspadel.co.uk, beginners can explore curated racket selections designed for comfort, control, and stability.

choose a round racket for maximum control

Padel rackets come in round, teardrop, or diamond shapes.
For beginners, the round shape is the best choice because it offers:

a large central sweet spot
excellent control
predictable ball response
more forgiveness on off-centre hits

Round-shaped beginner rackets can be explored at:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets

finding the right weight

Most padel rackets weigh between 350 and 375 grams. A beginner should look for a racket between 350 and 365 grams. This gives stability without feeling too heavy.

Lightweight and beginner-friendly options can be found at:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets?filter.v.weight=Light

A slightly lighter racket helps improve quick reactions, especially during volleys and defensive shots.

understanding balance

Racket balance affects how easy the racket is to move.
There are three main categories:

head light: easiest to swing, ideal for beginners
even balance: a good middle point
head heavy: more power, harder to control

Beginners usually perform best with head light or even balance rackets.
Beginner-friendly options are available at:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets?filter.p.level=Beginner

soft EVA cores for comfort

Padel rackets use EVA foam at the core. Soft EVA is best for beginners because it provides:

excellent shock absorption
easy power
comfortable feel
reduced strain on the arm

A selection of soft EVA rackets is available at:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets?filter.v.core=Soft+EVA

fibreglass vs carbon fibre faces

The hitting surface has a big impact on feel.

Fibreglass:

softer
more flexible
more comfortable
perfect for beginners

Carbon fibre:

firmer
more powerful
suited to experienced players

Beginner players should start with fibreglass rackets, which are found here:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets?filter.v.surface=Fibreglass

Players ready to try carbon can explore:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets?filter.v.surface=Carbon

choosing the right grip and using overgrips

Getting the grip size right is crucial. A grip that is too small causes slipping, while one that is too large reduces control. Most players use one or two overgrips to customise the size and feel.

Overgrips are available at:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/overgrips

As padel courts can get quite warm, replacing overgrips regularly helps maintain a secure hold.

using the correct padel balls

Padel balls look similar to tennis balls, but they use lower pressure for a controlled, accurate bounce inside the enclosed court. Beginners should avoid using standard tennis balls.

Padel balls can be found at:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-balls

what beginners should expect to pay

Beginner rackets usually fall into these price ranges:

entry level: £60 to £100
mid level: £100 to £150
premium beginner or early intermediate: £150 to £200

Slightly investing above the lowest price bracket usually gets you better comfort and durability.

To compare options across all price points, visit:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets?sort_by=price-ascending

recommended beginner racket specifications

Beginners should look for:

round shape
350 to 365 grams
soft EVA core
fibreglass face
head light or even balance

These specifications match many rackets available here:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets

when to upgrade your beginner racket

As players improve, they often want:

more power
more spin
a firmer, more responsive feel
slightly more weight
a carbon fibre face

Intermediate rackets suitable for stepping up are available at:
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets?filter.p.level=Intermediate

why shop at allthingspadel.co.uk

All Things Padel provides:

specialist advice
curated beginner, intermediate, and advanced ranges
no low-quality imports
next day UK delivery
secure checkout
the trusted infrastructure of All Things Tennis

Players can also browse all categories:

Rackets
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-rackets

Balls
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-balls

Bags
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-bags

Overgrips
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/overgrips

Accessories
https://allthingspadel.co.uk/collections/padel-accessories

final thoughts

The best beginner padel racket is one that gives you confidence, comfort, and control. With the right design, materials, and weight, beginners can enjoy a smoother learning curve and a much more rewarding experience.

All key beginner racket features can be found easily at https://allthingspadel.co.uk, where every product is selected with player development in mind.