Choosing a padel racket: shape, weight and grip
The shape determines where the sweet spot sits and how forgiving the racket is: round places it centrally and is the most tolerant, teardrop offers balance, and diamond concentrates power high up and demands good technique.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- Usual weight runs 355 to 375 grams for women and 365 to 385 for men.
- The round shape has the widest and most central sweet spot.
- A soft core gives control and a hard core gives power.
- An advanced racket in inexperienced hands causes elbow problems.
The racket used by the professional in the video is designed for an arm that hits 500 balls a day. In another arm the same racket punishes the elbow and gives no power.
The three shapes
Round has a low balance and a wide, central sweet spot: it forgives off centre contact and is kindest to the arm. Teardrop places the balance in between and suits players combining defence and attack. Diamond puts the balance high and concentrates mass at the top, giving power on the smash at the cost of a small sweet spot and less tolerance.
| Shape | Sweet spot | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Round | wide and central | beginner and control |
| Teardrop | intermediate | mid level, mixed game |
| Diamond | high and small | advanced, power game |
| Weight for women | 355 to 370 g | |
| Weight for men | 365 to 385 g | |
| Soft core | more control | beginners and sensitive arms |
| Hard core | more power | advanced |
| Usual price | 80 to 350 € |
Weight and the arm
A heavier racket carries more inertia and transmits less vibration but tires the arm sooner and demands better technique. A lighter one is easier to manoeuvre and passes more vibration to the arm. The usual reference runs 355 to 370 grams for women and 365 to 385 for men, adjusted downward where there is any history of elbow, shoulder or wrist trouble. In doubt, always the lighter option.
The most repeated mistake
Buying an advanced profile racket in the first year. The small sweet spot forces harder hitting to compensate for off centre contact, and that combination of vibration and overexertion is a frequent contributor to elbow problems in recreational players. A round racket with a soft core at 100 € to 180 € produces better results and fewer injuries through the first 2 or 3 seasons.
Grip thickness matters too: the wrong size forces you to squeeze harder and multiplies forearm tension.
Care and lifespan
A recreational racket played 2 or 3 times a week holds its properties for 12 to 24 months. Heat is its enemy: leaving it in a car boot in August, where temperatures pass 60 degrees easily, degrades the rubber and the internal adhesive. Keeping it in a thermal cover, in the shade and with nothing resting on it, is what separates a racket that lasts 2 years from one that lasts 8 months.
Frequently asked
+Which shape should I choose?
Round for beginners and control, teardrop for mid level and diamond only with good technique.
+What weight is right?
355 to 370 grams for women and 365 to 385 for men, less if there is any arm trouble.
+Soft or hard core?
Soft for control and arm comfort, hard for power at advanced levels.
+Why does my elbow hurt?
Often from a racket that is too demanding, with a small sweet spot, or from the wrong grip size.
+How long does a racket last?
Twelve to twenty four months with two or three sessions a week, less if left in a hot car.
Sources
- 1Ministerio de Sanidad, Gobierno de España (August 2026)
- 2Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)