How to choose a padel racket (with Australian prices)

A padel racket looks like a thick, solid paddle with holes in it. There are no strings. That makes it more forgiving than a tennis racquet, but the choice of shape, weight and materials still makes a real difference to how it plays.

What makes a padel racket legal?

The International Padel Federation (FIP) rules set the limits:

• Total length: no more than 45.5 cm, head plus handle.
• Width: no more than 26 cm.
• Thickness: no more than 38 mm (with a 2.5% tolerance).
• Handle: no longer than 20 cm.
• Holes: any number of round holes 9 to 13 mm across in the centre area.
• Faces: flat on both sides, smooth or rough.
• Wrist cord: compulsory, non-elastic, no longer than 35 cm.

Every racket sold by a mainstream brand will meet these, so this matters only if you are looking at something unusual.

Which racket shape should I choose?

Padel rackets come in three head shapes. The descriptions below are from the LTA, the UK's padel governing body, and from manufacturer guides.

Babolat says its diamond rackets have "a head-heavy weight" that puts the hitting point near the top of the racket, and that "this power requires greater skill to control the ball". It describes them as intended for intermediate to expert players. Decathlon Australia says round rackets have a larger sweet spot and are easier to control, so they suit beginners.

My suggestion if you are new: round or teardrop. A diamond racket makes your mishits worse while you are still learning where the sweet spot is.

How heavy should a padel racket be?

The LTA says rackets usually weigh between 340 and 390 g:

• Lighter (about 340 to 360 g): more control, less power, easier on the arm.
• Heavier (about 370 to 390 g): more power, less control.

Manufacturers list weights as a range, because rackets vary slightly. If you have had elbow or shoulder trouble, start at the lighter end.

Foam or EVA core?

The core is the material inside the racket. The LTA describes the two common types:

• Foam: softer feel, with more power from the ball springing off the face.
• EVA: firmer feel, with more control. EVA rackets are often labelled soft, medium or hard.

If you are unsure, ask to try both at your club. Most players can feel the difference within a few shots.

Fibreglass or carbon face?

The outer face is usually fibreglass, carbon, or a mix. The LTA says fibreglass is "flexible and easier to control, offering a softer touch", and carbon is "lightweight but more firm to play with". Decathlon Australia also says fibreglass "feels softer and more forgiving, which suits beginners".

Manufacturers do not all agree on whether carbon or fibreglass gives more power, so it is more useful to think about feel. Fibreglass is softer and more comfortable. Carbon is stiffer and is used on most of the expensive rackets.

How much does a padel racket cost in Australia?

These are listed prices from Australian retailers, read on their websites on 3 November 2026. Prices change often and sales are common.

Across the 90 rackets listed on Total Padel's site, the price range ran from $159.95 to $659.00. In the product pages I read, the beginner-labelled rackets all had fibreglass or polyglass faces and round or teardrop shapes, while the advanced rackets had carbon faces and diamond shapes. That is a pattern from a small sample, not a rule.

Typical price bands (checked November 2026)

• Entry level: about $150 to $210. Fibreglass faces, round or teardrop, softer cores.
• Mid range: about $220 to $400. More carbon, more choice of shapes. Many previous-season models sit here on sale.
• Premium: about $400 to $660. Pro player models, mostly carbon and diamond or teardrop.

Should a beginner buy an expensive racket?

No. A premium racket is usually stiffer, heavier at the head and less forgiving, which is the opposite of what a new player needs. Hire rackets at the venue for your first few sessions, then buy an entry-level or mid-range round or teardrop racket once you know you will keep playing. Some clubs also run racket demos, where you can try a model before buying. Tribe North Ryde, for example, lists a racket demo at $20.

Can I use a tennis racquet or a pickleball paddle?

No. The FIP rules require a padel racket, with a solid perforated face and a wrist cord, and venues expect one. A tennis racquet is far longer than the 45.5 cm limit: Babolat puts a typical tennis racquet at around 68 cm. A pickleball paddle has no holes and no wrist cord, and is built for a different ball. My padel vs pickleball guide covers the differences.

How do I look after a padel racket?

• Use a protector tape on the frame edge, as rackets often scrape the glass and the floor.
• Store it in a cover or racket bag.
• Replace the overgrip when it gets slippery.

Where do I buy a padel racket in Australia?

See my list of shops that sell padel gear in Australia, from big sports chains to specialist padel shops. For the rest of your kit, see padel balls and padel shoes.