

PADEL RACKET BUYING GUIDE
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PADEL RACKETS
Padel is a rapidly growing racket sport and the rackets used to play padel distinguish the sport from others, as they do not feature strings like you’d find on tennis, badminton, and hardball rackets. Instead, they are strong and firm with holes distributed across the racket face to deliver performance characteristics of power and control.
There are many differences to take into consideration when buying a padel racket, and the different types of padel rackets available each have their own benefits which will suit different play styles.
With this in mind, we’ve created this padel racket guide to provide you with all the information you need, which in turn will help you figure out which padel racket to buy.


What are padel rackets made from?
When choosing a racket, it's important to research which type of design and materials will best suits your needs. Professional rackets are typically made from premium carbon fibre, providing the weight needed for powerful shots. Beginners and intermediates might prefer lighter rackets to enhance control and movement, with fiberglass being a popular choice due to its lightweight feel.
Why do padel rackets have holes?
One of the most frequently asked questions relating to padel rackets is "why do padel rackets have holes?" Just like a tennis racket, the padel’s holes help to reduce weight, and improve aerodynamics by reducing air resistance when players swing their racket. Another reason padel rackets have holes is that they help absorb the vibration during ball impact, lessoning the risk of injuries and discomfort to players.
The holes also have some performance benefits, as they can help to generate spin which can alter the flight off the ball more dramatically than a padel without holes would. The reduced air resistance allows players to swing the racket with more speed, which in turn allows the generation of more spin. The reduced vibrations improve grip, allowing players to transfer force and spin more proficiently.


Why is there a strap on padel rackets?
A padel rackets strap or cord is an important safety feature that again differentiates padel rackets from rackets used in other sports. The usage of a safety strap by players is mandatory based on regulations set out by padel’s governing bodies. The reasons for this are predominantly based on player safety, as the strap stops rackets from flying out of players hands during play.
The straps also stop players from switching playing hands during a point which isn’t allowed and is penalised (players can switch playing hands between points by attaching the strap to their other wrist). When buying a padel racket always make sure that you buy a racket that has a wrist strap.
How big are padel rackets?
Padel racket face sizes do not tend to change too much. However, the racket depth and weight can vary albeit not too drastically. Depending on skill and age of the player, beginners will typically use light rackets which are around 36mm thick and weigh between 11 oz (320g) and 12.5 oz (355g). Skilled or experienced players typically go for more powerful rackets which are normally heavier at around 13 oz (370g) and are 38mm thick.
As you’d expect, junior rackets are smaller/lighter, they only normally weigh 9-10 oz (280-320g) and measure around 12-13 inches (30-35cm). These rackets still follow the LTA’s guidelines and come at a minimum thickness of 36mm.
Senior rackets are bigger, with the maximum racket size being 1.4 feet (45.5cm). Senior rackets involve more variations of shape meaning they could weigh anything from 11-13 oz (320-375g). All senior racket depths are measured at the maximum thickness which is 38mm.


Do padel rackets come in different shapes?
Yes, padel rackets come in different shapes, and the shape can be just as important, if not more so, than the material. There are three main racket shapes: Round, Teardrop, and Diamond.


Round Shape Rackets: Round rackets are perfect for beginners. They are the lightest and have the largest sweet spot, centrally located on the racket face. This makes them easier to handle and more forgiving if you hit the ball off-center.
Teardrop Shape Rackets: Teardrop rackets are ideal for intermediate players. They offer a balanced mix of power and control, with a moderate-sized sweet spot that still allows for high-speed shots.
Diamond Shape Rackets: Diamond rackets are the go-to choice for professionals who prioritize power. They feature a smaller sweet spot located higher on the racket face, perfect for aggressive play styles and generating impressive speed. However, they are less forgiving on mishits, making them less suitable for beginners.
Padel racket sweet spots
The ‘sweet spot’ of a padel racket refers to the area of the racket that can produce the highest amount of force and control. As mentioned above, the size of a rackets sweet spot will differ between racket shapes which is why different rackets cater to different skill levels.
For example, if you buy a round racket you can expect to have a much larger sweet spot which will reduce mishits. The weight of the racket is fully distributed across the full racket face which makes it easier to use. More experienced or intermediate players will often opt for a tear drop racket, as this still offers a decent size sweet spot whilst allowing players to hit with a bit more power and generate greater spin.
Advanced players will likely choose a diamond racket, as they allow players to generate the most power and spin with shots hit from the sweet spot. The sweet spots on diamond shaped rackets are much smaller and located around the top of the face, meaning you have to be precise to avoid mishit shots. Many professionals use diamond rackets as they are precise enough to take advantage of the performance benefits diamond shaped rackets can offer.


Which padel racket should you buy?
At Net World Sports we stock a wide range of padel rackets for players of all levels of experience and skill. Our padel rackets are available in both junior and adult sizes, and boast a range of pioneering features and technology including Spin Max 3D textured face for superior grip, and spin light technology for a higher level of control. Developed by our inhouse team of sports equipment engineers and product designers, whatever your ability level and budget, you're sure to find the racket that you need.
VERMONT ORIGIN PADEL RACKET [JUNIOR/SENIOR]
Shape: Round
Designed For: Beginners
Our padel racket lineup starts with the Vermont Origin, perfect for beginners. Available in junior and senior sizes, it’s the ideal choice for those just getting started with padel. The Origin is a lightweight, round-shaped racket with a large sweet spot, making it easy to control and play.
VERMONT ASCENT PADEL RACKET
Shape: Round
Designed For: Beginners/Intermediate
Looking for a step up from the basics without sacrificing playability? Our Vermont Ascend racket might be your perfect match. Ideal for both beginners and intermediate players, the Ascend boasts a round face and is crafted from carbon fiber for a pro-level feel.


VERMONT TRIUMPH PADEL RACKET
Shape: Teardrop
Designed For: Intermediate
Introducing our first teardrop racket, the Vermont Triumph. This unique shape is designed for experienced players seeking a blend of control and power. The Triumph’s sweet spot is smaller than a round racket but larger than a diamond-shaped one, making it a favorite among seasoned recreational players.
VERMONT APEX PADEL RACKET
Shape: Teardrop
Designed For: Intermediate/Advanced
For experienced players craving top-tier performance, our Vermont Apex racket is the ultimate choice. This advanced, full-carbon padel racket features a rough, sand-grit texture designed to help players generate more spin on their shots.


VERMONT IMPERIUM PADEL RACKET
Shape: Diamond
Designed For: Advanced
Lastly, our Vermont Imperium is our renowned diamond-shaped racket, designed for skilled padel players. Heavier than our other rackets, the Imperium delivers unmatched power and spin. This full-carbon racket features a Spin Max 3D face to maximize its performance
So, some key things to remember before you buy a Padel racket:
- Check the shape and buy ones tailored to your ability.
- Make sure to use the safety strap to prevent accidents.
- Look at the materials, heavier rackets are made with carbon, whereas lighter rackets are made with fibre glass.
- Practice hitting the sweet spot. This is easier with round rackets, more difficult with teardrop rackets and much harder with diamond rackets.