At the start of the season, the different brands are starting to bring new models of snowshoes to the market. So how do you choose your new racquet with all the choices available on the market today? Sometimes consumers hide behind their trust in their favorite brand of racquet, but for others it can be a daunting task.

In this column we will give you 10 key factors to correctly choose your racket.

  1. The weight

This can be one of the most important factors to consider. The choice of weight will influence our playing comfort, and therefore the choice of your racket. Indeed, the more you have a light racket, the more control you have, and the heavier the racket, the more power you will have.

For women's rackets, the weight of rackets is between 355 and 370 grams.

For men's snowshoes, the weight will be between 370 and 385 grams approximately.

In addition, do not forget the weight of the grips and overgrips that you put on your racket or not, and if you use a protection on the top of your racket. These can affect the weight up to 20 grams more.

  1. The form

The shape of the racket you will choose will allow you to have more or less power, and more or less control.

There are three forms of rackets Padel :

  • Diamond shape : This type of racket allows the player to have more power, but less control. These rackets are more for confirmed players, and little for beginners.
  • Shape drop of water : These rackets are the perfect mix of power and control. Indeed, its weight is well distributed in the racket, allows it to be very maneuverable, and to be able to benefit from ball control while having power. These rackets are intended for intermediate to advanced players.
  • Round shape : This type of racket allows a perfect control of the ball, but having relatively little power. This is a light racket, balanced in the center of the racket. These are rackets for beginners.

  1. The core of the racket

Snowshoes Padel are made from compacted foams also called gums. The core can be made up of two types of gums: EVA or FOAM.

The EVA gum is tough, allows a longer life of the racket, and gives more feeling to the player at the time of the strike.

The FOAM rubber is softer than the previous one, with less durability, but allows a better contact of the ball.

There are no better erasers than another, you will have to choose what you prefer.

  1. Balance of the racket

It is related to the shape of your racket. If you take your current racket, grab it in the middle, and it falls forward, it is balanced “in the lead”. If it falls on the neck side, it is because it is balanced “in the neck”. Finally, if it remains stable, it is because it is balanced at the center.

With a balance in mind you will have more power (diamond shape). With a balance in the sleeve, instead you will have more control (round shape).

  1. The thickness

According to current regulations, a racket can not exceed a thickness of 38 millimeters. Today it is the thickness of the vast majority of snowshoes. That's why, make sure that the racket you choose fulfills this criterion, and linger over other factors.

  1. Frequency of play

To choose the ideal racket, you need to know how many times you are used to playing per week. If you practice, play with friends, and compete, try to buy a good racket. On the other hand, if you play occasionally, it won't be necessary to spend a lot of money on a racket.

  1. Try before you buy

The best advice we can give you is to try your (future) racket before you buy it. Many stores have a few snowshoes under test so you can make the right racket choice. Or, ask a friend who has the racket you want to buy, try his own to get a real idea, and make the right choice.

  1. The

The economic aspect will naturally influence the choice of your future racket. The ideal is to buy a racket with a good price / quality ratio, but there are circumstances which will make that to pay a little more expensive will allow you to have a racket which will last longer.

It is true that if you spend 200 € in a racket it may seem exorbitant, but if it lasts for more than a year, it is a very good buy.

However, if you are a player who starts, the best choice would be to take a racket at a very reasonable price (50 € to 100 € in general). And when you have progressed, you will be able to move to a racket of a higher level.

  1. inquire

If you do not have many ideas of what type of racket would be best suited for you, you can look on forums, or listen to your coach or the experienced players who play with you. You will then know the rackets with the best positive return rate, which will help you choose yours.

  1. Warranty

Each brand has a different way of doing things. What is certain: Favor your purchases in France and not abroad. The fashion is to buy in Spain. Except that in case of glitches, which can happen more than in tennis for example, you will be very happy to have a French contact.

The other important point: The after sales service in France will generally only work for products bought in France. No need to go to the club or contact the brand if the product was bought elsewhere than in France.

The prices in France are already very competitive, but even if you buy a few euros less elsewhere, we advise you to go to your club. padel which generally offers you a real service including after-sales service in case or to French sites.

Here is also a link to our partner sites:

https://padelmagazine.fr/annuaire-padel/shop-padel/

Alexis Dutour

Alexis Dutour is passionate about padel. With his training in communication and marketing, he puts his skills at the service of padel to offer us articles that are always very interesting.

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