From its humble beginnings in the 1970s, Padel has undergone a spectacular evolution, thanks in particular to technological advances in racket manufacturing. From carbon fiber, first used in the 1990s, to the various shapes adapted to playing styles, each element of the racket has been redesigned to combine lightness, power and maneuverability. From models wrongly called “without holes” to rackets equipped with adjustable weight systems, including the introduction of wrist straps for better safety, the equipment of padel players has continued to improve, offering today optimal performance on the courts.

Padel References gives us his top 5.

Carbon fiber: the solution that combines lightness and power

Carbon fiber was first developed in the 1950s for the aerospace industry, with the aim of creating lightweight and strong materials. In the 1960s, improvements were made by British scientists, leading to its adoption in aeronautics and high-performance sports. From the 1970s onwards, it was incorporated into sports equipment, such as tennis and padel rackets. The first model of padel racket to use carbon fiber was the “Siux Black”, launched in the 1990s by the Spanish brand Siux.

This innovation improved player performance with lighter rackets offering better control and agility.


Various racket shapes for a tailor-made game

The very first model of padel racket was very simple and did not have a particular name, because it was handcrafted by Enrique Corcuera in years 1970. This racket, made of solid wood without holes, had an appearance closer to a table tennis bat, reflecting the limited resources and modest origins of the sport at that time.

Subsequently, padel rackets have undergone significant evolution, particularly with the integration of holes and the use of composite materials.

The evolution of padel rackets has been marked by an innovative stage with the appearance of various shapes, each adapted to the specific needs of the players. In the 2000s, the first padel rackets round shapes were launched, offering excellent control and maneuverability, making them ideal for beginners.

Then, in the middle of the 2010s, the snowshoes in diamond shape were introduced, favoring power over control, and thus aimed at experienced players.

to 2018, teardrop-shaped rackets have hit the market, offering a good balance between power and control, suitable for all-rounders looking to optimize their game.

In conclusion, the evolution of the shapes of padel rackets, whether round, diamond or teardrop models, reflects a progressive adaptation to the needs of the players, seeking to optimize control, power and balance in turn, thus illustrating the continuous innovation in the equipment of this sport.

Innovation without holes… finally 1 hole!

The emergence of single-hole padel rackets is an intriguing innovation, shaking up traditional models with multiple holes, which are known to offer better handling. However, this new design promises specific advantages, particularly in terms of power and precision, thus redefining certain aspects of the game.

La Dropshot Typhon 2.0 already proposed it with an innovative design in 2020, incorporating a unique hole configuration to optimize performance on the court. The Typhon 2.0 did not meet the success expected by the brand.

On the other hand, in 2023 la Head Extreme One Also designed with a single hole near the handle, it has captured the attention of players thanks to its significant improvement in terms of power and comfort.

Adding weights to the rackets

Many brands offer it. With different names or ways of doing things that vary, the object always remains the same, get the balance that suits you.

The evolution of the weights of padel rackets illustrates the changes that have occurred in materials over the years, with the arrival of new technologies.

In the 1990s, padel rackets were mostly heavy, weighing between 360 and 380 grams, often made with materials such as wood and early composite fibers. They offered a good balance between power and control, suitable for beginners and intermediate players. In the early 2000s, rackets began to weigh around 340 to 360 grams. The increasing use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials made it possible to create more maneuverable rackets, allowing players to make faster movements and react more effectively on the court.

In the 2010s, the diversification of padel racket weights marked a significant evolution in the sport. Manufacturers introduced heavier models, reaching up to 400 grams, designed to offer greater power. This increase in weight allowed players to maximize the force of their shots while ensuring greater stability during powerful shots. Nowadays, rackets generally range between 340 and 390 grams, with specific models going up to 400 grams.

The tool PalaMatch de Padel Reference can help you choose the ideal racket, as well as determine whether it is better to opt for a lighter or heavier racket.

The innovation of wrist straps that secure

The wrist straps began to become common in the 1990s. 1990, when rackets incorporated safety features to improve grip. Designs and materials have continued to evolve since then.

Wrist straps are elastic bands or straps attached to the handle of tennis rackets. PadelThey allow players to keep the racket in hand, even during sudden movements or falls, and are often adjustable to fit each player's wrist size, providing increased comfort and safety during matches.

Since then, they have become a standard feature on snowshoes. Padel.


La International Federation of Padel (FIP) has made wrist straps mandatory on snowshoes Padel in its regulations:

“The racket must be equipped with a non-elastic wrist strap with a maximum length of 35 cm, which must be attached to the handle and wrapped around the wrist as protection against any accident. Its use is mandatory.

Subsequently, in 2021, a new system named SmartStrap was developed by the brand Nox thus providing a practical solution that allows the racket strap to be changed without the need for tools, facilitating its maintenance and cleaning.

The Nox brand was a pioneer in this innovation, which has since been adopted by other brands in the padel industry.

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