Choosing the right padel racket is a real headache for the majority of players, whether beginners or experienced. Too heavy, too rigid, not suited to your playing style… an unsuitable racket can hinder your progress, or even cause pain. Through a situation experienced during a training course, Andoni Bardasco gives us a complete and accessible reflection to understand how to choose the right racket, depending on his feelings, his technique and his objectives.

A true story… or almost!

It all started with an exchange with Fred, an amateur player he met during a training camp. Like many others, he played with a racket that was poorly suited to his game, simply chosen... based on the professional player he admired:

"I took Federico Chingotto's racket because he plays on the right, he's small like me, and his name is Fede and I'm Fred."

A choice dictated by physical identification and not by technical characteristics of the racket. An unfortunately very widespread approach.

Classic player mistakes

Andoni first points out a common fact: the lack of real tests.
Most players don't get to try out rackets in stores. They borrow rackets from friends, test them for a few minutes... and then make a blind decision.

But the same racket can vary:

  • From 10 to 20 grams from one model to another;
  • According to the state of wear (a new racket is firmer than a worn one);
  • By grip size or head weight, which directly influences handling and power.

“A difference of 20 grams sometimes represents more than 7% of the total weight, which is huge in terms of sensation.”

The fundamentals to take into account

1. The shape of the racket

Andoni recommends that players who come from tennis or still lack control turn to round snowshoes, more tolerant.

"I myself designed a round racket, made of two foams, because that's what I recommend to my students."

2. The type of foam: soft or hard?

During the test with Fred, two identical rackets were tried:

  • A “Soft” (softer foam, providing comfort and sensations);
  • A "hard" (denser foam, demanding but very precise).

Soft:

“I loved it from the baseline. It’s reminiscent of tennis: you can really feel the ball in your hand, it’s comfortable.”

Hard:

“More demanding, but when I center well, the ball goes quickly and precisely. It forces you to position yourself well.”

Adapt the racket to your playing style

During the rally, Andoni observes that Fred hits the ball too far from him. However, diamond or triangle shaped rackets like the one he uses encourages a distant point of impact, not very suited to his style. A round racket forces him to hit closer to the body, improving control and learning.

“A suitable racket won’t transform you, but it will help you progress faster.”

The truth about very tender mousses

Andoni insists on a personal point: he advises against super soft rackets, very popular among beginners.

"These very soft foams don't transmit anything. They give false sensations and slow down learning. A racket must be comfortable, but also a little demanding."

The key criteria for choosing the right racket

✅ The shape:

  • Round : control, maneuverability, ideal for beginners.
  • Water drop : control/power compromise.
  • Diamond : powerful, but demanding.

The weight :
Between 350 and 380 g according to morphology. Test balance (head or neutral).

The foam :

  • Soft Drinks : comfort, sensations.
  • Hard : precision, performance.
    Caution: too soft a software can be counterproductive.

The sensations when typing:
Don't rely solely on performance. Hand feel is everything. If you don't "feel" your ball, progress is difficult.

In summary: listen to your feelings

Choosing a racket is personal and scalable. It depends on:

  • Of your current level,
  • Of your gameplay style (right-hand player? baseline player? aggressive at the net?),
  • From your objectives:,
  • And above all… of yours sensations on the ground.

Don't just copy the pros. Test, compare, listen to the advice of a trainer or a professional.

Final words from Andoni Bardasco

“If I had to give one piece of advice to all players: invest time in choosing your racket. It's your main tool. A good racket doesn't make a good player, but it can definitely help you progress faster and have fun.”

Racket shape

Form BenefitsFor which player?
RoundControl, tolerance, maneuverabilityBeginner, right-hand player, former tennis player
Water drop (hybrid)Power/Control BalanceIntermediate to advanced level
DiamondPower, aggressive playLeft-handed player, smash, advanced level

Weight and balance

ElementExplanationTo remember
Total weightApproximately 350–380 gThe heavier it is, the more powerful it is, but the less maneuverable it is.
BalanceIn the lead = power / Centered = versatile / In the handle = maneuverabilityTo be adjusted according to your playing style
Grip & accessoriesChanging the grip or adding a protector changes the head weightNot to neglect

Foam type

MousseSensationsFor what type of game?
Soft DrinksComfort, absorption, controlDefense, baseline play, beginners
HardResponsiveness, precision, speedVolley, smash, aggressive play, advanced players

Be careful with ultra-soft foams: they mask sensations and slow down learning.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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