It's not always easy to find your way around when looking for a padel. Focus on the central element: the foam.

Foam is one of the most important components of the racquet. padel. Many of the characteristics of your pala depend on it. Just like the shape or the arrangement of the holes, this is something to keep in mind when you are about to make a purchase.

There are two main categories of foam: EVA foam and Polyethylene foams (FOAM). We already have makes articles about their differences, Today we are going to note the foams in the main characteristics, so that you can make a quick selection. The foams are classified by hardness: from the most flexible to the hardest.

  • Polyethylene (or FOAM) Soft

Vibration absorption: 5/5

Comfort: 5/5

Accuracy: 1/5

Bale out: 5/5

Power: 1/5

  • Polyethylene (or FOAM)

Vibration absorption: 4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Accuracy: 2/5

Bale out: 4/5

Power: 1/5

  • Polyethylene (or FOAM) Hard

Vibration absorption: 4/5

Comfort: 4/5

Accuracy: 2/5

Bale out: 4/5

Power: 2/5

  • EVA Soft

Vibration absorption: 3/5

Comfort: 3/5

Accuracy: 3/5

Bale out: 3/5

Power: 3/5

  • EVA Mid

Vibration absorption: 2/5

Comfort: 2/5

Accuracy: 4/5

Bale out: 2/5

Power: 4/5

  • EVA Hard

Vibration absorption: 1/5

Comfort: 1/5

Accuracy: 5/5

Bale out: 1/5

Power: 5/5

 

As you can see, the foam EVA Soft, very present on the racket market, is the foam the most balanced between the 5 characteristics that we have retained. Control was not intentionally integrated, since, as we told you in a previous article, it is a mix between precision and comfort. Also pay attention to do not confuse power and ball output.

The foam is obviously not the only element responsible for the behavior of a racket, and the material in which its faces are made also has an influence. For example, a racket with EVA Soft foam and a fiberglass surface will be less powerful and more comfortable than a paddle with the same foam and 18K carbon on the faces.

Just like a pala with a vibration absorption system sophisticated may be superior in absorption to a model with a softer foam but which does not have parts specially designed for this task. So pay close attention to all the elements when deciding.

 

Xan is a fan of padel. But also rugby! And his posts are just as punchy. Physical trainer of several padel, he unearths atypical posts or deals with topical subjects. It also gives you some tips to develop your physique for the padel. Clearly, he imposes his offensive style as on the field of padel !