The best padel racket brings together comfort, control, precision and power – four key factors that can make all the difference on the court. In our extensive 2025 padel racket test, we carefully analyzed and compared the best padel rackets on the market. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, our guide is designed to help you find the perfect racket to match your playing style and skill level.
The Best Padel Rackets in our Test
Wilson Pro Staff Elite v2
WINNER
$109,00
- PRECISE BALL CONTROL
- SLIGHTLY HEAD-HEAVY BALANCE
- ROBUST HITTING SURFACE
- MEDIUM-SOFT FOAM CORE
- COMFORTABLE HANDLING
RYZE Pegasus
BEST VALUE
$109,00
- OUTSTANDING PRECISION
- VERSATILE
- ROBUST HITTING SURFACE
- SOFT FOAM CORE
- BALANCED CONSTRUCTION
HEAD Extreme Evo
Babolat Counter Vertuo
90,99 $
- MAXIMUM POWER
- FIBERGLASS HITTING SURFACE
- COMFORTABLE FEEDBACK
- STABLE CONSTRUCTION
- ADVANCED DESIGN
HEAD Gravity Pro
BESTSELLER
$129,00
- FORGIVING FEEL
- HYBRID HITTING SURFACE
- CONTROL FOAM CORE
- LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
- GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY
HEAD Evo Speed
$77,90
- EASY HANDLING
- GLASSFIBER HITTING SURFACE
- SOFT FOAM CORE
- LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
- VERY ATTRACTIVE PRICE
Dunlop Inferno Elite
$89,99
- STABLE CONSTRUCTION
- CARBON HITTING SURFACE
- EVA CORE
- BALANCED BALANCE
- ROBUST AND RELIABLE
In this article
Best Padel Racket in our Test | Our Top Picks 2025
What are the best padel rackets for beginners, intermediate or advanced players?
Choosing a good padel racket is crucial for success on the court, as it needs to meet the specific demands of the sport. For beginners, the best padel racket should be lightweight and well-balanced to enhance control and precision. On the other hand, advanced players require rackets that offer greater power and special vibration dampening, ensuring comfort and stability during intense matches. In this review, we highlight what to look for when selecting the best padel racket, along with general information on the subject.
In our comprehensive padel racket test, we have carefully evaluated the top models based on key factors such as control, power, handling, and comfort. Our assessment takes into account the needs of both casual players and more competitive athletes. In the following ranking, you’ll find the results of our test to guide you in choosing the best padel racket for your style and skill level. Many of the tested models are available in different variations to suit specific playing styles, experience levels, and even preferences for men, women, or children.
Current Pricing: $109,00
The Wilson Pro Staff Elite v2 features a slightly head-heavy balance, delivering both powerful shots and excellent control. Its textured hitting surface boosts spin and adds to its dynamic performance, making it a great choice for players who prefer an aggressive style of play.
- PRECISE BALL CONTROL
- SLIGHTLY HEAD-HEAVY BALANCE
- ROBUST HITTING SURFACE
- MEDIUM-SOFT FOAM CORE
- COMFORTABLE HANDLING
- LIMITED FORGIVENESS
- LESS COMFORT
Racket Shape: Teardrop
Weight: Approx. 365 G
Material: Carbon – Hitting Surface
Core: Medium-soft EVA Core
Balance: Slightly head-heavy
Surface: Textured Hitting Surface
Wilson Pro Staff Elite v2 Review
If you’re looking for a padel racket that offers both precise control and comfortable handling, the Wilson Pro Staff Elite v2 is a must-consider. With its textured hitting surface that enhances spin and a medium-soft foam core that dampens vibrations, this racket delivers an outstanding playing feel. The modern design makes it not only functional but also a visual standout.
Taking first place in our padel racket test, the Wilson Pro Staff Elite v2 proves why it’s a reliable all-rounder. Its slightly head-heavy balance provides the power needed, making it the best padel racket for offensive players, while still offering enough control for defensive and tactical plays. Beginners and advanced players alike will appreciate its well-rounded handling.
Priced just over $100, this racket offers the perfect blend of comfort, versatility, and stability. Thanks to its vibration-dampening construction, it’s also an excellent choice for athletes with sensitive joints or past injuries. As our first-place winner, the Wilson Pro Staff Elite v2 excels with its versatility, precision, and overall performance, making it the perfect fit for a wide range of playing styles.
Current Pricing: $109,00
Perfect for all-around players who want a balance of control and spin, the RYZE Pegasus stands out as one of the top padel rackets for dynamic and flexible play on the padel court.
- OUTSTANDING PRECISION
- VERSATILE
- HARD HITTING SURFACE
- SOFT FOAM CORE
- BALANCED CONSTRUCTION
- MODERATE VIBRATION DAMPENING
- REQUIRES TECHNIQUE
Racket Shape: Round
Weight: Approx. 360 – 365 G
Material: 12K Carbon – Hitting Surface
Core: EVA Soft Foam
Balance: Medium
Surface: Textured Hitting Surface
RYZE Pegasus Review
The RYZE Pegasus secures second place in our padel racket test, impressing with its successful blend of stability, control, and playing comfort. Thanks to its textured hitting surface, it delivers precise shots with optimal spin, while the Soft Foam core effectively dampens vibrations and enhances the overall playing feel. The modern design also appeals to many players.
In practice, the racket demonstrates remarkable versatility. Its balanced design offers defensive players precise ball control while providing offensive players stability and security during fast exchanges. Particularly in intense match situations, the Pegasus stands out with its control and reliability.
Available on Amazon for round about $110, the RYZE Pegasus is the best padel racket for players who value comfort and precision. The vibration dampening also makes it an excellent choice for users with sensitive joints or past injuries. As our second-place finisher, it impresses with its solid performance and versatility on the court.
Current Pricing $62,49
The HEAD Extreme Evo padel racket excels in our test, being recognized for its precision and versatility. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced player, it’s one of the top choices for controlled, tactical play on the court.
- PRECISE BALL CONTROL
- VERSATILE
- GRAPHENE 360+
- SOFT FOAM CORE
- EASY HANDLING
- LESS POWER
- HIGH PRICE
Racket Shape: Teardrop (Teardrop Oversize)
Weight: Approx. 360 G
Material: Frame and hitting surface made of fiberglass
Core: Soft Foam
Balance: Head-heavy (270 Mm)
Surface: Smooth
HEAD Extreme Evo Review
HEAD’s Extreme Evo is also a very versatile padel racket that also impresses with its precision and control. With innovative technologies and thoughtful design, it delivers reliable performance on the court. The Graphene 360+ technology improves energy transfer and provides flexibility, while the Soft Foam core dampens vibrations and offers a comfortable playing feel.
In our padel racket test, the HEAD Extreme Evo secured third place—thanks to its exceptional ball control, versatility, and affordable price. Players of all skill levels benefit from its precision, even on demanding shots. In practice, the racket stands out with its lightweight construction and balanced handling, making it ideal for defensive players and all-rounders who focus on controlled, tactical play.
The best padel racket is particularly suited for intermediate players who value comfort, control, and precision. The vibration dampening reduces the risk of strain, making it an excellent choice for athletes with previous arm or shoulder injuries. A winner that convinces on the court with performance and significantly improves the playing experience.
Current Pricing: $90,99
Designed for maximum power, the Babolat Counter Vertuo is ideal for offensive players. The 18K carbon hitting surface offers exceptional stability and precision, especially during intense rallies. One of the best padel rackets for advanced players with high demands.
- MAXIMUM POWER
- FIBERGLASS HITTING SURFACE
- COMFORTABLE FEEDBACK
- STABLE CONSTRUCTION
- ADVANCED DESIGN
- REQUIRES HIGH DEMANDS
- STIFFNESS
Racket Shape: Round
Weight: Approx. 365 G
Material: Fiberglass
Core: EVA Soft Foam
Balance: Medium to slightly head-heavy
Surface: Smooth Hitting Surface
Babolat Counter Vertuo Review
As the best padel racket for control and power, the Babolat Counter Vertuo is especially appealing to offensive players. With a hitting surface made of durable fiberglass, it offers maximum stability and precision, even during powerful shots. The firmer core provides direct feedback, which is advantageous during fast rallies and aggressive play.
Compared to other rackets in the test, such as the HEAD Extreme Evo or the RYZE Pegasus, the Babolat Counter Vertuo feels significantly stiffer and more power-oriented. This makes it ideal for players with advanced techniques who want to optimize their shot power. However, a downside might be that the racket is less forgiving when it comes to precision and technique.
In summary, the Babolat Counter Vertuo is an excellent choice for advanced or competition-oriented players looking to maximize their power and precision. Comfort and flexibility are secondary here, making it less suitable for beginners or players with a more defensive style. However, for those seeking a racket that uncompromisingly combines power and stability, this is an outstanding choice in our padel racket test.
Current Pricing: $129,00
Designed for advanced players and professionals, the HEAD Gravity Pro padel racket offers a forgiving playing feel. With its hybrid hitting surface and Control Foam core, it combines precision and control.
- FORGIVING FEEL
- HYBRID HITTING SURFACE
- CONTROL FOAM CORE
- LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
- GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY
- LOW POWER
- LIMITED PRECISION
Racket Shape: Round
Weight: Approx. 370 G
Material: Hybrid – Carbon & Fiberglass
Core: Control Foam
Balance: Low
Surface: Textured Hitting Surface for Improved Spin
HEAD Gravity Pro Review
The HEAD Gravity Pro takes fifth place in our test and stands out as a solid choice for players looking for a good balance between control and precision. The hybrid hitting surface, made of carbon and fiberglass, provides a soft, forgiving feel, while the Power Foam core dampens vibrations and ensures a comfortable handling. With clean lines, contrasting colors, and a sporty look, it appeals to players who value a stylish appearance on the court.
In practice, the racket excels in precise and controlled play, especially in defense and tactical ball placement. Thanks to its round shape and soft core, it offers excellent forgiveness and ball control, but requires an active hitting technique to generate maximum power. Its slightly higher weight provides stability and a solid feel on impact, making it particularly attractive to advanced players who prioritize precision and strategic play.
As a bestseller in its category, the HEAD Gravity Pro padel racket is one of the best options for advanced players in our test. It is often considered the best most popular racket for players who value precision and control. Thanks to its hybrid carbon and fiberglass hitting surface and also the Control Foam core, it offers a comfortable handling and maximum ball control.
Current Pricing: $77,90
With its lightweight design and forgiving features, the HEAD Evo Speed is perfect for beginners looking for one of the best padel rackets at an affordable price, while still offering a comfortable playing feel and easy ball control.
- EASY HANDLING
- GLASSFIBER HITTING SURFACE
- SOFT FOAM CORE
- LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
- VERY ATTRACTIVE PRICE
- NOT THAT VERSATILE
- LESS POWER AND PRECISION
Racket Shape: Teardrop
Weight: Approx. 360 G
Material: Glassfiber Hitting Surface
Core: Soft Foam
Balance: Medium
Surface: Smooth
HEAD Evo Speed Review
In our padel racket test, the HEAD Evo Speed secures sixth place and, at just $63, stands out as the most affordable option in the comparison. Designed for beginners and casual players, it offers a simple and easy-to-handle racket. This HEAD model features a fiberglass hitting surface and a comfortable Soft Foam core, providing a forgiving playing feel while effectively reducing vibrations.
In practice, the HEAD Evo Speed is a lightweight racket that excels in slower-paced play and controlled shots. Its light build makes it easy to maneuver, reducing strain on the arm and shoulder, making it ideal for longer matches or players with little experience. Defensive moves and precise placements are easy to execute, but offensive shots and high ball speeds are less supported.
Despite its low price, the HEAD Evo Speed delivers solid performance and is often recommended as a beginner’s model due to its comfortable handling. For casual players and beginners looking for an affordable entry point, it’s a budget-friendly and reliable option in our padel racket test.
Current Pricing: $89,99
Featuring a balance of stability and control, the Dunlop Inferno Elite padel racket is perfect for casual players and beginners. As one of the best padel rackets in its price range, it stands out for its carbon hitting surface and EVA core, offering a comfortable playing feel and precise ball control.
- STABLE CONSTRUCTION
- CARBON HITTING SURFACE
- EVA CORE
- BALANCED BALANCE
- ROBUST AND RELIABLE
- LESS DYNAMISM
- LIMITED VERSATILITY
Racket Shape: Teardrop
Weight: Approx. 365 G
Material: Carbon Hitting Surface
Core: EVA Core
Balance: Medium
Surface: Smooth
Dunlop Inferno Elite Review
The strength of the Dunlop Inferno Elite—taking seventh place in our test—lies in its stability and balance, making it a reliable all-round racket. It excels particularly in tactical and controlled shots, offering precise feedback. Its durable carbon hitting surface ensures long-lasting performance, while the EVA core dampens vibrations and improves playing comfort. Players who value stability and consistent handling will benefit from this racket, especially those with a defensive playing style or during slower rallies. However, players who focus on dynamic shots and maximum power may be better suited with other models.
At $89.99 on Amazon, this padel racket offers good value for money in our test. It’s a great option for padel players looking for an uncomplicated racket for occasional play. The vibration dampening also ensures a comfortable handling, even during longer matches. The Dunlop Inferno Elite is the best padel racket for those who prefer a stable and reliable model without unnecessary extras.
General Information About The Best Padel Rackets in our Test | 2025
What's the best padel racket shape? | Best Padel Rackets
Padel rackets are categorized into three main shapes, each designed with different construction and playing characteristics. These shapes are tailored to provide specific advantages that cater to various playing styles and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for greater control, power, or a balanced combination of both, the right shape can enhance your performance on the court. The choice of racket shape can significantly impact how you approach the game, and it’s important to choose one that complements your individual playstyle and experience level.
The round shape is characterized by a central and large sweet spot, making it particularly forgiving on off-center hits. This feature makes round padel rackets the best choice ideal for beginners, as they allow for precise ball control and easy handling. Players who prioritize consistency and controlled shots will particularly benefit from this shape, as it helps reduce errors and improves overall performance on the court. The forgiving nature of the round design provides greater confidence, especially for those still developing their skills.
Teardrop-shaped rackets combine the characteristics of control and power. The sweet spot is positioned slightly higher than on round models, making them versatile and adaptable. This shape is perfect for all-around players who have both defensive and offensive shots in their repertoire and want to play with flexibility. The teardrop design allows for a balanced approach, giving players the ability to adapt to various situations on the court while maintaining control and generating power when needed.
The diamond-shaped racket, on the other hand, offers maximum power, making it one of the best padel rackets for power. The sweet spot is positioned higher up in the racket head, allowing for particularly powerful shots, but it requires advanced technique. Diamond-shaped rackets are less forgiving, making them better suited for experienced players who focus on dynamic and offensive play. This shape is designed for those looking to generate maximum power in their shots while maintaining control over their game, though it demands a higher level of skill to master.
Conclusion:
Round rackets offer control and are ideal for beginners. Teardrop-shaped rackets excel in versatility and are perfect for all-around players, while diamond-shaped rackets are the best choice for players with a powerful, offensive style. The right choice always depends on individual playing style and skill level.
The Ideal Weight of a Padel Racket | Best Padel Racket
The weight of a padel racket is a crucial factor that influences both the feel of the game and performance. Depending on the design and target audience, the weight typically ranges from 350 to 400 grams. Lighter and heavier rackets offer different advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when choosing the right one.
Lighter padel rackets (around 350–365 grams) are easier to maneuver and are particularly suitable for beginners or players who prefer quick reactions and comfortable handling. They reduce strain on the arm and shoulder, making them ideal for longer matches or players with joint issues. However, they may lack power, which becomes noticeable when making powerful shots.
Heavier rackets (around 370–400 grams) provide more stability and hitting power. They are ideal for experienced players who prefer a powerful and offensive style of play. Due to their weight, however, they require more strength and technique, making them less suitable for beginners. Players with sensitive joints may also tire more quickly.
The Material of a Padel Racket | Padel Racket Test 2025
The material of a padel racket significantly influences its feel, durability, and performance. Most commonly used materials are fiberglass and carbon, each offering different properties and advantages. Fiberglass is flexible and provides a softer, more forgiving feel, making it a good choice for beginners and recreational players, as it allows for good ball control. However, fiberglass is less durable and offers less power compared to carbon.
Carbon, on the other hand, is lightweight, stiff, and extremely stable. It enables higher ball speeds and offers greater precision, making it the best padel rackets for advanced players. Carbon rackets are more durable and withstand intense matches better, but they are less forgiving and often come at a higher price. High-quality models often use 12K or 18K carbon, which further maximizes power and precision.
The core of the racket also plays a crucial role. Soft foam provides a comfortable feel and reduces vibrations, while EVA foam is firmer and more direct, offering more control and power. Overall, the choice of material should depend on both the playing style and personal preferences to achieve the best performance on the court.