As I am sure you have noticed, there is a great variety of Padel Rackets on the market. Not only are there a large number of brands, models and colours, but there are also different types of materials used in manufacturing these rackets.
The materials with which the Padel rackets are made from, influence their durability, performance and type/style of play. Below we will highlight the different types of material used in making the rackets and the benefits of each.
When choosing a racket to buy for yourself, you need to take into consideration the core material, the frame material and the face/surface material.
- The Core
The core is the most important part of the racket. It is the material that fits inside of the frame and below the surface of the face. This is the area where all the control and power of the racket comes from. Generally speaking, rackets are divided into two types of core, those with an Foam core and those with a EVA core. These are then divided into different types:
- EVA Ultra Soft Rubber
This is the softest EVA rubber that you can buy. It is characterised by more elasticity and a very soft/spongy touch. This type of rubber is usually used in rackets which have a priority of being comfortable and vibration-free, which helps reduce injuries.
The great advantage of this rubber is that it has a greater rebound, with more ball output without having to use much force on the arm. The disadvantage is that its power is limited.
- EVA Soft Rubber
This is the most popular rubber used in Padel rackets. This rubber is characterised by its soft touch and excellent balance between power and control.
- EVA Medium Rubber
This rubber is characterised by its mix of speed off the face, power and control, with a firm feel.
- EVA Hard Rubber
Eva hard rubber has the highest density and most often used by the top ranked players in the world. This rubber has a harder feel, although it does not eliminate the absorbent properties of this material. This type of rubber is most often used in the rackets that favour power.
- Foam
Foam material is completely different to the EVA rubber. Its main characteristic is its softness and elasticity, as well as its lightness. This type of core is ideal for players looking for a soft touch, with a lot of bounce/spring off the racket face and the minimum amount of vibration.
The disadvantage of a foam core is that the durability is not as good as the EVA.
To summarise
EVA rubber can come in ultra-soft, soft, medium or hard compounds. The harder the rubber, the more dense it is, which means more power. The softer the EVA rubber, the better the spring effect and the less vibrations through your wrist, elbow and shoulder. EVA is more durable than foam, lasting longer.
Foam is great for beginner players as the ball bounces off the face of the racket better, with a spring effect, due to the foam absorbing the ball and it springing off the face. Foam is also great for anyone with injuries, as it absorbs a lot of the vibrations.
- Racket Frame
This is the part of the racket with the greatest thickness and strength. That is why high strength materials are usually used for this component. The most common types of frame are Fibreglass, Carbon and Kevlar.
- Fibreglass frame
Fibreglass is used for the frame of most beginner level rackets, or rackets that are aimed at comfort over power. Fibreglass rackets are weaker than Carbon Fibre, but also a lot more forgiving.
- Carbon frame
This is the most common material used in Padel racket frames, due to its great balance of strength and lightness. This is one of the most wear-resistant materials, extending the life of the racket.
- Kevlar frame
Kevlar frames are usually found on very exclusive rackets. It is a material that is even a stronger than carbon and are only found on the very top end rackets.
- Racket Face
With regards to the face of a racket there is a variety of materials used in their construction, but the two most common are Fibreglass and Carbon Fibre.
- Fibreglass
Rackets with Fibreglass faces tend to have a slightly more comfortable feel, and are more recommended for players looking for control and comfort when hitting.
- Carbon Fibre
Carbon Fibre rackets come in a variety of strengths, 3k, 6k, 12k and 18k. These racket faces are built for strength and power
We hope that the above has been of interest to you and will help you understand the differences in the quality and therefore prices of the rackets.