The game of padel is becoming more and more widespread, and with the new variety of players, the best brands are adapting to bring more versatile models to ensure everyone can find the perfect option. Looking for an all-around padel racket? Here is what you need to know!
A racket doesn’t make a player!
Even though the brands aim to meet the needs of the majority with more multi-purpose options, some still choose to invest in rackets with almost no compromise. A good example is the new Babolat Technical Viper Juan Lebron 2024, a powerful, precise, and rigid racket made for players who seek the best performance in offense. Does this head-heavy model mean it will be a burden in defense? Not at all, but to maneuver it in difficult situations, you will definitely need good skills. While playing with this demanding Technical Viper, Juan Lebron proves tournament after tournament that he is one of the most efficient defenders in the game. A good example that a racket doesn’t make a player!
You can see from that example that the reverse situation can happen as well. Alex Ruiz, one of the most powerful players in the world, chooses to play with a round racket, the Adidas Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.3. And despite the lower balance of his signature model, the player who is also known as "Captain America" remains one of the most efficient in smashes. Another proof that a racket doesn’t make a player...
What is versatile?
While high-level players can do almost whatever they want in terms of racket selection, amateurs have to be more thoughtful when investing in a new racket. They need to know their level and understand their strengths and weaknesses to find the model that will help them improve on the padel court.
The good news is that nowadays, plenty of options are available for those who don’t want to make extreme choices. For example, the new diamond-shaped Bullpadel Vertex 04 is one of the most offensive models on the market, but since it uses the double-density MultiEva foam, it is still comfortable enough for many players.
Even though the Adidas Cross IT PRO EDT 2024 is a lightweight round racket with soft foam and low balance, its 24K carbon faces give it a good punch in offense that will be sufficient for plenty of defense-minded players.
Examples like these are numerous, making us realize that most rackets, by not being extreme, are already quite versatile.
The most all-around options!
But of course, if you seek the most versatility, then you should focus first on teardrop shapes, which bring more power than round ones and more control than diamond ones.
Next, you need to know which specific characteristics you seek between power, precision, comfort, maneuverability... Agustin Tapia's Nox AT10 Luxury Genius 18K Alum 2024 is considered the gold standard of balanced rackets this year. It's a model that virtually every player could use. But if you are more advanced and seek more power and precision, with less comfort and maneuverability, of course, then the signature version of Agustin's compatriot Tino Libaak, the TL10 Future 12K, would be better suited.
And if you are looking for more output with still balanced characteristics, then the Siux SG Copper Edition 18K is probably a better option. On the other hand, if you want an all-around model that is more maneuverable and comfortable, the new Head Radical Pro could be your choice.
As you can see, there are plenty of possibilities, and we cannot list them all here, but always remember that there is an option for everybody. Know your game, understand your needs, and then use our filters to find the best option for you. And if you still struggle, don’t forget to take our quiz!
