What do the numbers on a padel racket mean?

Padel racket specs, as listed on Padel USA product pages, usually show weight in grams, balance in millimeters from the bottom of the handle, and thickness in millimeters, for example 365 / 265 / 38. Carbon labels like 12K or 18K describe the weave of the face, not a quality score.

  • Weight: most adult rackets weigh 345 to 375 g. Lighter is easier on the arm and quicker; heavier is more stable.
  • Balance: around 260 mm or lower feels head-light and controlled; 265 mm and above feels head-heavy and powerful.
  • Thickness: almost always 38 mm.
  • Carbon 3K, 12K, 18K: the number of fibers in each strand of the weave. Higher numbers usually feel stiffer and more precise; lower ones softer.

What about grip size?

Padel handles come in one standard size per model, thinner than a tennis grip. Brands differ slightly in handle length; adjust the thickness with overgrips.

See how each racket plays in plain words in the "How it plays" section of every racket page, or compare similar rackets.

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