Beginner padel rackets, ranked by how forgiving the build is

What a first racket should be

adidas puts it this way: "Round rackets have a larger sweet spot, making ball control and handling easier. This shape is most recommended for beginners, as it provides more error tolerance and helps build technical fundamentals."

The LTA suggests a mid-weight racket for beginners, "to give you a good mix of power and control". Wilson notes that firm cores are "the most challenging to play with because they are not forgiving on off-center hits".

So the forgiveness rating is built from shape, core firmness and face material. The formula is on the methodology page.

Under 100 euros

How this list is chosen. Rackets priced at 100 euros or less when last checked, with at least 4 of 5 inputs published, sorted by forgiveness rating. Nothing is hand-picked, and the rule is applied to every racket in the index on each build.

Between 100 and 150 euros

How this list is chosen. Rackets priced from 100 to 150 euros when last checked, with at least 4 of 5 inputs published, sorted by forgiveness rating. Nothing is hand-picked, and the rule is applied to every racket in the index on each build.

Most forgiving at any price

How this list is chosen. Every racket with at least 4 of 5 inputs published, sorted by forgiveness rating. Nothing is hand-picked, and the rule is applied to every racket in the index on each build.

What to skip as a beginner

Diamond rackets with a high balance and a firm core. Babolat says of its own diamond range that it "has less control and precision than the other two Babolat ranges, which is a limiting factor for padel beginners". The pro models that fill social media are built for players who generate their own pace.

Also skip paying for carbon K counts. They are not a quality grade. See claims vs measurements.