Three details do most of the work when you compare padel rackets: your level, the shape of the head and where the weight sits. In the Padel Code range, 14 of the 20 beginner rackets are round, and the largest advanced group is diamond (41 of 90). This guide uses the specifications and prices of the 163 rackets in the Padel Code range on 6 November 2026, so the figures below are ours, not a general rule.
How the Padel Code range breaks down
| Level listed | Rackets | Shapes | Price range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 20 | 14 round, 6 teardrop | $149 to $229, median $179 |
| Intermediate | 36 | 15 round, 10 teardrop, 5 diamond, 3 hybrid, 3 other | $199 to $399, median $304 |
| Advanced | 90 | 41 diamond, 22 teardrop, 10 round, 8 hybrid, 6 geometric, 3 other | $259 to $609, median $444 |
Another 17 rackets are listed for two levels, such as beginner to intermediate. The table counts only rackets listed at a single level. Levels and specifications come from supplier data. Where a brand site shows a different figure, trust the brand and tell us.
Shape
Padel racket heads come in three main shapes, and booking and retail guides describe them consistently. Round heads have a large sweet spot near the centre and lean towards control. Teardrop heads put the sweet spot a little higher for a mix of control and power. Diamond heads put it higher still and lean towards power, which is harder to control off-centre.
Our own range follows the same pattern. Of the 45 round rackets, 27 have low balance and 17 have medium. Of the 50 diamond rackets, 45 have high balance. Teardrops are mostly medium (32 of 44). No diamond racket is listed as a beginner racket. Hybrid and geometric shapes sit between these groups and vary by brand, so read the balance and weight on each product page.
Balance and weight
Balance describes where the weight sits along the racket. Low balance puts more weight toward the handle, and high balance puts it toward the head. Booking and retail guides describe high balance as adding power while asking more of the arm, and low balance as easier to swing. That is a general description, and your arm and timing are what decide it.
The FIP rules limit a padel racket to 45.5 cm long, 26 cm wide and 38 mm thick, but we could not locate a published weight limit. In our range, listed weights run from 300 g to 375 g, and 160 of the 163 sit between 340 g and 375 g. Compare two rackets of the same shape that differ by 10 to 20 g in a demo before deciding that weight matters to you.
Core and face
Product pages list a core (for example Soft EVA, Multi EVA or Power Foam) and a face material (fibre glass or carbon, sometimes with a grade such as 12K or 18K). In our range, 19 of the 20 beginner rackets list a fibre glass face, while 82 of the 90 advanced rackets list carbon or graphene. Intermediate rackets are split. We do not rank materials, because the supplier descriptions are not tested measurements. Use them to compare two rackets, not to predict how one will feel.
Best padel rackets for beginners
A beginner racket in our range is usually round, with low or medium balance, a fibre glass face and a price between $149 and $229. These models were in stock on 6 November 2026.
| Racket | Shape | Balance | Weight (g) | Core | Face | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOX X-Hero 2026 | Round | Medium | 350 to 360 | HR3 White EVA | Fibre glass | $149 |
| Adidas Drive 3.5 2026 | Round | Low | 360 to 375 | Low density soft EVA | Fibre glass | $159 |
| Head Vibe 2026 | Teardrop | Medium | 360 +/- 10 | Power Foam | Fibre glass | $179 |
| Siux Stallion 2026 | Round | Low | 360 | Soft EVA | Fibre glass | $189 |
| Bullpadel Indiga Control 2026 | Round | Low | 360 to 370 | Soft EVA | Fibre glass | $190 |
If you want the widest choice, browse the beginner filter in the padel rackets collection. We have 22 rackets under $200 in stock as of 6 November 2026.
Best padel rackets for intermediate players
Intermediate rackets in our range cover more shapes and a wider price range, from $199 to $399. Round rackets are still the largest group (15 of 36). These were in stock on 6 November 2026. See also the intermediate padel rackets page.
| Racket | Shape | Balance | Weight (g) | Core | Face | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas RX Series 3.5 2026 | Round | Low | 360 to 375 | Low density soft EVA | Fibre glass | $229 |
| Adidas Metalbone Team Light 3.5 2026 | Round | Medium | 345 to 360 | Low density soft EVA | Fibre glass | $309 |
| Bullpadel Ionic Light 2026 | Hybrid, teardrop | Medium | 350 to 360 | Multi EVA | Graphene | $349 |
Best padel rackets for advanced players
Advanced is the largest group in our range, with 90 rackets listed at that level and prices from $259 to $609. Diamond rackets lead (41 of 90), and carbon faces are common. These were in stock on 6 November 2026. See also the advanced padel rackets page.
| Racket | Shape | Balance | Weight (g) | Core | Face | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Gravity Pro 2025 | Round | Low | 360 to 370 | Control Foam | Woven carbon and fibre glass | $259 |
| Bullpadel Hack 04 2026 | Diamond | High | 365 to 375 | Multi EVA | Tricarbon 18K | $399 |
| NOX AT10 Luxury Genius Attack 18K Alum 2026 | Diamond | High | 360 to 375 | MLD Black EVA | Carbon 18K aluminised | $449 |
| Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 2026 | Round | Medium | 360 to 375 | Low density EVA | Carbon aluminised | $519 |
| Bullpadel Vertex 05 Hybrid 2027 | Hybrid | Medium | 365 to 375 | Multi EVA | X-TEND Carbon 12K | $549 |
Not every advanced racket is a diamond. Ten advanced rackets in our range are round, which suits players who want a larger sweet spot at a higher level. Some retail guides note that top professionals use round rackets, so shape alone does not set your level.
Who should not buy a diamond racket yet
Booking and retail guides describe diamond rackets as harder to control off-centre. A player still learning where the sweet spot is may find a round or teardrop racket more forgiving. None of the 163 rackets in our range is listed as beginner and diamond, which matches that advice. If you are unsure, try one round and one diamond racket back to back.
Try a racket before you buy
Padel Code's Demo Racket Try & Buy program lets you test selected rackets for a full week before deciding to buy. The terms are on the demo racket page, and which rackets are available changes over time. Our showroom is at 35-39 Bourke Road, Alexandria NSW. For opening hours, see the contact page.
We do not publish test scores for individual rackets, because we have not run a documented test protocol. The tables above report supplier specifications and our prices, and the demo program is how you test the feel for yourself.
Racket checklist before you buy
- Check the level, shape and balance on the product page against the tables above.
- Compare the listed weight with the weight of the racket you use now.
- Check the price and stock on the product page, because both change.
- Try a round racket and a teardrop racket before you decide, if the demo program has them.
- Buy a wrist cord if the racket does not include one, because the FIP rules make it compulsory.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best padel racket shape for a beginner?
Round rackets are the most common beginner shape in our range: 14 of the 20 rackets listed only for beginners. They have the largest sweet spot near the centre and lean towards control.
How much should a beginner spend?
Beginner rackets in our range cost $149 to $229, with a median of $179. Intermediate rackets run from $199 to $399, and advanced rackets from $259 to $609.
How heavy is a padel racket?
Listed weights in our range run from 300 g to 375 g, and 160 of the 163 rackets sit between 340 g and 375 g. The FIP rules limit size but we could not find a published weight limit.
Is carbon better than fibre glass?
In our range, 82 of the 90 advanced rackets list carbon or graphene and 19 of the 20 beginner rackets list fibre glass. Supplier descriptions do not give tested measurements, so use the material as one point of comparison and try the racket where you can.
Can I try a racket before buying?
Yes, on selected models. The Demo Racket Try & Buy program lets you test a racket for a full week. The terms are on the demo racket page.
Sources
- FIP Rules of Padel, review of application 1 January 2026, for racket size limits and the wrist cord rule
- Playtomic, padel racket shapes, for the general description of round, teardrop and diamond heads
- Padel Code product data, read on 6 November 2026, for all counts, prices and specifications
Prices and stock were read on 6 November 2026 and change often.
