So, you’ve played a few games, you’re officially hooked and you’re ready to buy your first padel racquet.
Then you start shopping and suddenly you’re faced with different shapes, weights, balances, cores and approximately 400 technical terms you’ve never heard before.
Don’t panic.
Choosing your first padel racquet is actually much simpler than it sounds.
Here’s what we’d look for.
Start with something easy to play with
When you’re new to padel, you probably don’t need the most technical racquet on the market.
Your first racquet should help you enjoy the game, build confidence on court and get comfortable with your shots.
Look for something lightweight, comfortable and easy to manoeuvre.
You can worry about becoming a padel pro later.
Does racquet shape matter?
You’ll generally come across three main shapes: round, teardrop and diamond.
Round racquets tend to prioritise control and have a larger sweet spot, while diamond shapes are typically more power-focused and often aimed at experienced players.
Teardrop sits somewhere between the two, offering a balance of control and power.
SERVE racquets use a teardrop shape, which we think makes a great all-round option as you develop your game.
How heavy should my first padel racquet be?
Weight can make a big difference to how a racquet feels.
A heavier racquet may offer more power, but it can also be harder to manoeuvre, particularly when you’re learning.
A lighter racquet can feel easier and more comfortable to play with.
SERVE racquets weigh approximately 350g, keeping them lightweight while still feeling substantial on court.
What about balance?
Balance describes where the weight of the racquet sits.
Higher-balance racquets can feel more powerful but may be harder to control, while lower-balance racquets can be easier to manoeuvre.
A neutral balance gives you a bit of both.
It’s one of the reasons we chose it for our SERVE racquets.
Do I need an expensive racquet as a beginner?
No.
And you definitely don’t need to buy the racquet with the longest list of technical specifications.
For your first racquet, we'd prioritise comfort, manoeuvrability and something suited to your level.
You want a racquet you enjoy playing with as you learn what kind of player you are.
And finally, choose one you actually love
We might be slightly biased here, but we think this matters too.
Your padel racquet is going to come to games, lessons, holidays and probably quite a few post-padel coffees with you.
So choose one you’re excited to take onto court.
After all, not everything about sport needs to be serious.
Meet SERVE
SERVE was created after our founder Amy started playing padel and couldn't find the kind of racquet she wanted as a new player.
Our lightweight, style-led padel racquets are designed with beginner and casual players in mind, with a teardrop shape, approximately 350g weight, neutral balance and EVA Pro 17 core, without compromising on quality.
And yes, choosing the perfect colours was taken very seriously.
Serve your style. See you on court.
