Choosing a padel racket can be confusing.
3K carbon. 12K carbon. Different weights, shapes, surfaces and prices — with every racket promising more power, more control and more spin.
But here's the thing I see regularly as a padel coach:
You don't necessarily need the most expensive racket. You need the right racket for your game.
I've seen players spend hundreds of pounds on rackets that don't suit where they are in their padel journey.
So let's make choosing one simpler.
What should you look for in a padel racket?
Your playing level matters, but so does the way you actually play.
Think about:
Control — Are you still developing consistency and looking to reduce unforced errors?
Power — Are you technically confident and looking for more from your attacking shots?
Comfort and forgiveness — How consistently do you find the sweet spot?
Weight — Can you manoeuvre the racket comfortably during quick exchanges at the net?
Playing style — Are you a patient player who builds points, an aggressive attacker, or somewhere in between?
Don't choose a racket just because your favourite professional uses it.
Choose one that helps YOUR game.
What is the best padel racket for a beginner?
For most beginners, I'd prioritise comfort, control and forgiveness over outright power.
When you're learning padel, you're developing your contact point, defending the glass, controlling volleys and learning where to position yourself.
A racket that is difficult to control isn't going to do that work for you.
This is why I'd generally rather see a developing player with an accessible all-round racket than an expensive racket designed around demands they don't yet have.
What is the best padel racket for an intermediate player?
This is where choosing a racket gets more interesting.
As your technique becomes more consistent, you'll start understanding what you actually want from your racket.
Perhaps you want more confidence attacking overheads.
Maybe you want more spin.
Perhaps control remains your priority.
Or maybe you simply want an all-round racket that performs well across the court.
There's no point upgrading purely because a racket costs more.
Upgrade when you understand what you want the new racket to give you.
Does padel racket weight matter?
Yes.
Weight affects how a racket feels and moves through the shot.
A heavier-feeling setup may offer stability but can be harder to manoeuvre quickly. A more manageable racket can make reactions and preparation easier.
Weight alone doesn't tell you exactly how a racket will feel, though. The construction and balance of the racket also matter.
Both Reign rackets weigh 360–370g.
Is an expensive padel racket automatically better?
No.
And this was one of the reasons I created Reign.
It's easy to spend £200–£300+ on a padel racket, but spending more doesn't automatically mean you're getting a racket that's more suitable for your game.
As a coach, I'd rather see someone spend sensibly on a racket appropriate for their game than buy something simply because it carries a premium price tag.
Reign Storm or Reign Supreme: which padel racket should I choose?
We've deliberately kept the Reign range simple.
REIGN STORM — £120
The Reign Storm is our 3K carbon padel racket designed for beginner to intermediate players.
At 360–370g, it combines comfort, control and power with a forgiving all-round design.
If you're developing your game and want an accessible racket you can build confidence with, start with the Storm.
REIGN SUPREME — £180
The Reign Supreme is our premium 12K carbon padel racket designed for intermediate to advanced players.
At 360–370g, it features a sand-effect textured face for grip and spin, with a more performance-focused combination of power and precision.
If your technique is established and you're looking for the next step in performance, take a look at the Supreme.
Still don't know which padel racket you need?
Seriously.
Reign wasn't created just to sell another racket.
It came from years of coaching club players and seeing how confusing choosing a racket had become — and how easy it was to spend a lot of money on something that wasn't necessarily right for your game.
Tell us your playing level, experience and what you're looking for from your racket and we'll help point you in the right direction.
No jargon. No pressure to buy the most expensive option. Just honest advice.
Find Your Reign. 👑