Real Player Reviews of Padel Rackets

Defense is not the easiest with this racket as you can feel its head heavy. Once I'm at the net though it really shines and you can get that extra power the foam gives you. Also my arm isn't hurting after like it was on harder diamonds.

I ‌used ‌a ‌budget round racket that i got from decathlon and the first week the difference in firmness was a lot more than i expected so my lobs were going a lot shorter than i wanted, but now i'm used to it the ball pretty much goes exactly where i'm pointing it. I'm the right side player, which suits me.

Too firm for me. Quick to move around, yes, but I want a softer contact than this. The Air name had me expecting an easier racket.

Soft enough to get the ball moving when I'm defending, and the long handle is a big plusfiddling with screws before a match. Wouldn't pick it for smashing everything. For blocking, lobbing and waiting for a ball I can actually attack, it works for me

Crisp is the word. I like feeling the contact this clearly on a volley. Wouldn't choose this 12K if I wanted a soft racket.

The balance is very high, so in fast exchanges at the net when they aim at my feet I'm late more than I was with the teardrop. My overheads kept landing long for most of July since the ball jumps off the face even on a short swing, it took a while to calm my arm down. The sweet spot is small too, hit anywhere near the frame and you feel it buzz up into the wrist. Yes there is a lot of free power when you hit it well, but it ask for a lot in return. Get it only if you are advance level left side player who smash a lot.

Playing it since spring on the left, about three times a week, Playtomic level around 4. I came from a softer round racket so the first weeks took some adjusting. What I like: at the net it's very stable, a hard ball at my body doesn't twist the face, and the rough texture lets the víbora and the bandeja really bite. Smashes have proper pace when I commit to the swing. What took work: from the back glass the racket hands you almost nothing on its own. A defensive lob I hit late lands short unless I swing all the way through. Mine weighed 371 g on the kitchen scale, heavier than the listed 365, and late in a long match my shoulder starts to complain. It has held up well, just a few scuffs on the frame from the walls. If you mostly defend, look at the LS version instead. If you like to win points at the net, it's a very good racket.

The control is excellent. Chiquitas and lobs land where I aim them, and the 12K face gives a nice bit of feel on soft volleys. Balance is a touch head-heavy for a teardrop but it never feels sluggish at the net. Sweet spot is normal

When I'm set under the ball the smash is a weapon, the problem is anything fast at the body. At 370 g with that much weight up in the head I'm late on reflex volleys, and digging balls out of the back corner is hard work. I'm keeping it for friendlies and going back to something lighter for competitive games

Ridiculously light and fast at the net, volleys feel great. But it is stiff and dry and off-centre hits get punished hard. Fine if you hit clean, not if you're tired.

Switched from an old Adidas that was pretty hard on my wrist. About 3 months with the 18K now, playing twice a week, and my arm has thanked me. It's soft, the ball sort of sits on the foam a bit longer so lobs and chiquitas land where I aim them. Volleys feel crisp and it's quick enough at the net. Power is just ok, don't expect big smashes unless you swing properly. I'd call it a control racket that forgives a bit when I'm late. Got a few scratches already so get a protector. Would recommend if you're intermediate and want comfort over raw pop.

Switched to the Vertex 05 from a round control racket and the first two weeks were rough. The head-heavy balance is very noticeable and my bandejas kept sailing long until I shortened my swing. Once it clicked though, the power on smashes is the best I've had. Flat smashes from the left side actually go out by 3 now, which never happened before. Downsides: the sweet spot is small and up high, so off-centre volleys feel dead and you feel it in the elbow by the third set. Slow at the net in fast exchanges too. Face is still holding up fine after about 8 months, 2-3 times a week. Great if you play left and like to finish points overhead. If you're a defensive right-side player or have any arm issues, I'd look at something more forgiving.

bought it because the shop guy said its a control racket. it kind of is, but its very firm and dry and my elbow started complaining after about 3 weeks of playing twice a week. light in the hand and quick at the net, which i liked. sweet spot is small so my bad days are really bad. not terrible, wouldnt buy it again

Nice racket when I stop trying to smash everything. I like the control from the back and there's a decent amount of room for a slightly messy contact. But when I want to finish a point, I have to do more of the work than I'd like. Probably better suited to someone more patient than me lol.