Padel has seen rapid growth in the UK, with player numbers rising from 15,000 in 2019 to over 400,000 by the end of 2024. A Guardian review, conducted with a padel coach, tested 19 rackets from six manufacturers to identify top options for beginners, pros, and everyone in between. The guide emphasizes choosing based on playing style and head shape.
The review, published on March 12, 2026, notes padel's appeal lies in its accessibility—no exceptional fitness is required, and it suits players of all ages. Courts are increasingly available, though rental costs range from £28 per hour in areas like Buckinghamshire to £50 in London. For four-player games, costs can be shared.
Testing involved journalist Tim Danton, UK padel coach Andy Keeley, and several players, including beginners and a 15-year-old. They evaluated rackets from Babolat, Bullpadel, Decathlon, Dunlop, Head, and Wilson. The standout overall choice is the Babolat Counter Origin, praised for balanced performance.
Beginners benefit from the forgiving rounded head of the Decathlon Kuikma PR Rental. For control-focused players, the Babolat Counter Veron 2025 offers precision. Power players may prefer the diamond-shaped Wilson Bela V3 Padel (2025), which aids in smashes. The Babolat Alioth JR suits children.
Head shapes matter: rounded for novices, teardrop for intermediates seeking power, and diamond for advanced accuracy. Coach Andy Keeley remarked, “Bad timing for me,” after spending £200 on his racket, but advised beginners to start with options under £150—ideally £50 to £100.
Additional gear includes softer padel balls and grippy trainers for artificial turf courts. Padel differs from pickleball, featuring walls like squash, and scoring mirrors doubles tennis: 15-30-40-game, with sets and tie-breaks.
Most venues lend basic rackets, allowing players to test before buying.