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A guide on how to choose a racket for intermediate, power-oriented padel players and our top picks based on over 300 reviews and our own on court play tests.
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the top recommended padel rackets for intermediate power-oriented players.
If you’re looking to maximize your smashes and add depth to your aerial game, selecting the right racket is crucial.
In this article, we have carefully handpicked a range of rackets that meet the specific criteria for power-oriented players, taking into account key characteristics and popular choices among intermediate players.
Criteria for Selection
When evaluating rackets for power-oriented players, we consider specific criteria to ensure optimal performance.
High Balance
High balance is a primary consideration, with a focus on rackets featuring a balance above 26.5 centimeters.
This higher balance, achieved by shifting weight towards the head of the racket, creates powerful shots and adds effortless depth to your aerial game.
However, it’s important to note that high balance may result in decreased maneuverability. Players seeking power-oriented rackets should consider this trade-off and find the right balance that suits their playing style.
We recommend high balance rackets to players who have “above average” strength.
Weak muscles, mediocre technique, and high balance rackets can easily cause injury.
Medium hardness
Additionally, we prioritize medium hardness rackets with carbon fiber tubular frames and surfaces, coupled with medium-density cores.
This combination provides the necessary stiffness and power transfer for generating impactful shots, while still being relatively easy to use.
The rigid cores that are preferred by many advanced players result in smaller sweet spots and lower ball output that makes defending the back of the court cumbersome for intermediate players. They also generate a lot of vibrations, which can cause joint pain in recreational players.
Performance Metrics and Player Feedback
To assess the suitability of rackets for power-oriented players, we rely on specific performance metrics and player feedback.
While all rackets are rating according to their power, control, sweet spot, and maneuverability, this list prioritizes power over all other criteria.
We analyzed expert reviews and testimonials to ensure that the following rackets truly deliver the desired power-oriented playing experience.
Our top pick
adidas
Metalbone 3.2
Intermediate players seeking power and control
One of the most desired rackets in the market, Ale Galan’s Metalbone 3.2 is the same as the Metalbone 3.2 HRD aside from the core - while this version uses the softer Soft Energy core, the hard version uses Adidas’s High Memory Core.
The combination of the aluminized carbon fiber surface and the Soft Energy core results in a hardness that is just softer than medium.
This gives a “decent” sweet spot and an easy access to power due to the racket’s high balance.
A relatively easy to use diamond
bullpadel
Vertex 03
Players seeking an easy to use medium balance diamond with premium features
A Made in Spain classic
starvie
Basalto Osiris
Coki Nieto’s Basalto Osiris from Starvie is a medium touch, high balance racket that favors offensive play. It is recommended for intermediate and advanced players who are seeking to enhance their attacking abilities while maintaining a solid defensive foundation.
Exceptional “Made in Spain” quality is present in all of the finishings.
It comes in two colors - there is no difference between those colors.
Note that there are two versions of this racket - one made with Starvie’s Soft 30 EVA and one made with the Pro 50 EVA. We recommend intermediate players use the Soft 30 EVA.
The name comes from the fact that there is basalt added to the carbon fiber surface with the intent of increasing durability.
A new entrant to the group
head
Speed Pro
Intermediate players seeking a playable teardrop
An old standby
babolat
Technical Veron
Intermediate attackers seeking a medium touch
A very comfortable diamond
bullpadel
Vertex 03 Comfort
Intermediate or advanced players seeking a comfortable, playable diamond
Pricing and Affordability
While premium rackets generally fall within the €200-300 “street price” range, we understand the importance of pricing and affordability.
We also consider discounted options, including previous season’s models or super premium rackets, to provide a range of choices that suit different budgets.
Be sure to check out our discounts page for the most up-to-date deals and find the best value for your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the ideal racket balance for my playing style as an intermediate power-oriented player?
First, think about whether your existing racket has too low or too high of balance for you. Then, measure your racket’s balance by slowly pulling it off the edge of a table. For references, we recommend beginner players stick with low balance rackets, and intermediate players stick with central balances up to 27 centimeters.
How can I increase the power of a racket that I already have?
You have two variables that determine a padel racket’s power: hardness, and balance. Unlike in tennis, when you can tighten or loosen your strings, in padel, there’s no way to change a racket’s hardness after it has been manufactured. You can, however, increase a padel racket’s balance by adding weight to the racket head with a protector or lead tape. This can significantly add to your racket’s power.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the ideal racket balance for my playing style as an intermediate power-oriented player?
First, think about whether your existing racket has too low or too high of balance for you. Then, measure your racket's balance by slowly pulling it off the edge of a table. For references, we recommend beginner players stick with low balance rackets, and intermediate players stick with central balances up to 27 centimeters.
How can I increase the power of a racket that I already have?
You have two variables that determine a padel racket's power: hardness, and balance. Unlike in tennis, when you can tighten or loosen your strings, in padel, there's no way to change a racket's hardness after it has been manufactured. You can, however, increase a padel racket's balance by adding weight to the racket head with a protector or lead tape. This can significantly add to your racket's power.