Buying your first padel racket feels exciting. It’s the first real step into the sport, but honestly, it’s also where a lot of new players mess up. I did. You get caught up in all the marketing where every racket claims power, control, carbon fiber, a giant sweet spot. You see professional players using diamond-shaped rackets and naturally feel that buying something similar will improve your game.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you at the start: the right racket isn’t the one that hits the hardest or looks the coolest. It’s the one that helps you learn.
If you are new to padel and trying to choose the right racket in Pakistan, these are the four things that actually matter.
Understanding padel racket shapes
When people search for the best "padel racket for beginners" they usually don’t realise that shape has the biggest impact on how the racket feels in the hand.
Round-shaped padel racket
A round-shaped racket is the easiest to handle. The sweet spot is big and sits right in the center, so you can get away with not-so-perfect timing. That’s why coaches always push round rackets for newbies. You keep rallies going, you build confidence, and you don’t get frustrated by constant mishits.
If you are just starting your padel journey, you will find plenty of control-focused options at Padelup.
Teardrop-shaped padel racket
Teardrop-shaped rackets sit in the middle. They give you a mix of power and control and work well once you’ve got a bit more experience and feel more comfortable with your technique.
Diamond-shaped padel racket
Diamond-shaped rackets are the ones everyone is attracted to in the beginning. They are designed for aggressive players who finish points with smashes. The problem is that they have a smaller sweet spot and a higher balance, which makes them less forgiving. For a beginner, this often leads to mishits and slower improvement.
Choosing the right padel racket weight
Most first-time buyers in Pakistan assume that a heavier racket means more power. In reality, your technique generates the power, not the extra grams.
A lighter racket, usually in the 350–360g range, is much easier to maneuver. You react faster at the net, defend more comfortably, and most importantly, you put less strain on your arm.
Heavier rackets can feel solid in the beginning, but over long matches they become tiring, especially if your timing and preparation are still developing.
This is why the ideal padel racket weight for beginners is almost always in the mid-350g range.
How racket balance affects your game
Two rackets can have the same weight and still feel completely different. That difference comes from balance.
Low-balance rackets feel light in the hand and give you more control. They are easier to maneuver and much more comfortable for defensive shots.
A medium-balance racket provides a mix of control and power and suits most improving players.
High-balance rackets shift the weight up toward the head. They give you more power, sure, but you need better technique and timing to make them work.
For a first racket, a low to medium balance is the safest and smartest choice because it supports your learning instead of making the game harder.
Carbon or fiberglass which material is better for beginners
One of the biggest myths in padel is that carbon rackets are automatically better.
Carbon makes rackets stiffer and more durable, that’s why the pros use them. But for beginners, that stiffness just makes the racket harder to play with. Softer materials like fiberglass or blends feel way more comfortable and make it easier to send the ball back.
That softer touch gives you better control, more comfort, and a much more enjoyable playing experience in your early months.
Common mistakes first-time buyers make
The most common mistake is choosing a padel racket based on what professional players are using.
Professional players have the technique, strength, and timing to handle high-balance, power-focused rackets. A beginner does not need that yet.
Your first racket should help you keep the ball in play, feel comfortable during long games, and improve your confidence on court.
So What Should Your First Padel Racket Be?
For most new players, the ideal first racket is:
✅ A round or teardrop shape
✅ A weight around 360–365g
✅ Low to medium balance
✅ A softer surface for comfort
That combination allows you to learn faster, play longer, and enjoy the game from day one.
A Final Thought for New Padel Players in Pakistan
Padel in Pakistan is growing quickly, and more players are stepping on court every week. Choosing the right racket at the beginning makes a huge difference in how quickly you improve and how much you enjoy the sport.
If you ever feel confused between models, the goal is not to pick the most expensive racket, it is to pick the one that suits your current level and playing style.
That is exactly why we built Padelup! to help players find the right equipment for their game, not just sell them a product.