You've played a few social games with borrowed rackets. You're hooked. Now you're standing in front of a wall of rackets that all look the same and cost very different amounts.
Here's how to narrow it down in five minutes.
Start with the shape
Shape decides where the sweet spot sits, and that changes how forgiving the racket feels.
• Round: the sweet spot sits low and wide, so off-centre hits still go where you want. Best for beginners and anyone who plays a control game.
• Teardrop: a middle ground. A bit more power than round, still fairly forgiving. A good choice once you're playing regularly.
• Diamond: the weight sits higher up the head for more power on smashes. It punishes mishits, so leave it until your technique is solid.
If you're not sure, go round. Nobody ever lost a social game because their racket was too forgiving.
Then match it to your level
Just starting out. Look for a lighter racket with a softer feel that's easy on your arm. The O.G Beginner, the Campione 2.0 Beginner Round and the Leggero 2.0 Beginner are built for this stage.
Playing every week. You're starting to place the ball on purpose and want a little more pop. The Premio Beginner/Intermediate, Romeo Intermediate and Energia 2.0 Intermediate sit here.
Competitive and confident. You're hitting with intent and want a racket that rewards it. Look at the Maestro, Alto and Forza Pro.
A quick word on budget
A more expensive racket won't make you a better player if it's the wrong one for your level. Buy for the player you are now, or the one you'll be in six months. Not the one you watch on YouTube.
Don't forget the small stuff
• Padel racket head protector tape stops wall and floor scrapes from chipping the frame.
• Women's Eva ankle padel grip socks stop your foot sliding inside your shoe on quick changes of direction.
• A sleeve of fresh padel balls makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
Buying it as a gift?
A padel racket is one of the few gifts that gets used every week. If you don't know their level, a beginner or beginner/intermediate racket is the safe pick. Or let them choose with a FILA gift card.
Want to feel the weight before you buy? Call ahead to check which rackets your store has in stock. Find your nearest store, and earn cashback on your purchase through the FILA Loyalty Programme.