padel rackets ireland.

How to choose a padel racket

Choosing a padel racket comes down to three things — shape, weight and your level — and getting them right makes more difference to your game than any single brand or model. Here's the quick version.

• Round shape: the sweet spot sits in the centre for maximum control and forgiveness — the best place for beginners and improvers to start.
• Teardrop shape: a balance of power and control, and the most versatile all-round option.
• Diamond shape: weight towards the head for maximum power, suited to confident attackers with clean technique.

Most rackets weigh 350–375g. Lighter frames with a lower balance are easier to manoeuvre and kinder on the arm; heavier, head-heavy frames hit harder but ask more of your technique and elbow. On Ireland's mostly indoor courts a softer EVA core stays comfortable year-round, while stiff full-carbon frames feel firmer in the cold.

At Openplay we stock the full 2026 ranges from Bullpadel, Adidas, Nox and Head — the same pro-spec frames played on tour, shipped free across Ireland on orders over €75 from our Waterford base.

New to the sport? Read our best padel rackets for beginners guide and how to choose a padel racket, or browse our in-depth racket reviews. Not sure where to play yet? Find your nearest court on our Ireland court finder.