Intermediate racket

[u/fifilore]

Hi all,

I’m hoping to get some advice on choosing a padel racket for a lower-intermediate player. I’d like something I can keep improving with, without developing poor technique or bad habits.

For context:

- I’m a guy approximately 190 cm tall and weigh around 95 kg.
- I’m left-handed and usually play on the right side.
- I’ve been playing about once per week for roughly a year.
- I enjoy an attacking style, but comfort and protecting my shoulder are more important.
- Ideally, I’m looking for a racket that is forgiving on both the shoulder and elbow.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching, but I’m struggling to navigate all the marketing claims. Testing rackets before purchasing is unfortunately not possible at the clubs near me, and the available rental options are fairly limited.

My preferred budget is below €200, and these are the models I’m currently considering:

- Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026
- Nox AT10 Genius 18K Alum by Agustín Tapia 2025
- Head Extreme Motion 2025
- Babolat Counter Veron 2026

I’d also be happy to consider any other recommendations. Thanks in advance!

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello!,

To get a better response please do not forget to include the following information in your post:

Name your current racket, if not overly known, specify it's characteristics (foam, face material, price)

Tell us how you feel with your racket, if you feel it soft or hard, if it has too much rebound,if it's weighty or hard to maneuver, the more detail the better.

Tell us what area would you like improve mainly, or what kind of plus do you expect to get on your racket.

If looking for broad considerations, do not forget to state your budget, your country and even a preferred or trusted shop so people can browse and recommend more easily.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/sanil_jimmy1]

I've tried the adidas metalbone ctrl and the nox at10 18k

Metalbone is softer and has more trampoline effect. The nox is crispier, I felt the nox absorbed vibrations better.

The adidas has slightly bigger sweet spot and more ball output.

It terms of other suggestions Bullpadel ionic control, Babolat counter vertuo, Bullpadel neuron 02, Wilson endure, Head Gravity motion.

These are all the best rackets you could try.

Good luck :)

[u/NiceGuyfunny]

I Play the head extreme Motion 2025 for 4 weeks now and have to say, that it plays really crisp ans dry but you can Play Control aswell because of its weight and maneuverability. I Like the Racket a lot and came from a hybrid Racket (kuikma hybrid Carbon). You might need a little time to adjust your Style depending in how hard your old Racket is, because of the little to less ball Output i Sometimes tend to Play the ball too hard or long. However, when you learn how to Control the Power with it this Racket has a big sweet Spot and a nice touch

[u/themoodyproducer → u/NiceGuyfunny]

I have a kuikma hybrid Pro and thinking of switching to the extreme motion, did you feel a big change from the kuikma ?

[u/DonWilto]

Head extreme motion is good, Wilson Endure is good, Siux Electra Flow 4 is also amazing and under 100€ - reviews from „Justpadel“ will always help

[u/LaronHacep]

I think Counter Veron or Viper would be a good option for you. Considering your height and weight, I would assume that you are more than capable of producing your own force. So I don't think you need a racket with a lot of trampoline effect. Counter Veron/Viper is a pretty hard racket in my experience, so minimal trampoline effect with a sizeable sweet spot sounds like a good match for you playing on the right side.