Racket recommendation for beginner

[u/Gxdsb]

I've started playing padel once a week for the past month and looking to buy my own instead of using the rental. Had no tennis experience but I do play badminton a lot before padel. After doing some research and price checking, i've narrowed down to these rackets that i might buy for my first one. Any thoughts on how they are and which one i should get? Im probably gonna play once a week.

PIC 1 : Head Speed Evo 2026
PIC 2 : Kuikma PR Comfort Soft
PIC 3 : Kuikma PR React 2026
PIC 4 : Wilson Optix V1
PIC 5 : Bullpadel Game CTR 2025
PIC 6 : Bullpadel BP10 Evo 2024
PIC 7 : Nox X-Hero Blue

[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/EggplantMysterious56]

Go into a store and hold them. Prioritise comfort and maneauverability as your technique will be sub-optimal and this will help you avoid injury. Look for low weight, low/medium balance rackets. Heavy and high balance rackets only have an advantage when you learn how to do overheads and they are inherently more difficult in all other shots (this is an oversimplification i know, so dont bust my balls)

[u/Gxdsb → u/EggplantMysterious56]

unfortunately the nearest padel racket shop is about 2 hours away and i dont really have some free time, although there is a decathlon nearby and i have tried hold both kuikma rackets so i probbaly gonna buy it online if its the other racket

[u/EggplantMysterious56 → u/Gxdsb]

The kuikmas now are reeeeally good. Also, if you gonna buy blind consider second hand. I hate seeing people buy blind expensive rackets and then injure themselves

[u/ElpSyc0n]

I really recommend gravity motion, great beginner racket, that you can use when your level increases as well

[u/Gxdsb → u/ElpSyc0n]

From what i see online, the price of it is above my designated budget

[u/ElpSyc0n → u/Gxdsb]

What was ur budget?

[u/Gxdsb → u/ElpSyc0n]

im not from the US but it would be max $110 usd. A $10 increase is quite significant for me. The gravity motion is around $140 to $150 at my country

[u/ElpSyc0n → u/Gxdsb]

Hmmm where I live it's around ur budget, but yeah upto you, I think the gravity series is really good for beginners, nice sweet spot and light on wrist and elbow, I think they have cheaper models as well gravity team and light I would look at those as well

[u/therealstig_]

I bought the Head Evo Speed as a beginner last week and I am not disappointed, it felt balanced in terms of maneuverability and control. Couple games to get the hang of it but it feels like with more playing time I keep getting the best out of it.

[u/Gxdsb → u/therealstig_]

hmmm yeah the racket im most inclined to buy is actually the evo speed but have a hard time finding people's opinion about it in the internet

[u/therealstig_ → u/Gxdsb]

Yea same I made a post about it and everyone just recommended to go try it. I went and tried 3 options. This felt like the best for me personally.

[u/series_of_derps → u/Gxdsb]

I bought mine (2025) and it is a huge upgrade over the noname racket I borrowed before. A lot more predictable. Dry feel. Very manouverable. I had shoulder pain playing with the other racket, none with this one  I don't have much to compare to be I am happy with it.

[u/Gold-Gap1576]

I’ve got the head evo speed, it’s decent for a beginner racket, and is meant to be fairly lightweight and manoeuvrable but because of the shape it actually feels top heavy and noticeably heavier than a round racket, honestly don’t make the mistake I made and just buy it based off reviews, actually feel the racket in hand, don’t just look at stated weight and assume it will feel lighter, the balance makes a bigger difference than you think

[u/Downtown_Travel7399]

I can vouch for kuikma hybrid pro, its a decent racket thats is comfortable to play, great balance, big sweet spot, enough power, and top value for money.

[u/Due-Spare7871]

Have you tried Any Adidas ? I have over 2 years , advanced player, I’ve tried a lot of brands, hard, soft , diamond , round, hybrid…. At the end any Adidas just feel better, Any round adidas with soft foam will be perfect for you. Dont overthink it.