You have just bought a padel racket — or you are looking at one online — and there are numbers, codes and labels printed all over it. Some of them matter a lot. Some of them are mostly marketing. Here is what each one actually means.
Weight (g)
The most important number on any padel racket. Weight is printed in grams — typically somewhere between 340g and 385g for adult rackets. Most rackets also show a weight range rather than a fixed number, for example 360-375g, because small variations in manufacturing mean no two rackets of the same model weigh exactly the same.
A heavier racket is more stable on hard incoming balls but tires the arm faster. A lighter racket is more manoeuvrable and easier to swing but less stable. For most club players, 355-370g is the sweet spot. Do not go heavier assuming it means more power — at club level, technique delivers power, not weight.
Balance Point (mm)
The balance point tells you where the racket's weight is concentrated. It is measured in millimetres from the handle end to the point where the racket balances perfectly on your finger. A standard padel racket is 455-460mm long. Balance points typically fall between 255mm and 280mm+.
A low balance point means the weight is towards the handle — more control and easier on the arm. A high balance point means weight is in the head — more power on overhead shots but more demanding on technique and the elbow. Diamond-shaped rackets almost always have high balance points. Round rackets almost always have low ones.
Balance point and shape are closely linked. You rarely need to check both — if you know the shape, you already know roughly where the balance sits.
Hardness Rating and Foam Type
Many rackets print a hardness number or foam type on the frame. This is one of the most important specs and one of the least understood.
EVA foam
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate — a denser, firmer foam used in mid-range to advanced rackets. Transmits more energy back to the ball on contact, meaning more pace and spin. Also transmits more vibration to the arm. Hard EVA is used in diamond pro rackets. Soft EVA is a middle ground.
Soft foam / HR3
A softer, more cushioned foam used in beginner and comfort-focused rackets. More forgiving on mishits, easier on the elbow, but gives less direct feedback and pace than EVA alternatives. HR3 is a common label for a medium-soft foam specification.
Some brands print a numerical hardness score — typically on a scale of 1-10 or using a shore hardness measurement. Higher numbers mean firmer foam. Nox and Siux often use their own proprietary labelling. When in doubt, softer is better for beginners and players with arm sensitivity.
Carbon Weave Numbers — 3K, 12K, 18K
If you see a number followed by K on a padel racket face — 3K, 12K, 18K — this refers to the carbon fibre weave density used in the racket face.
In practical terms, the difference between 3K and 12K is noticeable at advanced level but relatively minor for club players. Fibreglass faces are significantly more flexible and forgiving — good for beginners, too soft for players generating serious pace. Carbon faces of any weave provide more responsiveness and spin potential.
Shape Codes
Some brands label their racket shapes with codes rather than plain language. Here is what the most common ones mean.
Brand-Specific Labels Worth Knowing
Each major brand uses their own proprietary technology names. These appear on the frame and can seem confusing — here is what the most common ones mean in plain English.
Which Specs Actually Matter Most
If you are trying to choose between two rackets and are drowning in spec numbers, here is the order in which they actually matter for club players.
Take the CORTA racket quiz for a personalised recommendation — no spec knowledge required.
