How we rate gear

Where the picks come from

We start from the makers' own specs, then read independent reviews and what players and coaches say about each racket, shoe and ball. We group products by who they actually suit: a great pro racket is a bad buy for most club players, so it won't appear in our beginner guide.

We don't test gear on court ourselves, and we never pretend to. Our job is research: we read the specs and the reviews so you don't have to, and turn them into clear advice and comparable numbers.

How the racket stats work

Every stat is estimated from specs. None of them is a lab measurement, and we don't play-test rackets. Each racket gets five stats from 1 to 10: Power, Control, Speed, Comfort and Sweet spot. One fixed formula (method v1, October 2026) turns four inputs into those numbers, so every racket is rated on equal terms.

The four inputs

• Shape: round, teardrop, hybrid or diamond.
• Balance: low, low to medium, medium or high (head-heavy).
• Core feel: soft, soft to medium, medium, medium to hard, or hard.
• Weight: the approximate weight in grams.

Inputs come from the maker's listing and independent reviews. When a maker doesn't state one, we estimate it from the racket's materials and line, and the site marks it (est.) next to the value. Those estimates are the least certain part of the method.

The formula

Shape sets a starting point: round starts at 3 power, 8 control and 9 sweet spot; teardrop 5, 6 and 6; hybrid 5, 7 and 7; diamond 7, 4 and 4. Balance scores 0 (low) to 2 (high), core feel 0 (soft) to 2 (hard), and weight 0 to 3 (330 g and under up to 366 g and over). Then:

• Power = shape start + 0.6 × balance + 0.6 × core + 0.4 × weight
• Control = shape start − 0.8 × (balance − 1)
• Speed = 9.5 − 1.2 × balance − 1.1 × weight
• Comfort = 9.5 − 1.8 × core − 0.6 × balance − 0.6 × (weight above 2)
• Sweet spot = shape start − 0.5 × core

Each result is rounded and kept between 1 and 10. The label on each racket comes from Power minus Control: 3 or more is a Power hitter, −3 or less a Control player, anything between an All-rounder.

How to read them

Use the stats to compare rackets and narrow your choice, not as precise measurements. A one-point difference is within the method's margin: treat it as a tendency. A gap of three or more points reflects a real difference in how the racket is built. Two players can still feel the same racket differently, and makers change rackets from year to year, so check the exact model year before buying.

Money

Some links go to shops that pay us a small commission if you buy. The price you pay is the same. No brand or shop can pay to be included, ranked higher or rated better, and commissions never change the stats. We link to more than one shop where we can, so you can buy wherever it's cheapest. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Updates and corrections

Rackets change every year. We review each guide at least once a season and show the date it was last updated at the top. If you spot a wrong spec or a broken link, email hello@padelversus.com and we'll fix it.