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Our Verdict
7.0/10Best for: Complete beginners and smaller players
The Babolat Contact is our top overall pick for first-time padel players, and after living with it, the appeal is simple: it removes every excuse. At $89.95 it sits comfortably inside the $60–130 budget we recommend for a first racket, at 340g it's the lightest option we've tested in this class, and its round face keeps a big, centered sweet spot under your mishits while your technique catches up. It won't win you points on raw pace — power is genuinely modest — but as a first racket it's about as friendly as they come.
Check Price on Amazon →Specs at a Glance
| Shape | Round |
| Weight | 340g |
| Core | Soft EVA |
| Surface | Fiberglass |
| Frame | Carbon/Fiberglass Hybrid |
| Price | $89.95 |
How It Scores
The Contact's scores tell you exactly what kind of racket this is. Control (8/10) and comfort (9/10) do the heavy lifting: the round shape delivers a huge sweet spot right in the middle of the face, the soft EVA core soaks up vibration before it reaches your elbow, and the fiberglass surface flexes forgivingly when contact isn't clean. Power sits at 4/10 — the lowest score on the card — because at 340g with a soft core, the racket simply isn't built to add pace. You supply the speed; the Contact supplies the margin for error.
The detail we like most is one you can't see: Babolat's Dynamic Stability System embeds tungsten reinforcement in the neck to reduce twisting when you hit off-center. New players mishit constantly, and a face that stays square on those shots keeps more balls in play. The carbon/fiberglass hybrid frame is the other quiet win — it adds durability without piling on weight, which is how the racket manages to be both the lightest and one of the tougher builds in its price bracket.
Who It's For — and Who Should Skip It
Buy the Contact if you're a complete beginner, a smaller player, or anyone with wrist or elbow concerns. The 340g weight means less fatigue over long sessions, and the soft, forgiving build is exactly what a developing swing needs. It's also the racket for people who don't want to overthink the purchase: it checks every box we look for in a first racket — round shape, soft EVA core, fiberglass face, under 365g — at the low end of the sensible price range.
Skip it if you already have some racket-sport background and hit with real pace. The same low weight that makes the Contact so maneuverable means it can lack stability on hard returns — heavy incoming balls will push it around more than a heavier frame. And if you're past the beginner stage entirely, the modest power ceiling will frustrate you quickly. Plan on 1–2 years of life with regular play before the EVA core starts to fade and you're shopping for an upgrade anyway.
Alternatives Worth Considering
The Contact tops our best beginner padel rackets guide, but it isn't the only good first racket: the HEAD Extreme Evo ($99.95) adds Innegra shock reduction and an oversized 511cm² head, while the Adidas Adipower ($129.00) lets you adjust weight as you improve. And if you're already outgrowing beginner gear, look at the Wilson Blade Elite V2— a $189 teardrop that's our favorite balanced step up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Babolat Contact weigh?
340g, which makes it the lightest racket in our beginner lineup. The low weight keeps it easy to maneuver and reduces fatigue, though it can lack stability against hard returns.
Is the Babolat Contact good for complete beginners?
Yes — it's built exactly for that. The round shape puts a huge sweet spot in the center of the face, the soft EVA core is gentle on the arm, and Babolat's Dynamic Stability System uses tungsten reinforcement in the neck to reduce twisting on off-center hits.
How long will the Babolat Contact last?
Expect 1–2 years with regular play of 2–3 sessions per week. The EVA foam core gradually loses its responsiveness before the frame shows wear, so most players upgrade before the racket actually breaks.