Padel Equipment Guide: Everything You Need to Play

From First Rental to Pro Gear: Your Complete Equipment Roadmap

Welcome to the most comprehensive padel equipment guide in the United States. Whether you're playing your first game with borrowed gear or you're ready to invest in premium equipment, we've got you covered.

The short version: You need a racket, balls, and court shoes. The fun version: Let's dive deep into every piece of equipment that'll take your game from "What's padel?" to "I need the new carbon fiber model."

Essential Equipment: What You Need to Play

1. The Padel Racket (Pala) 🎾

The most important decision you'll make.

For Your First 5-10 Games: RENT

Seriously. Every club rents rackets for $5-15. Try different shapes and weights before buying.

Why?

• You don't know your playing style yet
• Rackets range from $50 to $400+
• What feels good day 1 might not feel good day 30

When You're Ready to Buy: The Basics

Racket Shapes (This Affects Everything):

Round (Redonda) - Best for Beginners

• Largest sweet spot (forgiving on mishits)
• Best control
• Less power
• Perfect for: Learning the game, consistency players
• Price: $80-200

Teardrop (Lágrima) - Intermediate Sweet Spot

• Balanced power and control
• Medium sweet spot
• Versatile for different playing styles
• Perfect for: Players developing their game
• Price: $100-250

Diamond (Diamante) - Advanced Power

• Highest sweet spot on racket
• Maximum power
• Requires better technique
• Perfect for: Aggressive, experienced players
• Price: $150-400+

Beginner recommendation: Start with round shape. You'll thank us when you're actually hitting the ball instead of whiffing.

Weight Matters

Light (340-360 grams / 12-12.7 oz)

• Easier maneuverability
• Less fatigue
• Better for quick reactions at net
• Best for: Beginners, smaller players, defensive style

Medium (360-375 grams / 12.7-13.2 oz)

• Balanced control and power
• Most popular weight range
• Good all-around performance
• Best for: Intermediate players, most playing styles

Heavy (375-390 grams / 13.2-13.8 oz)

• More power on shots
• Better for smashes
• Requires more arm strength
• Best for: Advanced players, aggressive attackers

New player sweet spot: 360-370 grams (12.7-13 oz)

Materials & Construction

Fiberglass/Glass Fiber

• Softer feel
• More control
• Better comfort (less vibration)
• Great for: Beginners and control players
• Downside: Less power than carbon

Carbon Fiber

• Stiffer feel
• More power
• Longer durability
• Great for: Intermediate to advanced players
• Downside: Less forgiving on mishits

Hybrid (Carbon + Fiberglass)

• Best of both worlds
• Popular choice
• Great for: Most players

Foam Core (Inside the Racket):

• EVA Foam: Harder, more durable, consistent in temperature
• FOAM (Soft): Better shock absorption, comfortable
• Both are good—personal preference

Your First Racket: Our Recommendation

Budget: $80-120 Shape: Round (control/forgiveness) Weight: 360-370 grams Material: Fiberglass or hybrid Brands to Consider: Wilson, HEAD, Babolat, Bullpadel, Nox, StarVie

Where to Buy:

• Your local club's pro shop (try before you buy!)
• Online retailers (but harder to test)
• Used marketplaces (Facebook groups, OfferUp)

2. Padel Balls 🎾

Not tennis balls! (Though they look similar)

The Difference

Padel Balls:

• Lower pressure than tennis balls
• Slightly softer compression
• Better for wall play and smaller court
• Pressure: 10.9-11.6 PSI (vs. tennis: 14 PSI)

Tennis Balls:

• Too lively for padel
• Bounce too high off walls
• Will annoy experienced players
• Don't use them (seriously)

Ball Types

Pressurized (Most Common)

• Used in most clubs and tournaments
• Last 3-5 games before losing pressure
• Brands: Wilson, Penn, Dunlop, Head, Bullpadel
• Cost: $5-10 per can (3 balls)

Pressureless

• Last longer (don't lose pressure)
• Feel different (heavier, less bouncy)
• Use: Practice, ball machines
• Not ideal for match play

How Many Balls?

For Practice: 1 can (3 balls) is fine For Matches: 2 cans (6 balls) is ideal For Clinics: Club usually provides

Storage Tip: Keep balls in pressurized can when not using. They'll last longer.

When to Replace Balls

Signs your balls are dead:

• ❌ Reduced bounce
• ❌ Softer feel when squeezed
• ❌ Fuzzy surface is worn smooth
• ❌ Lost their "pop" sound

Most players replace balls every 3-4 games for optimal play.

3. Court Shoes 👟

This is non-negotiable. Wear proper court shoes.

Why Court Shoes Matter

❌ Running shoes: Too much grip (ankle injuries on quick turns) ❌ Cross-trainers: Inconsistent traction ❌ Tennis shoes (some): Can work but not optimal ✅ Padel/Tennis court shoes: Perfect grip, lateral support, non-marking

What Makes a Good Padel Shoe?

Essential Features:

• Lateral support (side-to-side movement)
• Non-marking sole (clubs require this)
• Good traction but not too much
• Cushioning for jumping and quick stops
• Breathability for long games

Padel-Specific Shoes vs. Tennis Shoes

Padel Shoes:

• Optimized for artificial turf
• More lateral stability (less forward running)
• Often have herringbone pattern sole
• Best for: Serious players

Tennis Shoes (Court Specific):

• Work well for padel
• Widely available in U.S.
• Clay court tennis shoes = great for padel
• Hard court tennis shoes = also work

For Beginners: Any non-marking tennis or court shoe works fine. As you advance, consider padel-specific.

Brands & Recommendations

Padel-Specific Brands:

• Asics Gel-Padel ($90-140)
• Adidas Adipower ($100-160)
• Babolat Padel Shoes ($80-150)
• K-Swiss Aero ($70-120)

Tennis Shoes That Work:

• Nike Court Zoom
• Asics Gel-Resolution
• Adidas Barricade
• New Balance FuelCell

Budget: $70-100 for quality shoes Premium: $120-180 for top models

Pro Tip: Buy from club pro shops when possible—they know what works on their courts.

4. Athletic Apparel & Accessories 👕

What to Wear

Tops:

• Moisture-wicking shirts (cotton gets heavy)
• Tank tops in summer
• Long sleeves for sun protection (outdoor courts)
• Sports bras for women (high-impact support)

Bottoms:

• Athletic shorts (with pockets for balls!)
• Skirts/skorts (popular in padel)
• Leggings/athletic pants (cooler weather)

Style Points: Padel fashion is having a moment. Many players dress like they're at a tennis club—and that's part of the fun.

The Wrist Strap (Mandatory in Tournaments)

What it is: Cord that attaches racket to your wrist

Why you need it:

• Safety: Prevents racket from flying
• Rules: Required in tournaments
• Insurance: Clubs often require it

Cost: Usually comes with racket ($0-10 separately)

Sweatbands & Headbands

Wristbands:

• Keep hands dry
• Prevent racket slipping
• Especially useful: Hot weather, sweaty players

Headbands:

• Keep hair/sweat out of eyes
• Pure style points
• Bonus: Feel like a pro

Sunglasses (Outdoor Courts)

Polarized sport sunglasses:

• Protect eyes from sun
• Reduce glare off glass walls
• Look cool (important)

Features to look for:

• UV protection
• Won't fall off during play
• Shatter-resistant
• Sport-specific (stay put!)

5. Bags & Storage 💼

Your First Bag: Keep It Simple

What you need:

• Racket compartment (padded)
• Space for balls, shoes, water
• Separate wet/dry pockets (for sweaty clothes)

Types:

Backpack Style ($30-80)

• Carry on back
• Great for biking/walking to club
• Usually holds 1-2 rackets
• Best for: Casual players

Padel Bag ($50-150)

• Dedicated racket compartments
• Holds 2-3 rackets
• Multiple pockets
• Best for: Regular players

Tournament Bag ($100-250)

• Holds 6+ rackets
• Thermal protection
• Shoe compartments
• Best for: Serious competitors

Beginner Reality: Your gym bag works fine for the first few months.

Setting Up a Padel Court: For Clubs & Facilities

Court Construction Basics

Thinking of adding padel to your facility? Here's what you need to know:

Space Requirements

Minimum Space:

• Playing area: 65.6 ft x 32.8 ft (20m x 10m)
• Plus clearance: 6.5 ft (2m) around the court
• Total space needed: ~82 ft x 46 ft minimum
• Height clearance: 23 feet (7 meters) for indoor

Optimal Space:

• Extra room for viewing area
• Walkways between multiple courts
• Most clubs: 85 ft x 50 ft per court minimum

Court Components & Costs

1. Playing Surface ($8,000-15,000)

• Artificial turf with sand infill
• Proper drainage system
• Level concrete base
• Options: MonoTurf, textured surfaces

2. Glass Walls ($15,000-25,000)

• Tempered glass panels (10-12mm thick)
• Back walls: 10-13 feet high
• Must withstand ball impact
• Quality matters: Don't cheap out here

3. Metal Mesh Panels ($8,000-12,000)

• Galvanized steel mesh
• Side walls (front sections)
• Allows ball to bounce through
• Powder-coated for weather resistance

4. Net & Posts ($500-1,500)

• Metal posts anchored securely
• Professional-grade net
• Adjustable height (88cm center, 92cm posts)

5. Lighting ($5,000-15,000 per court)

• LED panels recommended
• Minimum 500 lux for recreational
• 1,000+ lux for tournament play
• Outdoor: Weather-resistant fixtures

6. Entrance Gates ($1,000-2,000)

• Reinforced gate structure
• Proper latching mechanism
• Usually one or two access points

Total Cost for 1 Court: $50,000-100,000+ (installation included)

For Multiple Courts: Costs per court decrease with economies of scale

Court Suppliers & Manufacturers

Leading U.S. Suppliers:

• All Racquet Sports USA (Installed courts at Dripping Springs Racquet Club)
• Padel Galis (Spanish manufacturer - courts at Mesa Padel Club)
• MejorSet (Courts at Mink Padel NYC)
• Resipadel (International installations)

What to Look For:

• FIP-approved specifications
• Warranty coverage (5-10 years typical)
• Installation included
• Local support for maintenance

Interested in partnership opportunities? Contact us about featuring your equipment in our directory.

Intermediate & Advanced Equipment

Upgrading Your Racket

When to upgrade:

• You play 2+ times per week
• You understand your playing style
• Your rental/starter racket feels limiting
• Not when: You lost your last three games (new racket won't fix that)

What to look for:

Control Players (Defensive style):

• Round or teardrop shape
• Soft foam core
• Fiberglass face
• Brands: Bullpadel Vertex, Nox ML10, Head Delta

Power Players (Aggressive style):

• Diamond shape
• Hard EVA core
• Carbon fiber face
• Brands: Adidas Metalbone, Babolat Viper, Wilson Bela

All-Around Players:

• Teardrop shape
• Medium foam
• Hybrid materials
• Brands: Head Flash, Wilson Rush, StarVie Triton

Overgrips & Grips

Original Grip (Comes with Racket):

• Lasts 6-12 months
• Provides base cushioning
• Replace when: Worn through or slippery

Overgrip (Replace Often):

• Thin wrap over original grip
• Absorbs sweat
• Replace: Every 10-15 hours of play
• Cost: $5-15 for 3-pack

Types:

• Tacky: Maximum grip (wet hands)
• Dry: Moisture absorption (sweaty hands)
• Cushioned: Extra comfort

Popular brands: Wilson Pro, Bullpadel, HEAD, Karakal

Padel Balls: Stocking Up

For Regular Play:

• Buy in bulk: 24-ball case = $40-70
• Saves money: vs. buying cans individually
• Store in cool, dry place

Ball Selection:

• Wilson Padel Balls (most common in U.S.)
• Penn Padel Balls (widely available)
• Dunlop Padel Balls (tournament grade)
• Head Padel Balls (premium option)
• Bullpadel Gold (Spanish favorite)

For Different Conditions:

• High altitude: Use specific high-altitude balls (less pressure)
• Cold weather: Balls lose bounce—use fresh ones
• Indoor play: Any quality pressurized ball works

Protective Gear & Accessories

Eye Protection (Recommended for Beginners)

Padel-specific glasses:

• Protect from ball impact (balls can bounce unpredictably)
• Anti-fog coating
• Wraparound design
• Cost: $20-60

When to wear:

• Learning phase (first 10-20 games)
• If you're nervous about close-range shots
• Many players don't wear them, but safety first

Compression Gear & Support

Knee Support:

• Quick lateral movements = knee stress
• Compression sleeves or braces
• If you have knee issues: Worthwhile investment

Elbow Support:

• Padel elbow is real (like tennis elbow)
• Compression sleeves help
• Prevention: Better than treatment

Ankle Support:

• Quick direction changes
• Compression socks or braces
• Especially useful: On outdoor courts (uneven surface risk)

Sweatbands & Towels

Wristbands:

• Keep hands dry = better grip
• Prevent sweat dripping down forearm
• Cost: $5-15

Towels:

• Between games
• Dry hands and racket
• Most clubs provide, but bring your own

Weather & Condition-Specific Gear

Outdoor Court Essentials

Sun Protection:

• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ (you're out there for hours)
• Hat/Visor: Keep sun out of eyes for lobs
• Sunglasses: Reduce glare
• Long sleeves: UPF-rated athletic wear

Cold Weather:

• Layers: Start warm, remove as you heat up
• Gloves: Fingerless for warm-up
• Thermal athletic wear: Base layers
• Beanie: For between games

Rain Considerations:

• Most outdoor courts close in rain
• Some covered courts handle light rain
• Check club policy before heading out

Indoor Court Considerations

Temperature Control:

• Most are climate-controlled (60-70°F ideal)
• Shorts and t-shirt usually perfect
• Bring: Light jacket for before/after

Sound:

• Indoor courts can be LOUD
• Some players use ear protection (rare)
• Most clubs have sound mitigation systems now

Equipment for Court Owners & Facilities

Essential Club Equipment

Ball Hoppers & Baskets ($30-100)

• Collect and store balls
• Essential for clinics
• Rolling hoppers for ease

Ball Machines ($2,000-8,000)

• Automated feeding system
• Adjustable speed and spin
• Great for: Practice and clinics
• ROI: Additional revenue stream

Scoreboards ($50-500)

• Manual flip scoreboards (cheap)
• Digital displays (professional)
• Mobile apps work too (Playtomic shows scores)

Seating & Viewing Area

• Benches courtside
• Elevated viewing for spectators
• Shade: For outdoor courts

Storage Solutions

• Racket rentals (need 10-20 rental rackets)
• Ball storage (humidity-controlled)
• Equipment carts

Court Maintenance Equipment

Cleaning:

• Glass cleaner & squeegees (weekly)
• Turf brushes (monthly)
• Pressure washer (quarterly deep clean)

Repairs:

• Replacement glass panels (keep 1-2 spare)
• Net replacement parts
• Turf repair kits

Inspection:

• Regular wall stability checks
• Net tension monitoring
• Surface levelness verification

Pro Shop Essentials: Stocking a Retail Operation

Inventory for Clubs

Must-Have Stock:

Rackets (20-40 units):

• 5-10 beginner models ($80-120)
• 10-15 intermediate ($120-200)
• 5-10 advanced ($200-400)
• 10+ rental rackets (entry level)

Balls (50-100 cans):

• Variety of brands
• Bulk pricing from suppliers
• Mark-up: 30-50% typical

Accessories:

• Overgrips (20+ packs)
• Wristbands (various colors)
• Bags (5-10 options)
• Sunglasses
• Apparel

Typical Investment: $10,000-25,000 initial inventory

Interested in becoming an equipment partner? Contact us about promotional opportunities.

Technology & Training Aids

Padel-Specific Tech

Video Analysis Tools ($0-500)

• Playtomic app: Tracks matches, stats (free)
• Phone mount: Record your games ($20)
• AI court cameras: Some premium clubs have these (Padel N9NE, Bay Padel)

Training Aids ($20-200)

• Resistance bands: Improve power
• Agility ladders: Footwork drills
• Reaction balls: Hand-eye coordination
• Wall rebounder: Solo practice

Wearable Tech:

• Fitness trackers: Monitor heart rate, calories
• Smart watches: Track court time
• Padel-specific apps: Game stats and improvement tracking

Caring for Your Equipment

Racket Maintenance

After Every Session:

• Wipe down face with damp cloth
• Remove dirt/debris from holes
• Check for cracks in frame

Monthly:

• Inspect edges for damage
• Check wrist strap for wear
• Replace grip if slippery or worn

Storage:

• Avoid extreme temperatures (car trunk in summer = bad)
• Don't leave in direct sunlight
• Store in bag with padding

Lifespan: Good racket lasts 1-3 years depending on play frequency and care.

Ball Storage

Keep Fresh:

• Store in pressurized cans
• Cool, dry location
• Not: Garage in summer, trunk of car

At the Court:

• Use ball hopper or bag
• Don't leave scattered on ground
• Return balls to opponents between points

Budget Guide: What You'll Actually Spend

Absolute Beginner (Months 1-3)

Regular Player (After 3 Months)

Serious Player (1+ Year)

Reality Check: You can enjoy padel for under $500/year total. The expensive stuff is optional and fun, not mandatory.

Where to Buy Equipment in the U.S.

Physical Locations

Club Pro Shops (Best Option):

• Try before you buy
• Expert advice from staff
• Support local club
• Often: Demo programs (try rackets for 30 days)

Over 85 clubs in our directory have pro shops!

Sporting Goods Stores (Limited Selection):

• Some tennis shops carry padel
• Dick's Sporting Goods (select locations)
• Call ahead: Padel gear still isn't everywhere

Online Retailers

Padel-Specific U.S. Retailers:

• Padel USA (padelusa.org shop)
• Total Padel (totalpadel.com)
• Padel Warehouse
• Advantage: Widest selection

General Sports Retailers:

• Amazon (growing selection)
• Tennis Warehouse (some padel)
• Advantage: Fast shipping, returns

Direct from Manufacturers:

• Wilson Padel
• Babolat
• HEAD
• Advantage: Latest models, full range

Used Equipment Market

Where to Find:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Club bulletin boards
• "Padel USA" Facebook groups
• OfferUp, Craigslist

What to Buy Used:

• ✅ Rackets (inspect for cracks)
• ✅ Bags
• ❌ Balls (always buy new)
• ❌ Shoes (hygiene + wear patterns)

Price: 30-60% off retail for gently used rackets

Equipment Partnerships & Sponsorships

For Clubs & Facilities

We're connecting clubs with quality equipment suppliers. Benefits include:

• Wholesale pricing on rackets and balls
• Demo programs for members
• Co-branded merchandise opportunities
• Tournament sponsorships
• Pro shop inventory support

Interested? Contact us about equipment partnerships.

For Equipment Brands

Get your products in front of 120+ verified clubs and thousands of players through:

• Directory listings with your clubs
• Equipment guide featuring (you're reading it!)
• Review programs with real players
• Tournament partnerships

Let's grow padel together. Partnership inquiries

Equipment FAQs

"Can I use a tennis racket?" No. Completely different design. Padel rackets are solid with holes, no strings.

"Are expensive rackets worth it?" For beginners? No. After 6+ months of regular play? Maybe. After 1+ year? Probably yes if you're serious.

"What's the difference between $100 and $300 rackets?" Materials (carbon vs. fiberglass), construction quality, power/control balance, durability. But honestly? A $120 racket plays great for most people.

"Do I need padel-specific balls?" YES. Tennis balls don't work properly. The pressure difference matters.

"Can I play in running shoes?" Technically yes, but you'll slip and risk ankle injuries. Just buy court shoes.

"What brand do pros use?" Wilson, Babolat, Bullpadel, Adidas, HEAD, Nox, StarVie. But pros get free gear. You should buy what fits your budget and playing style.

"How often should I replace my racket?" 1-3 years depending on frequency. Signs to replace: visible cracks, frame damage, significant performance drop.

Start Shopping Smart

Our Equipment Philosophy

For Your First 6 Months:

• Rent rackets when possible
• Buy budget-friendly when ready ($80-120 range)
• Invest in good shoes (injury prevention)
• Skip the fancy accessories

After 6 Months:

• Upgrade racket if playing weekly
• Invest in quality balls
• Get proper bag
• Now: You know what you need

After 1 Year:

• Premium racket makes sense
• Backup racket is smart
• Apparel collection grows naturally
• You're invested: Embrace it

Where We Come In

Our directory lists clubs with:

• Pro shops (85+ clubs)
• Equipment rentals
• Demo programs
• Filter by: "Has pro shop" to find retailers near you

Plus: We're building partnerships with equipment suppliers to bring you exclusive deals, honest reviews, and expert recommendations.

Coming Soon: Enhanced Equipment Resources

We're expanding this guide with:

• Detailed racket reviews (tested by real players)
• Video comparisons (see rackets in action)
• Pro shop directory (find retailers near you)
• Exclusive discounts (partner deals)
• Seasonal buying guides (best time to save)

Want early access? Join our newsletter for equipment drops and deals.

Ready to Gear Up?

Find clubs with pro shops in our directory, or start with rentals at any of the 120+ facilities we've verified.

Remember: The best equipment is the equipment that gets you on the court. Start simple, upgrade smart, and have fun.

Now stop reading and go play. 🎾

Equipment specifications based on FIP regulations and U.S. market availability. Partner opportunities available. Last updated: October 2025