Lightest Padel Rackets of 2024: Which to Choose?

In today’s article, we try to resolve doubts related to the weight of padel rackets, something that is often on the minds of players when they decide to acquire a new weapon to accompany them in their matches on the 20×10 court.

We review the pros and cons of playing with light padel rackets and compare their performance with those models that have a higher weight. Additionally, we share a list of what we consider the most interesting rackets of this season that have a lower weight than usual.

Lightest Padel Rackets of 2024: Which to Choose?

To answer this question, it is necessary to know the physical characteristics and playing style of the padel player who is looking for a racket with a lighter weight than what they currently have. It is important to know that this change will require an adaptation process in terms of power, maneuverability, and sensations when moving around the court.

Next, we analyze a series of models that we believe are great options for players who want to compete with a light racket. We select up to eight different rackets that can be adapted to both defensive and offensive players, but first we answer the most common questions related to this topic:

How much does the lightest padel racket weigh?

The lightest padel rackets currently on the market weigh between 330 and 360 grams, depending on the model and the manufacturer. They usually feature materials like fiberglass on the surface and soft-touch rubbers in the core for smoother hitting sensations.

The balance of these rackets is usually located in the middle to low area, near the grip to enhance quick movements and add control to the game. In general, these models are intended for fast players who seek to dominate transitions and feel comfortable during long matches.

What is better, a light or heavy racket?

Light padel rackets are ideal for those players who often suffer from overloads in upper extremities such as wrists, elbows, and shoulders. They reduce fatigue in these joints and their maneuverability allows the padel player to perform quick movements with them, which can be beneficial in situations like volley clashes, wall exits, or blocks near the net.

On the other hand, heavy padel rackets are usually those that exceed 375 grams of weight. They are intended for players who seek greater power in their shots as they generally have a high balance to propel shots in attack. They are often the choice for players who have good technique and whose style does not require fast movements, but rather dominating the game with placed shots to later define the point in the attack zone.

In this list, we find the eight lightest rackets that have become the favorite options for padel players this 2024:

Head Extreme One 2024

The Extreme One is the padel racket with a single hole. The goal of this new design is to offer an alternative model that changes the traditional construction of rackets by presenting a greater durability of the plane with fewer layers of carbon than usual.

To compensate for the lack of aerodynamics due to its peculiar drilling, the weight of the racket is 345 grams, making it especially lightweight and manageable. Moreover, its marked roughness extends across the entire surface to provide good effects on the shots.

Babolat Air Viper 2024

The Babolat Air line is created for fast players who seek to implement finishes in motion and fast shots through explosive power.

With a diamond shape and medium-hard touch, the Air Viper is a very manageable racket that features woven carbon fiber on the surface to provide ball exit and precision in the game. Additionally, the 3D technology and roughness generate a greater effect on shots like volleys or vipers that allow the player to stay at the net as long as possible.

Adidas Metalbone Team Light 2024

This Adidas model is designed to fly over the 20×10 and surprise opponents thanks to its maneuverability. It has a round shape, a very broad sweet spot, mid-low balance, and a soft touch thanks to the fiberglass that composes the surface.

The comfort of this racket is enhanced by the technologies Octagonal Structure and Structural Reinforcement that allow adding extra power to the shots by generating greater stiffness. Moreover, the arrangement of the holes and the Spin Blade Gritt surface represent a perfect combination when making cut shots to make opponents suffer at the back of the court.

Head Graphene 360+ Delta XTR 2024

It is a powerful racket for intermediate to advanced level players who want to level up. It has a diamond shape with a high balance, so it performs very well in attack play, with a very wide sweet spot. It has the same diamond mold as other higher-priced Head rackets, making it a high-end model at an unbeatable price.

The Head Delta XTR 2024 features a fiberglass surface, which provides very good playability and contributes to greater comfort sensations. In this sense, its internal Power Foam plays a big role, as it provides the ball exit and power necessary to define the point near the net. Ultimately, it is a great option for attack players who often play on the backhand and seek a weapon to win volley clashes and perform quick smashes that surprise opponents.

Dreampadel Heaven 2024

This racket from the Spanish brand Dreampadel is the most recommended on this list for its value for money. Designed for control players, it is a model very forgiving of technical errors thanks to its round shape and low-medium balance which helps in the defensive aspect.

It features excellent ball exit due to its FOAM core and comes with 3K carbon on the planes providing a stiff feel. Overall, it is a very comfortable racket that generates minimal vibrations and represents a great option by sharing features and performance with higher-end models from other brands.

Wilson Bela V2.5 LT 2024

This racket is part of the Wilson 2024 collection by the legend Fernando Belasteguín, who is retiring this season from professional padel after 30 years competing at the highest level. It is an ideal model for attackers looking for power without excessive effort on the arm.

It has a diamond shape and combines a Soft EVA foam core with a woven carbon fiber layer on the faces to increase shot speed. It features an enlarged sweet spot to generate a good volume of play and a textured surface to add spin to the ball. Moreover, it comes with medium hardness and the Shock Shield grip to reduce vibrations and add extra comfort for the padel player.

Adidas Cross IT Light 2024

Madrid player Martita Ortega relies on this model from the Cross IT line to climb to the top positions in the Premier Padel ranking this 2024. Adidas has designed this round model with a wide sweet spot for expert-level players who want to make control their best weapon on the 20×10.

Its DAF technology and lightweight make it a very manageable racket, which does not reduce ball exit despite being composed of 24K aluminized carbon and medium-density EVA rubber. Although it is intended for female padel players, it perfectly suits players who want to dominate the game with a light racket that allows them to perform volleys, trays, and lobs with depth.

Head Zephyr UL 2024

This model is one of the lightest currently available on the market. Weighing between 330 and 350 grams, it is super manageable and ideal for those padel players who want to excel in the defensive phase and in volley clashes.

The combination of graphene and fiberglass on the surface along with the core made of Comfort Foam gives it a soft touch for unmatched softness with each hit. Additionally, it comes with a round shape and a mid-low balance, making it suitable for drive players who aim to return many balls across the court.