Everything to bring to your first session — and the stuff you can leave at home

You’ve booked your first padel session. Now you’re standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what to wear to padel and what to bring. Good news: padel doesn’t require much gear, and you probably own most of what you need already.

This is the checklist we wish we’d had before our first time on court. It covers the essentials, the nice-to-haves, and the things you definitely don’t need (despite what the ads tell you).

The Essentials: What You Actually Need

Shoes — The One Thing Worth Getting Right

If you’re going to invest in one piece of padel gear, make it your shoes. The court surface is artificial turf with sand, which is slippery in normal trainers and dangerous in running shoes. You need soles that grip without sticking.

Best option: Padel-specific shoes or clay court tennis shoes. Both have a herringbone sole pattern designed for this exact surface. Expect to pay €50–120 for a quality pair.

Acceptable for your first time: Any flat-soled gym shoe or indoor court shoe. Avoid running shoes (curved soles = ankle risk) and anything with deep lugs or studs.

Our picks: Head Motion Pro, Asics Gel-Padel Pro, or Adidas Barricade Padel. All offer excellent grip, cushioning, and durability in the €70–110 range.

Smash & Glass Tip: Padel shoes wear out faster than you’d expect because of the sandy surface. If you play twice a week, budget for a new pair every 6–9 months. Buying mid-range shoes and replacing them regularly is a better strategy than buying expensive ones and wearing them flat.

Clothing — Comfort Over Style

Padel is an intense sport with lots of lateral movement, short sprints, and overhead shots. You need clothes that let you move freely and handle sweat. Here’s what to wear to padel in terms of clothing:

• Top: Any breathable athletic t-shirt or polo. Avoid cotton — it absorbs sweat and gets heavy. Look for polyester or moisture-wicking fabrics. A standard gym shirt works perfectly.
• Bottoms: Padel shorts, tennis shorts, or any athletic shorts with some stretch. Women often prefer padel skirts or tennis skirts with built-in shorts. Leggings work too, especially in cooler indoor courts. Avoid anything restrictive around the hips.
• Socks: Athletic socks that sit above the ankle. Low-cut socks tend to slip down during fast movement and can cause blisters. Padel-specific socks exist with extra cushioning in the heel and toe, but regular sports socks are fine.

You don’t need branded padel clothing to play. Any comfortable activewear you’d wear to the gym or a tennis court works perfectly.

Racket — Rent First, Buy Later

Most padel clubs rent rackets for €3–5 per session. For your first few times, this is the way to go. It lets you try different shapes and weights before committing to a purchase. When you’re ready to buy, check out our guide to the best padel rackets for beginners.

Balls — Usually Provided

Most clubs provide balls as part of the court booking fee. If yours doesn’t, or if you want your own for practice, a tube of three padel balls costs around €5–8. Head and Bullpadel are the most common brands. Padel balls look like tennis balls but have slightly less pressure, which makes the game more playable.

The Nice-to-Haves: Gear That Improves Your Experience

Overgrip

A thin wrap that goes over your racket’s existing grip. It improves sweat absorption and gives you a tackier, more secure hold. At €1–2 per grip, it’s the cheapest upgrade you can make. Replace it every few sessions when it starts feeling smooth.

Wristband or Headband

Sounds old-fashioned, but a wristband on your racket hand prevents sweat from running down your arm onto your grip. On a hot day or in a warm indoor court, it’s surprisingly useful. A headband keeps sweat out of your eyes. Both cost next to nothing.

Water Bottle

Obvious but worth mentioning — padel is more intense than it looks, especially in doubles rallies. Bring at least half a litre. Most courts have spots to place your bottle between points.

Small Towel

For wiping your hands, grip, or face between games. A small gym towel does the job. Some players clip it to their shorts or bag for easy access.

Cap or Visor (Outdoor Courts)

If you’re playing outdoors, a cap or visor keeps the sun out of your eyes during lobs and overhead shots. Not needed for indoor courts, which is where most padel is played in Scandinavia.

What You Don’t Need (Yet)

Don’t let marketing convince you to buy everything before your first session. These items are unnecessary for beginners:

• Expensive padel-specific clothing: Regular activewear is fine. Branded padel clothing is nice but adds zero performance benefit over what you already own.
• A racket bag: A backpack works. Buy a dedicated bag only if you’re playing multiple times a week and want to carry multiple rackets.
• Elbow or wrist supports: If you’re using the right racket (round shape, soft core) and not swinging too hard, you shouldn’t need supports. If you develop pain, it’s usually a technique issue, not a gear issue — consider a lesson before buying supports.
• A premium racket: Seriously. Rent for your first 3–5 sessions, then buy a beginner-friendly racket in the €60–150 range. A €300 racket will not make you better.

The Complete Checklist

Here’s everything at a glance. Screenshot this or print it before your next session:

Must Have

• ☐ Padel shoes or clay court tennis shoes (or flat-soled gym shoes for your first time)
• ☐ Breathable athletic top (no cotton)
• ☐ Athletic shorts, skirt, or leggings (something stretchy)
• ☐ Athletic socks (above the ankle)
• ☐ Racket (rent at the club or bring your own)
• ☐ Water bottle

Nice to Have

• ☐ Overgrip (€1–2, improves racket hold)
• ☐ Wristband (keeps sweat off your grip hand)
• ☐ Small towel
• ☐ Cap or visor (outdoor courts only)
• ☐ Spare t-shirt (for after the session)

Want a printable version? Download our free Padel Starter Checklist (coming soon) — a print-friendly PDF with everything you need for your first session.

Ready to pick your first racket? Check out our guide to the best padel rackets for beginners 2026.

Completely new to the sport? Start with our complete guide to padel for beginners — it covers rules, scoring, strategy, and etiquette.

The post What to Wear to Padel: The Complete Gear Checklist appeared first on SMASH & GLASS.

5 rackets we actually recommend — and the one mistake every new player makes

Choosing your first padel racket feels overwhelming. There are hundreds of models, dozens of brands, and every retailer claims their pick is “the best.” We’ve cut through the noise.

After testing and comparing the top beginner-friendly rackets of 2026, we’ve narrowed it down to five that genuinely stand out for new players. Whether you’re on a tight budget or willing to invest a bit more, there’s a racket on this list for you.

Quick note: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Smash & Glass running. We only recommend products we’d actually use ourselves.

What Makes a Good Beginner Racket?

Before we get to the picks, here’s what actually matters when choosing your first racket. Forget brand hype and marketing jargon — these are the four things that determine whether a racket helps you learn or holds you back:

• Round shape. Always. Round rackets have a centred sweet spot, which means more of your shots land cleanly even when your technique isn’t perfect yet. Diamond and teardrop shapes offer more power but punish off-centre hits — save those for when your game develops.
• Light weight (340–365g). Lighter rackets are easier to manoeuvre, cause less arm fatigue, and let you react faster at the net. You can always move to a heavier racket later.
• Soft or medium-soft feel. A soft EVA foam core absorbs vibrations and is gentler on your arm. It also provides a more forgiving response on off-centre shots. Hard cores generate more power but demand better technique.
• Fiberglass face (not carbon). Fiberglass is softer and more elastic than carbon, giving you a larger effective sweet spot and a more comfortable feel. Carbon faces are stiffer and more powerful — great for advanced players, but unforgiving for beginners.

Smash & Glass Tip: The single biggest mistake new players make is buying a racket that’s too advanced. A €300 diamond-shaped carbon racket will not make you play better — it will make you play worse. Start with a €60–150 round racket and upgrade after six months when you know what you actually want from your game.

Our Top 5 at a Glance

Racket	Shape	Weight	Feel	Price Range	Rating
Head Extreme EVO 2026	Round	355–365g	Medium	€85–100	Best value
Bullpadel Indiga CTR 2026	Round	355–370g	Medium-soft	€90–120	Best control
Adidas RX Series 2026	Round	350–365g	Soft	€80–100	Best budget
Nox Equation Soft Adv. 2026	Round	355–365g	Medium-soft	€120–140	Most agile
Bullpadel Ionic Light 2026	Teardrop	340–360g	Soft	€140–160	Best all-round

1. Head Extreme EVO 2026 — Best Value

The “just buy this one” pick

If you want one recommendation and don’t want to overthink it, this is the racket. The Head Extreme EVO 2026 offers a carbon frame at a price point where most competitors are still using composite materials. That gives it a slight edge in durability and responsiveness without sacrificing the forgiving feel beginners need.

The round shape and centred balance keep the sweet spot exactly where you need it, and the medium-firm feel provides good feedback on every shot without being harsh. It’s the kind of racket that lets you focus on learning technique rather than fighting your equipment.

• Best for: Complete beginners who want quality without overspending.
• Sweet spot: Large and centred — very forgiving on off-centre hits.
• The catch: Not the softest feel on the list. If you have sensitive elbows or wrists, consider the Adidas RX Series or the Nox Equation instead.

Price: ~€85–100

2. Bullpadel Indiga CTR 2026 — Best for Control

For players who want to place every shot

If you’re the type of player who prefers outsmarting opponents rather than overpowering them, the Indiga CTR is your racket. Bullpadel designed this specifically around defensive consistency — it excels at lobs, controlled drives, and steady volleys at the net.

The wide sweet spot means you’ll make clean contact more often, and the medium-soft feel absorbs enough vibration to keep your arm happy during long sessions. It’s not a power racket, and it doesn’t pretend to be. What it does is help you keep every ball in play and place it exactly where you want it.

• Best for: Beginners who value accuracy over power, and players who plan to play frequently.
• Sweet spot: Wide and consistent — shines in defensive situations.
• The catch: If you like to smash, you’ll need to commit to the swing. This racket rewards technique, not brute force.

Price: ~€90–120

3. Adidas RX Series 2026 — Best Budget Pick

Brand quality at a beginner-friendly price

The Adidas RX Series consistently surprises people. For under €100, you get a racket from one of the biggest brands in padel that delivers impressive control, comfort, and all-round performance. It doesn’t feel cheap, it doesn’t play cheap, and it punches well above its price point.

The soft EVA core provides a gentle, comfortable feel that’s particularly good for players worried about arm strain. The round shape and even balance make it intuitive to handle from day one. This is the racket we recommend when someone says “I want to try padel without spending too much.”

• Best for: Budget-conscious beginners, casual players, and anyone trying padel for the first time.
• Sweet spot: Generous and forgiving — you’ll make clean contact even on mishits.
• The catch: You may outgrow it within 6–12 months if you play regularly. But at this price, that’s perfectly fine — it’s a great first racket, not your forever racket.

Price: ~€80–100

4. Nox Equation Soft Advanced 2026 — Most Agile

Feels like an extension of your arm

The Nox Equation Soft Advanced stands out for one thing above all: manoeuvrability. This racket moves with you. Quick reactions at the net, fast defensive swings, easy grip changes — it handles like a much lighter racket while still delivering solid control.

The carbon fibre frame provides stability, while the 3K fiberglass faces give a slightly elastic, comfortable impact. The HR3 Soft EVA core is plush at contact, absorbing vibrations beautifully. If you’ve played other racket sports and have good hand-eye coordination, this racket will feel natural from the first rally.

• Best for: Players with some racket sport background, and anyone who prioritises quick handling.
• Sweet spot: Well-centred with excellent control ratings.
• The catch: At €120–140, it’s a step up in price. If you’re not sure you’ll stick with padel, the Head Extreme EVO or Adidas RX offer better value for testing the waters.

Price: ~€120–140

5. Bullpadel Ionic Light 2026 — Best All-Round

The beginner racket that grows with you

The Ionic Light is the most versatile racket on this list and the one we’d recommend to someone who’s committed to padel and wants a racket that won’t need replacing after three months. It’s the only teardrop shape in our selection, which gives it a touch more power than the pure round rackets while still being very manageable for beginners.

The Glaphite construction (a hybrid of graphite and fiberglass) creates an elastic, forgiving impact that absorbs vibrations beautifully. The generous sweet spot keeps your shots consistent, and the slightly head-heavy balance adds natural power to your smashes without demanding perfect technique.

• Best for: Beginners who plan to play regularly and want a racket that transitions into intermediate play.
• Sweet spot: Exceptional at 8.4 — one of the most forgiving in its class.
• The catch: The teardrop shape is slightly less forgiving than a pure round racket. If you’re a complete beginner with no racket sport experience, start with one of the round options above and graduate to this one later.

Price: ~€140–160

How to Buy: Where to Find These Rackets

All five rackets are widely available from European padel retailers. Here are the best places to shop, with the pros of each:

• Padel Market (padelmarket.com) — One of Europe’s largest padel retailers. Great prices, ships across the EU, frequent sales. Often the cheapest option.
• Tennis Warehouse Europe (tenniswarehouse-europe.com) — Excellent selection, demo racket programme (try before you buy in 20 EU countries), and reliable delivery.
• Amazon — Convenient if you already have Prime. Selection varies by country, but most major brands are available. Check reviews carefully.
• Your local padel club — Many clubs sell rackets and offer demo sessions. This is the best way to try before you buy. Ask if they stock any of the models on this list.

Smash & Glass Tip: Don’t buy a racket before you’ve held one. Most padel clubs rent rackets for a few euros per session. Play 2–3 times with rentals, then use this guide to choose your own. You’ll have a much better sense of what feels right in your hand.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Do I need to spend more than €100?

No. The Head Extreme EVO and Adidas RX Series are both excellent rackets under €100. You only need to spend more if you want specific features (extra softness, premium manoeuvrability, or a racket that transitions into intermediate play).

Should I buy a men’s or women’s racket?

There’s no real difference in design — “women’s” rackets are typically lighter (340–355g vs 355–375g). Choose based on your strength and preference, not the label. If you prefer a lighter racket, buy a lighter one regardless of how it’s marketed.

How long will a beginner racket last?

With regular play (2–3 times per week), expect 12–18 months before you’ll want to upgrade. The racket won’t break — you’ll simply outgrow its performance characteristics as your technique improves.

Can I use a tennis racket for padel?

Absolutely not. Padel rackets are completely different — they’re solid (no strings), shorter, and have a wrist strap. They’re not interchangeable. Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Padel for a full breakdown of the equipment.

The Bottom Line

For most beginners, the Head Extreme EVO 2026 is the safest pick — it offers the best combination of quality, control, and value. If budget is tight, the Adidas RX Series delivers surprisingly well for under €100. And if you’re committed to padel and want a racket you won’t outgrow quickly, the Bullpadel Ionic Light is worth the investment.

Whichever you choose, remember: the best racket for a beginner is one that’s comfortable, forgiving, and lets you focus on learning the game rather than fighting your equipment. Don’t overthink it. Pick one, get on a court, and start smashing.

New to padel? Read our Complete Beginner’s Guide to Padel for everything you need to know about rules, scoring, gear, and getting started. And if you want a printable checklist of everything to bring to your first session, grab our free Padel Starter Checklist (coming soon).

The post Best Padel Rackets for Beginners 2026 appeared first on SMASH & GLASS.