New padel rackets are not cheap, and if you play regularly the good ones climb well past a hundred pounds. Buying second hand is a sensible way to get more racket for your money, especially if you want to try a higher end frame without paying full price. It does come with risks, though, because a padel racket can look perfect and still be quietly dead inside. Here is how to buy used without getting stung.
Why buy used at all
There are two good reasons. The first is money: last season's models drop in price fast once the new range lands, and plenty of players sell barely used frames because they upgraded or the shape did not suit them. The second is trying before committing. If you are curious whether a harder, more powerful racket suits your game, picking one up cheaply second hand is far less painful than buying new and regretting it. If you are still working out what shape and weight you want in the first place, read our racket guides before you start hunting for bargains.
What to check before you buy
A padel racket is a foam core wrapped in a rigid frame, and both can fail. Go through this list:
- Cracks in the frame. Inspect the whole edge and the neck where the handle meets the head. Hairline cracks near the top edge are common on rackets that have clipped the ground or the glass, and a cracked frame is basically finished.
- The face and holes. Small surface scuffs are fine and normal. Cracks radiating from the holes on the face are not, and mean the structure is compromised.
- A dead core. This is the sneaky one. Press the face firmly in a few places. It should feel uniform. If one area feels much softer or hollow, the foam inside may have broken down, and the racket will feel lifeless to hit.
- The sound. Tap the face gently. A healthy racket gives a consistent tone across the face. A dull, flat thud in one spot can point to internal damage.
- The grip and edge guard. These are cheap to replace, so do not let a worn overgrip put you off. A missing or badly damaged protector is worth a small discount but is easily sorted.
Fair prices and where to look
As a rough rule, a used racket in genuinely good condition sells for somewhere between a third and two thirds of its original price, depending on age and how sought after the model is. A well known frame from the previous season in clean condition sits near the top of that range. Anything with visible damage should be much cheaper, and honestly is often best avoided entirely.
Look on the usual marketplace apps and local selling groups, and keep an eye on club noticeboards and social nights, where players often sell to each other. Buying from someone you can meet lets you do the checks above in person, which is far safer than a posted photo. Our accessories and gear pages cover the extras like grips and protectors that let you freshen up a used frame cheaply.
When to just buy new
If you are a complete beginner, a new entry level racket with a warranty and a forgiving shape is often the smarter buy, since you get support if something goes wrong and a frame designed for your level. Second hand makes the most sense once you know what you like and want to save money on a mid or high end model. Whatever you buy, our guides on looking after your racket will help it last.
FAQ
How do I know if a used padel racket is damaged inside?
Press the face firmly in several places and tap it gently. It should feel and sound consistent across the whole face. A soft, hollow spot or a dull thud in one area suggests the foam core has broken down, even if the outside looks fine.
How much should I pay for a second hand padel racket?
Expect to pay roughly a third to two thirds of the original price for a frame in good condition, with sought after recent models at the higher end. Anything visibly cracked should be far cheaper, and is usually best avoided.
Is buying used a good idea for a beginner?
It can be, but a new entry level racket with a warranty and a beginner friendly shape is often the safer first buy. Second hand shines once you know your preferences and want a mid or high end frame without paying full price.