You've had a few goes at padel in Manchester and you're hooked. The next question is always the same: do I need my own racquet, and which one? Short answer, not straight away, but once you're playing more than once a fortnight, having your own makes a real difference to how comfortable you feel on court. Here's what actually matters when picking a first one, plus real options across a few price points.
Shape, weight and material, in plain English
Shape: stick with round for now
Racquets come in three shapes, round, teardrop and diamond, and the difference is where the sweet spot sits.
Round racquets have the sweet spot low and central. That gives you the biggest margin for error and the most control, exactly what you want while you're still learning where the ball comes off your strings. Teardrop shapes lift the sweet spot for a bit more power and less forgiveness. Diamond shapes push it right to the top, built for players who already hit the middle consistently and want maximum power. As a beginner, buy round. You can move up the range later once your technique catches up.
Weight: lighter is your friend early on
Adult racquets typically sit between about 350g and 385g. Heavier ones hit harder but move slower through the air and put more strain on your arm and shoulder, which matters if you're new to racket sports or coming back after years off. For a first racquet, aim for 350g to 365g. You'll react quicker at the net and be less likely to end up with a sore elbow.
Material: what the frame is doing
Two things decide how a racquet feels, the core and the face. The core is usually EVA foam. Softer foam flexes more, absorbs shock and gives more control, which suits beginners. Harder foam gives more power but transmits vibration into your arm and punishes off-centre hits. The face is fibreglass, carbon, or a mix. Fibreglass flexes and is gentler on mishits, carbon is stiffer and hits harder but is less forgiving. For a first racquet, look for soft foam with fibreglass, or a fibreglass and carbon mix.
What actually matters when you're starting out
Cut through the marketing and it's a handful of things:
- Forgiveness over power. You'll mishit constantly in your first few months. A racquet that's kind on those shots matters more than one that hits hard when you catch it right.
- Weight you can control. A slightly lighter racquet you can move fast beats a heavier one dragging your arm down by the third game.
- Grip size and feel. Most come with a standard grip, but if your hands are small, an overgrip costing a couple of quid makes a real difference.
- Try before you commit. Most Manchester venues hire racquets for a few pounds on top of court fees, and some let you try a few models before buying. Use that.
- Don't buy secondhand blind. Racquets lose bounce and power as the foam core compresses with use. A cheap used one that's had a hard season isn't necessarily a bargain.
A realistic budget
As of 2026, decent beginner racquets in the UK run from around £25 at the bottom to roughly £150 before you're into intermediate territory. Much under £25 tends to be a toy rather than a proper racquet, and much over £150 on your first is paying for performance you can't use yet. Most beginners land in the £50 to £90 bracket for something that lasts a season or two of regular play. Prices move with sales and seasonal ranges, so treat the figures below as a starting point.
Racquets worth a look, across budgets
Decathlon Kuikma PR190, around £25
Decathlon's budget racquet. Round shape, about 320g, EVA foam and fibreglass. Genuinely fine for finding out whether padel's for you before spending more.
Bullpadel Play Power 25, around £50
A proper beginner racquet from one of padel's biggest brands, at a price that doesn't sting if the sport turns out not to be for you.
Bullpadel Open Control, around £60 (often on sale from close to £100)
Round shape, soft foam core, about 360g. Widely reckoned one of the most forgiving true beginner racquets in the UK, and the one you'll see recommended again and again.
Adidas Match Light, around £65
A lighter build for players who want quicker hands at the net over raw power, useful while you're still sorting your footwork.
Bullpadel Indiga PWR, around £75
Bullpadel's lighter, lower-balance line. Worth a look if you've got smaller hands or prefer something easy to whip through fast exchanges.
Wilson Bela LS V3, around £135 (often on sale from close to £180)
A step up if you already know you're playing weekly and want more longevity, without going all the way to an advanced diamond-shaped frame.
All prices move with retailer sales, so check current pricing before buying. Our shop page rounds up gear that's currently worth a look locally.
Where to try before you buy in Manchester
Pure Padel on Dutton Street in Cheetham Hill has a pro shop on site, so you can pick racquets up and feel the weight difference before spending anything. Several other venues, including Powerleague at Ardwick and Soul Padel in Stockport, hire racquets alongside court bookings, so you can try a house racquet during a normal session rather than guessing at home. Availability and cost vary, so check when booking, and browse the full list on our venues page. When S3 Padel opens near Ancoats and New Islington later in 2026, it's also expected to have its own pro shop.
Not sure you're ready to buy at all? Our guide to what to wear and bring covers playing on borrowed kit first.
FAQs
What shape padel racquet should a beginner buy?
Round. The sweet spot sits low and central, giving the most control and the biggest margin for error while you're learning.
How much should I spend on my first padel racquet?
Most beginners are well served in the £50 to £90 range. Below £25 tends to be a toy, and above £150 you're paying for performance you can't yet use.
How heavy should a beginner's padel racquet be?
Aim for 350g to 365g. Lighter racquets are quicker to the ball and gentler on your arm, which matters most early on.
Do I need my own racquet to start playing padel?
No. Most Manchester venues hire racquets for a few pounds. Borrow for a few sessions and buy once you know what weight and grip you prefer.
Where can I try padel racquets in Manchester?
Pure Padel in Cheetham Hill has a pro shop, and venues like Powerleague Ardwick and Soul Padel Stockport hire racquets you can test during a normal session.