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UK based stock, staff and Best padel rackets of 2026
Guess what? The best padel racket you'll ever own is out there just waiting to be discovered. With all the exciting new tech arriving in 2026, this is an exceptional year to find it.
Why does this year feel different? As the sport matures, so does the technology behind it. But many 2026 padel racket launches aren't just incremental updates, they're leaps forward in how manufacturers are thinking about frame engineering, power delivery and customisation. It's an exciting moment to be a padel player who's looking for a new racket!
We've managed to secure priority access to some of the best 2026 releases. We really do believe the choice we offer is unbeatable, with rackets from leading and mainstream brands like Babolat, adidas and Bullpadel as well as in-the-know brands like Pallap and Lok that you won't find in many other UK stores. Our buying team has aced it this year on range, deals and getting first dibs on new launches.
The 2026 padel rackets the professionals love
The pro padel circuit is already buzzing with equipment changes. January always brings a flurry of sponsorship announcements: we're keeping close tabs on who's switching to what.
We've noted that world number 1 Arturo Coello is exploring fresh partnerships for clothing and accessories. But despite that, he's doubling down on HEAD for his padel rackets, returning to his trusted setup with the new 2026 Coello collection. When the best player in the world sticks with a brand, it says something. Agustín Tapia is still packing a punch with his favourite Nox rackets. Meanwhile, the likes of Paquito Navarro and Gemma Triay are flying the flag for Bullpadel, one of the biggest padel brands worldwide.
Let us help you find your perfect 2026 padel racket
Finding your racket is personal. It's not about logos or hype, it's about that perfect match between what a racket offers and how you actually play. That's why we test relentlessly, break down each model honestly and refuse to just recycle brand marketing speak.
Whether you're building your first padel kit, chasing more power, or hunting for that control-focused setup, we've narrowed it down to the rackets that genuinely stand out in 2026.
We'll keep updating this article through the year. For even more up-to-date insights, head over to our Instagram where we're constantly posting hands-on tests and insights from our pro padel crew.
Let's dive into the best padel rackets of 2026.
Coolest padel racket
The gorgeously sleek design and luxe branding turns heads instantly. It's a statement for sure, but the substance is also exceptional: the dream team collab between engineers at motor racing legends Lamborghini and the padel gurus at Babolat delivers precision tech and next-level construction, for extremely impressive performance. Get in there quick if you missed the limited drop of the previous model - this one will sell out faster than a Lamborghini can fly down the Le Mans straight!
Check it out in the blue colourway.
Pro tip: we can add you to the waiting list for the next one if you're unlucky this time.
Most powerful
If raw power is your game, the Metalbone Hrd doesn't mess about. The stiff frame and dense composition generate serious pace on attacks and even moderate swings produce blistering results. The trade-off is touch - it's less forgiving on finesse shots, and players who favour control might find it unforgiving. But for attacking-minded players, it's a genuine weapon.
Most popular player-endorsed
Top player Agustín Tapia's signature on this padel racket speaks volumes. On the circuit, he switches between this racket and the stiffer 18K version. We recommend the 12K for exceptional stability during explosive movements - plus the sweet spot is large yet brilliantly responsive. The racket face delivers across different playing styles, making it versatile enough for good intermediate players to master. This racket doesn't demand a biased approach - it adapts to your balance of control and power.
Best for power with comfort
The Viper Soft nails the balance between force and feel - it's extremely responsive. You get genuine power when you need it, but the softer construction absorbs impact in a way that protects your arm during extended play. The feedback is clear without being jarring. If you want to attack confidently with a crisp but forgiving racket, this one is worth testing on our demo court. You'll feel the refinement for sure.
Best under £100
Wilson is such a loved and trusted racket sports brand, you can't go wrong with its range. For the price, the Optix punches above its weight. The construction is solid, the sweet spot feels generous and it performs consistently across different shots. It's not the most exciting racket on court, but that's almost the point: it's straightforward, reliable, an all-rounder and won't empty your wallet. Excellent for newer players or keeping to a budget. We've never met anyone with those requirements who regrets buying this racket.
Best starter racket
The RX gives you all the forgiveness you need when you're developing your early game without feeling hollow - that's a real positive in a beginner racket. The balance makes it easy to control and the modest power output encourages better technique as you develop your game: in our experience, beginners progress faster when their racket doesn't mask poor habits. The confidence it builds makes this highly manoeuvrable racket a great choice for learning the fundamentals of padel in a secure and fun way.
This is the Light version - there's also a standard weight Adidas RX in a cool green design.
Best new technology
The ARROW HIT all-new Intelligent Balance System makes a big leap forward. Adjustable weights slide and fix instead of screwing in, which makes on-the-fly adjustment incredibly simple. The system gives the best padel racket customisation experience we’ve yet seen. For more power, move the weights toward the end of the head. For greater control and manoeuvrability, slide them closer to the handle. This versatility is a game-changer.
See also the ARROW HIT CTRL.
Best manoeuvrability
The Air Viper is exceptionally powerful for such a light racket. We're not sure how they've made it this nimble without sacrificing stability or power, but it really works. It's so easy to position quickly at the net and recovery between shots is winningly fast. We feel the trade-off is that it demands slightly better technique as you need to generate the power through accurate play. For experienced players who value quick reactions, it's exceptional. It also features Babolat's slightly longer handle, which many pdhsports.com customers love.
Best comfort with support
The 2026 Vertex Comfort delivers new levels of arm-friendliness along with decent power. The hybrid Vertex construction (mixing carbon fibre and Fibrix) absorbs vibration intelligently: injury-prone players in our team were pleased to find themselves less sore even after relatively long padel sessions. The support around the frame keeps the racket stable during aggressive swings without feeling rigid. If comfort matters as much as performance for you, this racket is a great investment.
Best intermediate racket
A perennial favourite, the Veron's round head shape gives you a perfect blend of power and control. The 2026 racket uses carbon fibre and fibreglass in a winning balance, allowing developing players a degree of forgiveness alongside levelled up responsiveness that will help you improve. The 2025 model is a deservedly popular racket that garners brilliant feedback from our intermediate crew: this successor is set to be another surefire hit from Babolat.
Best for exclusivity
This racket stands out because of the exceptional hand-built frame quality. It gives a superbly responsive feel - a signature move across the Pallap range. You won't find these rackets in many padel stores: we're proud that Pallap has chosen us as a racket sports specialist it trusts to tell customers about the unique features of its products.
Aerodynamic, lightweight and extremely manoeuvrable, the Velocity Star punches well above its price tag in our opinion. You're getting premium design and construction at a very mainstream price. Experienced players will get the most from the subtleties of this racket.
Biggest talking point
Hello Lok! We are thrilled to have been chosen by the cool people at Lok to stock their stylish and impeccably designed rackets. You won't find them in many other outlets - they are much in demand.
Lok was founded by former adidas designers: their pedigree and experience shows in the quality and playability of the Lok Jungle. But what everyone's talking about is the edgy styling, logo and graphics. High energy, trend-setting players will snap up this racket which is also available in a Lite version.