Padel racket for tennis elbow: what helps and what does not

First the honest part: we are not doctors. If your elbow hurts for more than a few weeks, see a physio. Technique, grip size and how often you play matter more than any racket.

What a racket can do is take some of the shock out of every hit. And the wrong racket can add to it. So if your arm complains, it is worth looking at what you play with.

What makes a racket kinder to your arm

A soft core. The foam inside the racket decides how much of the impact reaches your hand. Soft EVA or foam absorbs more; hard EVA gives more speed but passes more vibration on. Brands often call the soft versions "comfort" or "soft".

A big sweet spot. Every hit outside the sweet spot makes the racket twist in your hand, and your forearm has to hold it. Round rackets and a low balance forgive more of those hits.

Not too heavy at the top. A head-heavy racket works like a lever on your elbow. A low or medium balance is easier on the arm, even if the total weight is the same.

Not too light either. This one surprises people. A very light racket moves more on impact, so your arm absorbs what the racket does not. Around 355 to 365 grams with a low balance is a sensible middle for most adults.

What to skip

Hard diamond rackets with a high balance. They are built for smashing, and they are exactly what a sore elbow does not need. The same goes for very stiff carbon faces if you are not used to them.

Our arm-friendly list

We rank rackets on comfort in our profile: core, face, balance and what reviewers say about vibration. These score highest right now.

Before you buy

Take your time switching. A new racket feels different for a few sessions, and going from a stiff racket to a soft one also changes your timing. If you can, borrow one at your club first.

And check your grip. A grip that is too thin makes you squeeze harder, which is a classic cause of arm trouble. An overgrip costs a few euros and is the cheapest thing on this page.