Padel rackets for women: do you need a women's model?

Short answer: no, you do not need one. A women's model is not a different kind of racket. It is usually a lighter or softer version of a racket that also exists without the label. Whether that suits you depends on how you play, not on who you are.

What brands change

I compared the women's models in the padell.io index with their regular versions. The difference is almost always one or more of these:

• Weight. Often 10 to 20 grams lighter.
• Balance. Sometimes a little lower, so the racket feels lighter still.
• Core. Sometimes softer, for more comfort.
• Colours. Every time.

Shape, face and the rest of the build usually stay the same.

When a women's model makes sense

When the regular version feels heavy after an hour. When your arm or shoulder is sensitive. Or when you mainly play at the net and want a racket that reacts quickly.

When a regular racket suits you better

When you play often, hit hard and like to finish points with a smash. Plenty of women at club and competition level play the same rackets as the men, and the pros on the women's tour mostly do too.

A good way to decide: look at the weight first. If you are looking for 345 to 360 grams, you will find it in women's models and in regular light rackets. The list of light rackets gives you more to choose from.

Women's models in the index

These are the rackets that brands sell as women's models, ranked on the padell.io score.

In the racket finder you can choose to include women's models. By default the finder leaves them out, so men do not get them as a match, but they are one tick away.