Fibreglass: soft and forgiving
Fibreglass is the most flexible face. The ball sinks in a little and leaves the face easily, even on slow swings, and less vibration reaches your arm. You give up some precision on hard shots.
Good for: beginners, players who value comfort and anyone who does not swing hard. It is also the most affordable face.
Carbon: firmer and more precise
Carbon fibre is stiffer than fibreglass at the same weight. The face bends less, so the ball goes where you aim and a fast swing turns into more power. The feel is firmer, and slow swings get less help from the racket.
Full carbon is the step from fibreglass to carbon: a firmer, more direct feel at a lower price than the woven grades below.
What 3K, 12K, 18K and 24K mean
The K number is the number of carbon filaments in each bundle of the weave, in thousands: 3K means 3,000 filaments. Bigger bundles make a stiffer face, so as the number goes up you get more power at high swing speed and less comfort.
| Face | Feel | Power | Comfort | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fibreglass | Soft | Beginners, comfort | ||
| Full carbon | Firm | First step to carbon | ||
| 3K carbon | Firm, precise | Control and feel | ||
| 12K carbon | Stiff | Intermediate to advanced | ||
| 18K carbon | Very stiff | Advanced, hard hitters | ||
| 24K carbon | Stiffest | Advanced, fast swings |
The K number also changes the look. If you leave part of the face unprinted, you see the weave: small checks on 3K, large ones on 24K.
The EVA core: 15°, 17° or 21°
Between the two faces sits a core of EVA foam. Its hardness changes the feel as much as the face does:
- 15° soft: more comfort and an easy ball exit, a forgiving feel, a little less control on hard shots.
- 17° medium: the balance of both, and the right choice if you are unsure.
- 21° hard: more control and power on hard hits, but you have to swing to get it, and it feels firmer on the arm.
Temperature matters too: EVA gets harder in the cold and softer in the heat. A softer core helps in winter and on cold courts; a harder one keeps control in summer. The core colour, black or white, shows inside the holes, so it is part of your design.
Surface and finish
Matte or gloss is a question of looks: matte is calm and hides fingerprints, gloss makes colours deeper. A rough surface or a 3D relief gives the ball more grip on sliced and topspin shots, so you get more spin. Both cost a little extra.
Our recommendations
- Starting out: fibreglass or 3K carbon, 15° or 17° EVA.
- Intermediate: 3K or 12K carbon, 17° EVA.
- Advanced, you hit hard: 18K or 24K carbon, 17° or 21° EVA, maybe a rough surface.
Then pair it with the right head shape: see round, teardrop or diamond.
Frequently asked questions
Is 24K carbon better than 3K?
Not better, stiffer. 24K gives the most power to players with a fast swing; 3K gives more feel, control and comfort. Most players are better served by 3K or 12K.
Which EVA hardness should I choose?
17° medium if you are unsure. Choose 15° for comfort or if you often play in the cold, 21° if you hit hard and want control.
Is a fibreglass padel racket only for beginners?
No. Many experienced players like its soft feel and easy ball exit, especially in a slower game built on control.