Best lightweight padel rackets

8 rackets · prices checked 5 October 2026

A standard padel racket weighs 360 to 375 grams. These all top out at 360 or less. Fifteen grams doesn't sound like much, but it is at the end of your arm for an hour and a half, and plenty of players (not only smaller ones) play better in the third set with a lighter racket.

The trade is stability. A lighter racket gets pushed around more by a hard ball, and has less behind it on the smash. Brands usually soften the core on the light versions as well, which helps comfort and costs a bit more pace.

Balance matters as much as the number on the scales. A 355 g diamond with the weight at the top can feel heavier than a 370 g round racket, so check the balance on each.

How this list is made

What gets in: A maximum weight of 360 g or less, adult size, with shape and level published.

The order: how many UK shops stock it, then how well it fits the list, then price. We have not play-tested these rackets, so “best” here means best fit on the brand’s published specs at today’s price, and nothing more. No brand or shop pays to be included. We may earn a commission if you buy through a shop link, and where two rackets tie, one we can earn on goes first. How we work.

No. 1
Nox X-Hero 2026
Round · 350 to 360 g · medium balance · soft feel · beginner level
No more than 360 g, with a medium balance on a round head.
Think twice if you want maximum smash power. Round rackets trade some of it for control and a bigger sweet spot.
£50.99delivered
at Express Padel · 4 shops compared · 15% under RRP
See all 4 prices →
No. 2
Bullpadel Vertex 05 W 2027
Diamond · 350 to 360 g · medium balance · soft feel · advanced level
No more than 360 g, with a medium balance on a diamond head.
Think twice if you are new to padel. It is aimed at advanced players and asks more of your technique.
£219.99delivered
at Everything Padel · 4 shops compared · 10% under RRP
See all 4 prices →
No. 3
Bullpadel Wonder 2027
Hybrid · 350 to 360 g · medium balance · medium feel · advanced level
No more than 360 g, with a medium balance on a hybrid head.
Think twice if you are new to padel. It is aimed at advanced players and asks more of your technique.
£219.99delivered
at Everything Padel · 4 shops compared · 10% under RRP
See all 4 prices →
No. 4
Babolat Stima Vita 2026
Round · 335 to 355 g · low balance · soft feel · beginner level
No more than 355 g, with a low balance on a round head.
Think twice if you want maximum smash power. Round rackets trade some of it for control and a bigger sweet spot.
£60.99delivered
at Express Padel · 3 shops compared · 24% under RRP
See all 3 prices →
No. 5
Babolat Counter Vertuo 2.6 2026
Round · 340 to 360 g · medium balance · soft feel · intermediate level
No more than 360 g, with a medium balance on a round head.
Think twice if you want maximum smash power. Round rackets trade some of it for control and a bigger sweet spot.
£95.99delivered
at PDHSports · 3 shops compared · 40% under RRP
See all 3 prices →
No. 6
adidas Cross It Team Light 2026
Round · 345 to 360 g · medium balance · soft feel · intermediate level
No more than 360 g, with a medium balance on a round head.
Think twice if you want maximum smash power. Round rackets trade some of it for control and a bigger sweet spot.
£123.99delivered
at Express Padel · 3 shops compared · 20% under RRP
See all 3 prices →
No. 7
adidas Metalbone 2026 (3.5) Ale Galan
Diamond · 345 to 360 g · high balance · medium feel · professional level
No more than 360 g, with a high balance on a diamond head: light on the scales, but the weight is at the top, so it will not feel as light as the number suggests.
Think twice if you are new to padel. It is aimed at advanced players and asks more of your technique.
£199.99delivered
at Express Padel · 4 shops compared · 41% under RRP
See all 4 prices →
No. 8
Head Vibe 2026
Teardrop · 340 to 360 g · medium balance · soft feel · beginner level
No more than 360 g, with a medium balance on a teardrop head.
£59.99delivered
at PDHSports · 2 shops compared · 29% under RRP
See all 2 prices →

The reasoning, at more length

How to read a padel racket spec sheet

Core, face, balance, thickness, surface. What each number means and which ones you can safely ignore.

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