How To Test a Padel Racket! - Don't Make These 5 Mistakes
Testing a padel racket is the most important aspect when you are deciding which racket is right for you.
A lot of people don’t know how to test a padel racket! They test and by the end of the testing session, they are even more confused than when they first started.
So here is the best guide, covering tips, and common mistakes for when testing a padel racket.
1. Test Thoroughly
If you want to know how to test a padel racket, the first step is to test thoroughly.
Make sure that you test each racket properly and thoroughly.
Do not make the common mistake of picking up a racket, hitting one shot, missing, and then putting it down.
A new racket will not stop you from missing shots, it will just enhance certain areas of your game, by increasing power, control or spin. But if you hit a shot poorly and wrong, then the ball will still go out.
So try and use each racket for a perfectly even amount of time.
Use this guide
Let’s say you are playing for 1 hour:
1 racket testing = the whole hour using it.
2 rackets testing – 25 minutes each and then 10 minutes to have a final test of each.
3 rackets testing – 15 minutes each and then 15 minutes at the end to have a final test of each one.
4 rackets testing – 10 minutes each and then 20 minutes at the end to have a final test of each one.
You need time to get used to it
This works so well, because it is the fairest test, and something that may not feel that good at first, could feel a lot better towards the end of the test. Don’t give up too easy.
Even the best racket for you, may feel strange for you at first, but it will get better.
2. Don't Test More Than 3-4
A lot of people don’t know how to test a padel racket because they test too many bats at the same time.
I would say you should only test 3, possibly 4 if you really want to. But the more you test, the harder it will be to choose.
Why? Surely, it is easier with more choice?
It becomes a lot more overwhelming when people have too many to test, people can’t remember which ones they liked and felt good, and they all merge into one and feel average.
The best amount is 2
If people want to try some rackets, I don’t EVER give them more than 3, I have learnt that when you give people more than 3, they usually don’t buy and end up being more confused than when they first started.
2 rackets works best for me, they try one each for 25 minutes, and then have 10 minutes at the end to reflect and then try the one they thought they liked at the end.
Spend MORE time researching and finding something that you think will suit your game, and then the testing will be a lot more successful.
3. Focus On These 3 Factors
How to test a padel racket? Focus on 3 factors, it makes it easier.
When you are testing, you should focus on 3 main factors that will help you make that decision. These are the most important factors when on court.
They are comfort, weight and shape.
Comfort:
The MOST important factor when testing, you cannot play with something that does not feel nice in your hand!
Make sure you have no aches or strains when using the bat, and it feels nice and easy to use.
Weight:
Is it too heavy or light? Does that effect your game in a positive/negative way? Is that helping your power/control?
Ask yourself these questions!
Shape:
What shape is the bat? Where is the sweet spot? If the sweet spot is lower, you need to strike the ball lower down on the racket to get the best feel of the bat.
A brand new padel racket will not feel perfect, it may actually feel worse than the one you are used to originally. This is because you need to adjust and get used to your new one.
When I changed from my Nox Nerbo to my AT10 Tapia, it took me a few matches, and then after that, it felt so good, better than before.
So when testing, don’t worry if they all don’t feel as good as your current racket, it will get better as you get used to it!
4. Eliminate 1 By 1
How do you make that decision and come to the conclusion of which racket was right for your game?
By using the testing method with 2 rackets, you have tested each one for 25 minutes, and now you have 10 minutes left. In that last 10 minutes you can do what you want.
I would recommend you have 1 last hit with the bat you liked the best, just to make sure.
If you are testing 3+, do this.
By the end of the testing session, eliminate the racket you did NOT like, or any that you were not that sure about.
Now, like I said before, try the one you did like for that last section, and if you still like it, make the purchase!
5. Don't Worry If It Is Not Perfect
A brand new padel racket will not feel perfect, it may actually feel worse than the one you are used to originally. This is because you need to adjust and get used to your new one.
When I changed from my Nox Nerbo to my AT10 Tapia, it took me a few matches, and then after that, it felt so good, better than before.
So when testing, don’t worry if they all don’t feel as good as your current racket, it will get better as you get used to it!
Conclusion - How To Test a Padel Racket
Now you know how to test a padel racket!
Here is an article on how to choose a padel racket.
If you ever need any help with choosing a racket, you can contact the EP team, via info@everythingpadel.co.uk, we will help you!
How To Test A Padel Racket – Ewan Ramsden
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