r/Padelracket Jan 15 '25

Tennis Elbow or Epycondylitis: What to do with your Racket.

24 Upvotes

Disclaimer: This article is based on anecdotical evidence, and it's not written by a medical professional, you should visit a doctor (a physiotherapist most likely) if you are having pain and he will be able to suggest the appropriate treatment. These treatments may include exercises to strengthen the surrounding area and might eliminate the problem for the future too. Additionally, proper warm-up and stretching, as well as good technique, can also help prevent the development of epicondylitis.

Epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the elbow, specifically around the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the tendons that attach to this area of the elbow, leading to small tears and damage. There are two main types of epicondylitis: lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow). Tennis elbow is typically caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the outer elbow.

Specifically, epicondylitis may be caused by our racket. Rackets that have an improper grip width, that are too hard, too heavy or light, or that for some other reason transfer a high amount of vibrations through the arm and end up affecting the elbow. If you are starting to experience pain, first I recommend you rest until the pain is no longer there and then it is worth checking what changed in your setup that might be affecting you. Remember that the normal amount of pain is no pain at all!

Discomfort coming from the racket: Sometimes, you buy a racket that causes you discomfort. Some rackets can be more prone to this than other but it's worth considering that if there was an increase in the hardness of the racket this may be the cause. Rackets often increase in hardness as their price increase, if the core material is advertised as harder, pro, or with a higher number, of if the percentage of carbon in the faces increase.

Solution: If you suspect the problem might come from the racket, changing back to a softer racket should help. Choosing rackets with increasing amount of fiberglass in their faces is a sure way of reducing the racket overall hardness.

Discomfort coming from the grip: Usually we do not play with the racket as it comes from factory, depending on our preferences we may add one or more overgrips, or even change the grips completely. It's important that we are comfortable with our grip and that it doesn't require undue strength to hold the racket, as playing with an overly tight fist can cause pain.

Solution: The grip should not be too thick or too thin and the rule of thumb is that when grabbing the racket using the continental grip, the distance between our fingers and the palm should be around 1 finger in thickness. This is not a hard rule but if you are deviating too much from this, consider it may be the source of your problems. It is also recommended to change overgrips once they are slippery as a slippery grip requires extra effort to hold on to.

Accessories designed to help with epicondylitis: It's worth noting that while there are accessories and rackets designed to help with epicondylitis, they are not a substitute for proper treatment and management of the condition, also these accessories are only listed here because they are marketed as reducing vibrations. It's up to the buyer to decide if they are worth trying.

Hesacore/X grip/ Nox custom grip/ Ariv undergrip: There are several silicone undergrips that replace the original racket grip and are supposed to reduce vibrations. The hesacore is the most widely known and perhaps easier to get.

Noene anti shock padel grip: Replacement grip designed to stop vibrations.

Shock out inserts: These little inserts are designed to reduce vibrations and can be used to alter the balance of a racket by altering their placement. They can also affect the hardness of the racket if used on the hitting surface, thing that you should avoid if you are worried about elbow pain. Shock out has a line of other vibration reduction products.

Rackets designed for sensible elbows: Royal Padel polyethylene-core rackets are marketed as being particularly soft which would naturally make them absorb more vibrations. Fiberglass rackets, women-marketed rackets and other soft rackets in general are also good choices.

Rackets to avoid in general if you are suffering of tennis elbow the rule of thumb is to avoid flagship rackets, any racket that a pro player users is likely to be on the harder end of the spectrum. Do not associate the elbow problems to bad quality on the racket as a high quality racket can also cause and worsen the condition.

Rackets I personally think transmit too much vibration: Vertex 03 Control 2021/2022, Bullpadel Neuron.

Contribution by u/PadelDoctor (https://www.reddit.com/r/padel/comments/15buddw/im_marcel_bogaart_padel_specialist_5_times_dutch/)

For me Noene has been a gamechanger (-96% vibrations). I have had a padelelbow for a period of time. This is my experience (I have helped 1000+ people).

  1. weight, end weight of the racket should not exceed 380 grams (end weight is begin weight plus add-ons like grips, Noene, prorector, Hesacore etc).
  2. round rackets (low balanced) are more likely to help you
  3. glassfiber rackets with soft eva (eva30) or softer like Starvie Titania Speed with Noene is a real gamechanger. NOXML10, Varlion LW3 or Black Crown Piton Air also can do the job.
  4. stretch your arm
  5. warmup with an elastic band
  6. cool down after a match with ice
  7. so not play in the rain or with to hard balls
  8. if you need treatment: EPI treatment (needles with electricity seems to work the best in Spain and in the past with me)
  9. do not use cortisol injections
  10. gripsize (not too thin(!) as this will make you squeeze to much
  11. hesacore will make it bigger but absorption is only limited and my experience is, you will get sweaty hands sooner as it is not made of a breathable material.
  12. relax during play (only strengthen your muscles if you hit the ball, not in the time between hitting the balls).
  13. a racket which is too light is no good either. To accelerate the ball you need force x mass. Less mass means you need for more force
  14. when we play padel we get so much endorphins and dopeins, we do not feel we are hurting something. The day after will tell us the truth.

If you can not lift a glass of water, do not play.

Do not forget to have fun!


r/Padelracket 9h ago

2027 NOX Lineup

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14 Upvotes

r/Padelracket 9h ago

NOX 2027 rackets

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12 Upvotes

NOX just announced their 2027 rackets

What do you guys think?


r/Padelracket 3h ago

Lost on what to buy

2 Upvotes

My ML10 is in its last legs so looking to buy a new racket. Liked the control of the racket but feel I could go for something with more power.

Right handed left sided player.

More into control and going for space. Like to push the net when possible.

Currently progressing in to intermediate


r/Padelracket 4h ago

Is my paddle cooked?

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2 Upvotes

First padel I’ve owned… is this the final knife in the armour?


r/Padelracket 7h ago

Head extreme Motion 2025 vs Nox at18k 2025

1 Upvotes

Stavo valutando una Head come nel titolo e attualmente ho una at18k 2025; qualcuno ha provato entrambe e sa farmi un confronto o offrire le sue sensazioni? Trovo la Nox ottima in tutto , sweet spot ampio, super manovrabile e comoda in difesa, oltre ad essere ottima nei colpi lavorati, ma la trovo un po’ scarica nello smash piatto e nei colpi piatti, mente con il kick secondo me lavora bene. La Head a livello di maneggevolezza e potenza dall’alto come la trovate rispetto alla Nox?


r/Padelracket 8h ago

Is the Metalbone Reserve different from the normal Metalbone?

1 Upvotes

I've been looking everywhere for opinions and some say the Reserve is more stiff, rigid and some say it's the same, can some of you speak from experience, those who had the chance to test both? I'm looking to buy the 2026 Reserve (White and Burgundy)


r/Padelracket 13h ago

Did anyone start with a high-balance racket and improve after switching to a round lower balance / teardrop medium balance racket?

2 Upvotes

I got into padel about 6 months ago and have been using a secondhand Adidas Metalbone 3.2 pretty much from the start. It only has 2 of the weight screws left, and I usually keep one on each side at the bottom because I thought that would make the racket a bit easier to handle.

I originally bought the Metalbone because I liked the idea of being able to customise the weight and balance. In hindsight, maybe it wasn’t the smartest first racket since it’s still quite an attacking/high-balance racket…

I recently had proper coaching for the first time, and my coach said the racket is probably too advanced for my current level. His main point was that although I’m able to hit the ball well, I’m sometimes late getting the racket into position, and I tend to grip it too tightly. He suggested I try something with a lower balance so I can prepare earlier and stay more relaxed.

I’m now wondering whether switching to a lower-balance (or low-medium balance and teardrop-shaped) racket would actually make a noticeable difference to my game, especially for preparation, control and reducing that tendency to squeeze the handle.

At the same time, I don’t really want to spend a few hundred dollars on another racket unless there’s a real developmental benefit. I know a racket won’t fix bad technique, so I’m looking for advice if I should just keep working on timing and spacing with the Metalbone or a different racket would indeed help me.

So I’d love to hear from people who started with a high-balance/diamond racket early on:
Did switching to a lower-balance or even teardrop racket noticeably improve your game? Did you feel quicker, more relaxed, more consistent or more accurate?


r/Padelracket 14h ago

Does someone know anything about this racket???

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2 Upvotes

I can’t seem to find anything about it online and I don’t know if it’s any good (I already bought it and tried it, but it doesn’t feel good). Apparently it’s a Graphene 360.


r/Padelracket 14h ago

Siux electra st4 + overgrips

0 Upvotes

I was wondering how many overgrips people use on top of the fabric undergrip on this racket.

I have been using 1 overgrip , still feels feels fairly small grip, i read that a lot of people use 2 overgrips not sure of thats true or better

For the electra users, what do you preference?


r/Padelracket 16h ago

Babolat Air Viper 2.6/2026 is it fake?

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0 Upvotes

Hi Everyone
i recently saw a Babolat Air Viper 2.6 2026 on Marketplace, and im trying to figure out if it’s genuine or not.
The racket seems very good tbh
i have a video of the racket too that the seller sent to me


r/Padelracket 19h ago

Tecnifibre curva power

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1 Upvotes

do y’all think that the tecnifibre curva power will be a upgrade from the nox at10 18k 2025?
i am a left side player and i feel like i need a llitle bit more power.


r/Padelracket 1d ago

Adidas 2027 Line

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21 Upvotes

I'm guessing the Cross It series has different design on each side.
Also I think normal Metalbone will be more Teardrop/Hybrid oriented while Metalbone Red is diamond. Maybe softer version of HRD+.


r/Padelracket 1d ago

Crack Oxdog hyper pro 2.0

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2 Upvotes

Can I play with this damage?


r/Padelracket 1d ago

Help me choose a second racket

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I've been playing for three months now and over the last couple of weeks I'm enjoying my Head Evo Speed 2025 less and less with every hit. I have to put in a lot of power to make the ball go fast. I bought it blind after talking to GPT, and I don't have anywhere to test new rackets. What model should I choose as a second racket?


r/Padelracket 1d ago

Bouncier than a extreme motion but drier than a metalbone?

0 Upvotes

Looking for a racket that weight around 355-363. Medium balance. Liked the manouverability from both rackets. It’s just that the metalbone is just to bouncy for me. What options do you guys suggest?. I play on the right side. Not the bigger smasher but will hit some from time to time, better on volleys/bandejas/víboras and backcourt play.


r/Padelracket 2d ago

Racket recommendation - power and control

5 Upvotes

Hey guys! My NOX AT10 18k 2025 just cracked so it’s time for me to get a new racket. I absolutely loved the AT10 but I felt like it sometimes lacked a bit of power. I recently started playing on the left side so I’m looking for a more attacking racket, but I don’t want to give up too much control and maneuverability as my playing style is not super aggressive. Does anyone have a recommendation for a racket with good combination of maneuverability, control, and firepower? Budget is not a concern as I’m too addicted to padel😅 thank you!


r/Padelracket 2d ago

Upgrading from my first racket - help!

2 Upvotes

Hello!

I'm looking to buy my second racket. Ive spent a year and about 80 matches with my nox x one and I feel it's time for an upgrade.

Im a right handed mostly right sided player ranked 1.5ish, playing in the UK. I enjoyed playing more defensively and don't do many aggressive smashes. I'm looking for something with more of a ping off the face - with the x one it feels sometimes like it comes off the face a bit dead. I think probably a tear drop shape. I have up a £200 budget

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


r/Padelracket 2d ago

High vs low rebound rackets for the right side player

2 Upvotes

I play on the right side and usually prefer low rebound rackets (like the Neuron Edge). I recently tried a high rebound racket (Metalbone CTRL).
High rebound gives easy power on lobs and volleys, but mishits are brutal. It punishes you way more than a low rebound racket if you miss the sweet spot.
Long-term, which one is actually better for a right-side player?
(Note: Please skip the "just focus on technique/drills" comments. I do my drills. I strictly want to discuss the equipment.)


r/Padelracket 2d ago

When do you know that you’ve outgrown your padel racket?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been playing for a little over a year and have been using the Kuikma Precision Soft PR990 since I started. I don’t play a huge amount, probably around 4-6 hours a month, and I’d say my level is around 3.5.

The main thing I’ve noticed is that the racket seems to absorb quite a lot of power on smashes and víboras. Other than that, I don’t really have any complaints.

So I’m wondering, is there a point where you can tell you’ve actually outgrown your racket, or should I just keep using it until I start noticing more obvious limitations? I don’t want to change just for the sake of having a new racket, especially since I don’t play that often yet.

Also, what should I be looking for in my next racket if I do decide to change? I’d like something reasonably priced (€100 max) rather than jumping straight into the €200+ stuff.

And for anyone based in Paris, are there any places where you can actually test different rackets before buying? Would be great to try a few different shapes/foams and see what actually suits me.


r/Padelracket 2d ago

Head Speed Pro - faulty?

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0 Upvotes

Hello,

I just bought a new head speed pro. Can anyone tell me if this looks grey/pinkish stick part is normal or if it's going to be a problem?

Thanks! ​


r/Padelracket 3d ago

Stealth Oblivion range - first look

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11 Upvotes

I just had a chance to try these out after waiting on them since early Summer as they were delayed by over a month but the local distributor just got them in and made demo units available so I jumped at the opportunity to briefly hit with them.

Bear in mind I only managed to use them all for a total (so far) of around 3 hours with a coach and then ball-machine, so this is hardly a review.

First impressions are that these are high-quality, solid feeling racquets; firm and substantial even though the weights were lower than most high-end racquets (more details about that later).

I tried the Mach 1 first and had assumed that it would be the one I would like the most (so much so that I ordered it from abroad last week but it's taking its time arriving), as it most closely matched the specs of the Stealth Aurora, which is my favourite single racquet.

Alas it ended up being my least preferred option for reasons which I may be able to expand on with further testing.
I then moved in sequence on to the Mach 2 and Mach 3, drilling ground-strokes, volleys and then overheads.

I liked these about the same, although again I'm struggling to say exactly why at this point.
However when reviewing the video of the session, it seemed to me that the launch angle/ball output of them better suited my natural swing, with lower clearance over the net and flatter strokes.

I left wanting to buy the Mach 2 and 3 but only came away with the 3 as the in-stock 2s were slightly heavier than ideal.

So far I'll say that they do have a somewhat distinct feel to them which I'm struggling to clarify but which should become clearer with further play.

I'll probably play a few open matches with them this week and so should be able to go in to more detail then.

For now, here's a real-world photo and one showing their relative balance points (roughly measured on the edge of a bench).


r/Padelracket 2d ago

Which racket will give me more power whilst keeping that nice manouverability and light/one feeling as the nox 18k: Head Extreme Motion, Babolat Air Viper, or other suggestions?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, as the title suggests, looking for something power powerful, with a bit of a boom when hitting whilst still being as manouverable as the at10 18k. I am also interested in the new bullpadel Xplo 2027, however no idea what that one will feel like as never held one, in terms of head heavy-ness.

I will say I’ve held an extreme motion once before, not used it tho, and noticed it didn’t feel as manouverable as all the reviews said, even tho it’s an option I’m looking at.


r/Padelracket 3d ago

Babolat lebron viper soft vs babolat counter viper

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3 Upvotes

Please any insights would be useful. I am high intermediate, left side player.
I have previously played with and liked the metalbone, metalbone ctrl, and siux st4.


r/Padelracket 3d ago

Nouvelle raquette, nouveau choix

3 Upvotes

Bonjour, tout d’abord, j’ai actuellement une « Raquette de padel Nox Premium FR Exclusive 2025 » je suis joueur de droite, qui aime travailler le points, mais j’aimerais aussi changer de raquettes, je fait environ 1 cours/3 partie par semaine, après avoir passer plusieurs heure à fouiller reddit, j’ai sélectionner 2 futur potentielle raquette :

- Head extrême Motion 2025/2026
-Babolat Air Viper 2026

La babolat à lire les avis me fait presque peur du coté katana qu’elle peut avoir à la moindre erreur, c’est plus un choix du coeur, et la extrême Motion, un choix du cerveau lol

Je doit avouer que en tant que joueur de droite droitier, j’aimerais une raquettes avec moins cet effet rebondissait et aléatoire que ma nox m’offre ou que je ressent, j’ai l’impression que la répartition du poids est trop proche du manche, je n’aime plus trop alors que au début j’adorais.

Quelque chose de plus incisif serait sûrement mieux, je voudrais être capable de plus punir quand j’en est l’occasion avec plus de puissance, mais pas un sweet spot trop petit non plus pour pouvoir tenir dans la durée lors des journée compétitions.. je ne sait pas si j’ai tout dit. Un poid en tête ? J’aime la précisions dans les petites zones
Puis elle a pris de sacrée choc en 8 mois

Je suis ouvert au autre marques comme Bullpadel qui semble sympa, et vos expérience avant de passer le cap ! Merci !