Rackets, shoes, balls, and gear — what you need and what you don't.
Padel rackets are solid (no strings) with a perforated hitting surface. They're shorter and thicker than tennis rackets, and lighter — typically 350-380 grams.
Look for: round shape, soft/medium core, 360-370g weight. This combination gives you the biggest sweet spot and the most forgiveness on off-centre hits.
| Level | NZD Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $80 - $150 | Basic materials, good for first 6 months |
| Intermediate | $150 - $300 | Better carbon face, improved feel and durability |
| Advanced | $300 - $500+ | Full carbon, premium cores, pro-level performance |
Sweet spot in the centre. Maximum control and forgiveness. Best for beginners and players who prioritise placement over power. Most popular shape overall.
Sweet spot between centre and top. Balance of power and control. Good for intermediate players who want a bit of both.
Sweet spot near the top. Maximum power, least forgiveness. For advanced players with consistent technique who want to hit through the ball.
Proper footwear is the most important equipment investment after the racket. Padel involves constant lateral movement, quick starts and stops, and pivoting.
Tennis shoes work well for padel. Dedicated padel shoes exist (from brands like Asics, Bullpadel, and Head) but aren't strictly necessary — any quality court shoe with the right sole will do.
Padel balls look almost identical to tennis balls but have slightly less pressure. This makes them bounce lower and slower, which suits the enclosed court. The main brands are Head, Bullpadel, and Wilson.
A tin of 3 padel balls costs $10-15 in NZ. Most clubs supply balls for casual play, but if you play regularly, having your own ensures consistent quality. New balls lose pressure after 2-3 sessions, so competitive players change them frequently.
Replace the grip on your racket regularly, especially if your hands sweat. A fresh overgrip ($3-5) improves your hold on the racket significantly. Change it every 5-10 sessions.
Functional, not fashionable. Keeping sweat off your hands and out of your eyes genuinely helps.
Optional but worth considering. The ball moves fast in an enclosed space, and eye injuries — while rare — do happen. Squash-style protective glasses work.
Padel equipment availability in New Zealand has improved significantly, but it's still more limited than in Europe or South America.