So, you’ve decided to dive headfirst into the glorious chaos that is padel? Welcome aboard, friend! Before you start dreaming of epic smashes and graceful lobs (and accidentally hitting your partner in the face), let’s talk about your trusty third arm: the padel racket.
Once you start playing padel even semi regularly you are going to need your own padel racket so you’re not constantly borrowing or hiring one. There are an absolute truckload of options available at the beginner end of the market each with specific design features and components which perform very differently and are priced very differently. When faced with all of these great options you can easily become overawed with all of the options and if can feel like an insurmountable task. However, have no fear becasue our aim here at bestpadellife is to come to your aid in your time of padel need and make buying your first padel racket an easy, fun and exciting experience. So today we will be examining four fantastic beginner rackets under $100 that deliver serious value without skimping on performance.
Think of us as your padel spirit guide, helping you navigate your journey through racket shapes, EVA cores, sweet spots, and more. And if you haven’t already, now’s a great time to check out our beginner padel racket design articles for a crash course in all the terms we’ll be throwing around and a quick but thorough tutorial on the padel racket which will help make this guide much more relevant for you:
- How to Choose the Best Shaped Padel Racket For You
- What is the Best Padel Racket Core for Your Game?
- What are the Best Padel Racket Frames and Face Materials?
Alright, let’s meet our four contenders for best beginner racket under $100.
The Contenders: Budget Rackets That Punch Above Their Weight
1. Babolat Contact Padel Racket
- Super forgiving and easy to handle
- Fiberglass frame and soft EVA core
- Great for control and comfort
This racket is the golden retriever of padel gear—loyal, gentle, and impossible to stay mad at. It’s built to minimize errors and absorb impact, making it a perfect starting point for absolute beginners. For a full and comprehensive review of the Babolat Contact click here.
2. Head Flash Padel Racket 2023
- Teardrop shape for balanced power and control
- Carbon frame, fiberglass face, soft EVA core
- A true all-rounder
Think of this one as the Swiss Army knife of beginner rackets—versatile and dependable. If you want to try a bit of everything, the Flash 2023 is a solid pick. For a full and comprehensive review of the Head Flash padel racket click here.
3. Head Evo Speed Padel Racket
- Power-focused with a denser EVA core
- Teardrop shape, head-heavy balance
- Ideal for those with a bit of experience
Built for players looking to add more aggression to their game. It’s less forgiving, but if you’re confident in your coordination or have experience in other racket sports, it’s a fun step up. For a full and comprehensive review of the Head Evo Speed padel racket click here.
4. Adidas Drive Light 3.3 Padel Racket
- Round shape with added structural support
- Fiberglass frame, EVA Soft Performance core
- Control-focused, very beginner-friendly
This one’s like training wheels for your padel journey. Ultra forgiving, durable, and designed to keep you upright (literally and figuratively) as you find your rhythm.
Comparing Design Features: What Matters and Why
Padel Racket Shape: Sweet Spots and Style
- Round rackets (Babolat Contact, Adidas Drive Light 3.3): Big sweet spots, high forgiveness, great for control.
- Teardrop rackets (Head Flash, Head Evo Speed): Smaller, higher sweet spot; balance of control and power.
Core & Materials: Feel and Feedback
- Softer EVA cores (Babolat, Adidas, Head Flash): More control, less vibration, great for comfort.
- Denser EVA core (Head Evo Speed): More power, less forgiveness, more shock.
- Fiberglass faces (All but Evo): Softer feel, better vibration absorption.
- Carbon or hybrid faces (Flash, Evo): Crisper, more responsive.
Bonus Points
Adidas Drive Light 3.3 recieves bonus points on two fronts:
Structural Reinforcement: Reduces the twisting (torsional) force when you make off centre hits which helps retain accuracy and control, boost durability and prevent shock transmission injuries.
Smart Holes Lineal: The strategic arrangement of the racket’s holes in equidistant groups of three strengthens the racket’s surface and improves its structural integrity. This helps enhance durability and provides a more consistent feel during play.
Weight & Balance: Maneuverability vs. Power
- Babolat Contact: 360g, control-focused
- Head Flash: 360g, balanced
- Head Evo Speed: 365g, head-heavy for extra punch
- Adidas Drive Light 3.3: 360–375g, slightly head-heavy
Heavier = more power, but trickier to maneuver. Head-heavy = more oomph, but requires more control.
Which Padel Racket is Best For You – Choose Your Weapon
- Babolat Contact: Ultra forgiving and comfy. Perfect for total beginners.
- Head Flash 2023: Balanced and versatile. Best for exploring your playing style.
- Head Evo Speed: Power-packed but less forgiving. Great if you’ve got some racket sport experience.
- Adidas Drive Light 3.3: Durable, stable, and very forgiving. Great for beginners wanting long-term reliability.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Babolat Contact | Head Flash 2023 | Head Evo Speed | Adidas Drive Light 3.3 |
| Shape | Round | Teardrop | Teardrop | Round |
| Materials | Fiberglass / Soft EVA | Carbon / Fiberglass / Soft EVA | Carbon / Hybrid / Denser EVA | Fiberglass / EVA Soft Performance |
| Weight | 360g | 360g | 365g | 360–375g |
| Balance | Control | Balanced | Head-Heavy | Slightly Head-Heavy |
| Pros | Very forgiving, comfy | Versatile, adaptable | Power-focused, responsive | Durable, stable, forgiving |
| Cons | Limited power | Less direct feel | Less forgiving | Heavier, less nimble |
| Best For | Absolute beginners | All-rounder beginners | Power-seeking learners | Durable beginners |
| Rating | 80 | 83 | 85 | 82 |
Final Thoughts
Alright, padel newbies—you’re armed with knowledge, budget-friendly options, and hopefully a bit more confidence. Each of these rackets has plenty to offer, whether it’s the cushy feel of the Babolat Contact or the punchy performance of the Head Evo Speed. Full reviews of each of these padel racket options are available on the links in each sub-section if you want to delve a little bit deeper and gain a more thorough understanding of exactly what they offer.
Hopefully this and our many other articles available on our “Padel Racket” page help you pick the racket that feels right for you, grab a mate, and hit the court. And in tandem with your new “third arm” (padel racket) may your lobs be lofty, your smashes be savage, and your padel life be legendary.
