Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose the right padel racket for my level?

Choosing a racket is a personal decision that must align with three fundamental pillars, regardless of your level:

• Your playing style: Are you a control player who likes to build the point, a versatile player looking for balance, or a pure attacker in search of power?
• Technical characteristics: Beyond the shape, it is the combination of balance (weight distribution) and material density (soft or rigid foam, carbon or fiberglass) that will define your racket's behavior.
• Your comfort and morphology: The total weight of the racket and the size of the grip (use of overgrips) are essential to prevent injuries like epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and guarantee good maneuverability.

What are the different racket shapes?

• Round Shape: It offers a wide and centered sweet spot. It is the choice for control. It forgives off-center hits, which is comfortable for everyone.
• Teardrop Shape: It offers a slightly higher hitting zone. It is the perfect versatility for those who like to vary the pace.
• Diamond Shape: The sweet spot is located at the top of the head. It is designed for attack and smashes, as it maximizes the lever effect during impact.

Use PalaMatch to get a personalized recommendation in less than 2 minutes or consult our dedicated blog article.

What is the ideal weight for a men's and women's padel racket?

Weight directly influences your comfort and power. While there is no strict rule, the observed standards are 360g to 375g for a man and 345g to 360g for a woman.

• Lightness: Increases maneuverability and reactivity at the net, ideal for avoiding arm fatigue.
• High weight: Offers more inertia and stability at impact to maximize hitting power.

Can I order a racket at a specific weight?

Yes!
Padel Reference offers a weight selection for all orders.
You can request a light weight, medium weight, or heavy weight, which will be selected from a large sample of rackets. This weight selection is made directly on the racket's product page.

How to maintain my padel racket?

To extend the life of your racket: protect the frame with a racket protector (available on PadelReference.com), store it away from heat and humidity, change the overgrip regularly to maintain a good grip, and avoid violent shocks against the ground or the fence.
Use a carrying case to protect it during your travels.

When should I change my padel racket?

It is generally advised to change your racket every 6 months to 2 years depending on the intensity of practice and skill level, or sooner if you notice: a loss of bounce/response in the center of the racket, cracking sounds during hits, deformation of the frame, or damage to the core.
Our PalaMatch "Change Racket" tool also helps you find your next model.

What are the available delivery methods?

We offer several solutions to adapt to your needs:

• Home Delivery: Via our partners (Chronopost, Colissimo, UPS) for maximum comfort.
• Relay Point: An economical and ecological solution to pick up your package at your own pace.
• Express Delivery: For impatient players, receive your racket in 24h/48h (depending on eligibility).

Do you offer free shipping?

At Padel Reference, shipping is free in mainland France for orders of €80 or more.
For lower amounts, shipping costs are automatically calculated in your cart before payment.
For destinations outside mainland France, free delivery is available starting from certain order amounts, which you can find in our T&Cs article.
International shipping is available upon request.

How to track my order status?

As soon as your package is shipped, you receive a confirmation email containing an interactive tracking link.
You can also consult the history and status of your order directly from your "My Account" space.

Can I return an item if it doesn't suit me?

Absolutely.
You have a period of 14 days (legal withdrawal period) from receipt of your package to return a product to us.
Warning: To be accepted, the item must be new, unused, with its original labels and, in the case of rackets, the protective plastic film on the handle must be intact.

How to make a return?

The procedure is simple:

1. Log in to your customer account.
2. Fill out the return form in the contact section.
3. Carefully pack the item (use the original box if possible).
4. Ship the package to the following address: 247 Avenue Abbé Edmé Mariotte 33260, La Teste-de-Buch, France.
Return costs are the responsibility of the customer, except in the case of a defective product upon receipt.

How does the exchange of a racket or a pair of shoes work?

If you want another size or another model, we advise you to return the item to us.
A payment link or a refund will be made based on the value difference between the ordered item and the desired item.

Are padel rackets under warranty?

All our rackets benefit from the manufacturer's warranty (usually 1 or 2 years) against manufacturing defects (abnormal cracks in the frame, peeling of the foam).
Note: The warranty does not cover shocks against glass, the fence, or the partner's racket.

Can you leave your padel racket in the trunk of your car?

Absolutely not.
Temperature variations (above 30°C or below 5°C) alter the properties of the resin and foam, making the racket "soft" or brittle.
Always use a thermal bag.

What is the service rule in padel?

The service must be performed underhand, after a bounce, and the impact must be below the waist.
The ball must bounce in the opposite box without touching the fence after the first bounce (contact with the glass is allowed).

What is a "Bandeja" compared to a "Vibora"?

The Bandeja is a defensive/waiting shot to keep the net (safety play), while the Vibora is an attacking shot with an aggressive side-spin intended to finish the point.