How to choose a padel racket or pickleball paddle
The right racket comes down to three things: your level, how you win points, and how much feel you want versus power. Use the slider above to see where each AIXO sits on the control-to-power scale, or take the quiz for a single recommendation with the reasons why.
AIXO padel rackets, from control to power
- Fizzball Junior (£60) – super light with a soft fibreglass face for players up to 10.
- Pastel De Mint (£64) – round, full carbon and the most forgiving racket in the range.
- Country Club (£80) – round 3K carbon with a plush, control-focused feel.
- Sundae (£96) – a lively, comfortable all-rounder for improving players.
- Neotag (£120) – 18K carbon teardrop: net control with pace in reserve.
- Insane Bolt (£144) – head-heavy 18K diamond built for maximum smash power.
Browse every model in padel rackets, or read our padel racket buying guide.
AIXO pickleball paddles, from control to power
- CP03 Ghost (£40, 9 designs) – 16mm T700 carbon for soft dinks and a big sweet spot.
- P11A Scorpion (£64, 6 designs) – thermoformed 14mm 3K carbon with extra-grit spin. USA Pickleball approved.
- P14C Reaper (£96, 3 designs) – pro-grade 18K carbon for explosive drives. USA Pickleball approved.
See all pickleball paddles, or read our pickleball paddle buying guide.
Racket finder FAQs
Which padel racket should a beginner buy?
Go for a round racket with a mid balance and a light build. The large sweet spot forgives off-centre hits and keeps the racket easy to control. In the AIXO range that is the Pastel De Mint (£64), the lightest and most forgiving, or the Country Club (£80) for a more connected, control-focused feel.
What is the difference between round, teardrop and diamond padel rackets?
Round rackets keep the weight low and the sweet spot big, which suits control and newer players. Teardrop rackets sit in the middle, mixing control with some attacking pace, like the AIXO Neotag. Diamond rackets carry the weight in the head for maximum smash power but are less forgiving, like the AIXO Insane Bolt, which is built for advanced players.
What padel racket is best for children?
Juniors need a shorter, much lighter racket. The AIXO Fizzball Junior (£60) is made for players up to 10 years old, with a soft fibreglass face and EVA core for easy, comfortable contact.
Is a 14mm or 16mm pickleball paddle better?
A 16mm core absorbs more pace, giving softer dinks, more control and a bigger sweet spot, which makes it the easier choice if you are newer to the game (AIXO CP03 Ghost, £40). A 14mm core feels crisper and gives more pop on drives and speed-ups (AIXO P11A Scorpion and P14C Reaper).
Do I need a USA Pickleball approved paddle?
Only if you play sanctioned tournaments. For social, club and league play any paddle is fine. The AIXO P11A Scorpion and P14C Reaper are USA Pickleball approved; the CP03 Ghost is not listed as approved.