From Wooden Bats to Carbon Frame | The Evolution of Padel Equipment
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The first padel rackets weren’t made for power - they were made for fun. Handmade and wooden, they were heavier, slower, and less forgiving.
Fast forward to now? It’s all about carbon fibre, sandblasted textures, and precision engineering.
Key Gear Evolution Points:
• Wood to Foam-Core: 1980s players started using foam-filled paddles for better control.
• Polymer Revolution: Lightweight synthetic materials introduced power and spin.
• Modern Day: Sandblasted surfaces for spin, vibration dampeners, and aerodynamic holes.
Even balls and shoes have evolved - with padel-specific soles, bounce ratings, and climate resistance.
Today’s players move faster, hit harder, and play longer - because the equipment has grown up too.
