Best Padel Racket Under £100 in the UK (2026)
The short answer: the best padel racket under £100 has a carbon face, a teardrop shape, a weight of 355 to 370 g, a medium EVA core and a textured surface, from a brand with clear UK returns. The 12k Padel Midnight Black ticks all six at £79.95.
Under £100 is where most UK club players buy their first proper racket. Get these six things right and you will have a racket you can grow with for years. Here is the checklist, and how the Midnight Black delivers on every point.
What to look for in a padel racket under £100
1. A shape that grows with you
Round rackets are built for your very first sessions. A teardrop gives you more reach and punch while keeping a forgiving sweet spot, so it is the shape improving players stay with. More in our shapes guide.
2. The right weight
Around 355 to 370 g is the sweet spot for most adults: quick enough at the net, heavy enough to stay stable against a hard ball. More in our weight guide.
3. A core with feel
A medium EVA core gives a firm, direct response that rewards players who are starting to hit through the ball. More in EVA vs soft cores.
4. Carbon on the face
Carbon feels firmer and more precise than fibreglass, and carbon padel rackets now sit comfortably under £100. More in carbon grades explained and carbon vs fibreglass.
5. A textured surface
A sandy face grips the ball for slice and topspin. Many rackets at this price are smooth, so check.
6. A brand that stands behind it
Clear returns, fast UK delivery and someone who answers your email.
Our pick: 12k Padel Midnight Black, £79.95
| Checklist | 12k Padel Midnight Black |
|---|---|
| Shape | ✓ Teardrop |
| Weight | ✓ 365 g |
| Core | ✓ Medium EVA |
| Face | ✓ 12K carbon fibre |
| Surface | ✓ Sandy textured finish |
| Balance | ✓ Medium to high: stable at the net, weight behind the smash |
| Brand | ✓ UK brand, dispatch within 48 hours, 14-day returns, email answered within one working day |
| Price | ✓ £79.95, or £92.95 in the Court Pack with grips, protector and score keeper |
Prefer another colour? The Shark Blue and Ice White are the same racket in different finishes. See all three carbon padel rackets.
Independently reviewed: 9.5 out of 10
Find Padel UK tested the Midnight Black on court at Manchester Padel Club and scored it 9.5 out of 10, praising its build quality, carbon face, spin and value. Read what the independent review found.
What players say
“Nice balanced weight to the racket, large sweet spot, 10/10 design!” Harry, verified buyer
“Solid racket with a lot of power and feel at the same time.” Gabriel C., verified buyer
“It feels like a much more expensive racket than it actually is. 5/5, fantastic value for money.” Neave S., Trustpilot
Who a racket under £100 suits
Players a few months in, club regulars and anyone moving over from tennis or squash who wants one all-round racket for both sides of the court. Buying for two? The DUOs pack kits out both players.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get a good padel racket for under £100?
Yes. A carbon face, a medium EVA core and a teardrop shape are all available under £100 when a brand sells direct to players.
What is the best padel racket under £100 for beginners?
One with a forgiving sweet spot and a weight around 365 g. A teardrop with a medium core gives you that, and room to improve. More in best padel racket for beginners.
What is the best padel racket under £100 for intermediate players?
A carbon-faced teardrop with a textured surface, so you can add spin and hit through the ball. More in best padel racket for intermediate players.
Is carbon or fibreglass better under £100?
Carbon gives a firmer, more precise response and holds its feel for longer. It is the face to choose if you plan to keep improving.
How much should I spend on my first padel racket?
£70 to £100 buys a carbon racket you will keep for years. The Midnight Black is £79.95, and UK delivery is free on orders over £90.
Full details: Midnight Black specifications.
Related reading: Best padel racket for beginners · How to choose a padel racket
