Why 12K Carbon?
What 12K carbon is, and what it isn't.
Almost every padel racket says "carbon" somewhere. The K number tells you one specific thing about that carbon, and it is worth knowing what it does and does not mean before you pay for it.
The K number
Carbon fibre is made of very thin filaments grouped into bundles called tows. The K number is how many thousand filaments are in each tow.
| Grade | Filaments per tow | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| 1K | 1,000 | Very fine weave |
| 3K | 3,000 | The classic small checkerboard |
| 12K | 12,000 | A broader weave pattern |
| 18K | 18,000 | Broader still |
What it doesn't tell you
The K number does not, on its own, tell you how stiff, powerful or comfortable a racket is. That depends just as much on the number of carbon layers, the resin, the frame, the surface texture and, most of all, the core foam. A 3K racket with a firm core can feel stiffer than a 12K racket with a soft one.
Why we chose a 12K face
12K carbon faces are common on rackets from the big brands that cost £150 and more. We wanted that face on an all-round teardrop that improving club players could afford. Ours pairs a 12K carbon fibre face with a medium EVA core, a 365 g weight and a medium to high balance.
We sell direct, with no distributor or shop margin, which is how it costs £79.95.
Who it suits
- Good fit: players a few months in who want one racket for both sides of the court.
- Think twice: complete first-timers, or anyone with a sore elbow right now. A softer, round racket is usually kinder to start with.
Longer explanations: 3K vs 12K carbon · carbon grades 3K to 18K · carbon rackets under £100 compared
See the rackets. £79.95. Free UK delivery on orders over £90.