Nachricht

Padel and tennis are two popular racquet sports that share some similarities, but they’re very different in many ways. For instance, tennis and padel ((also known as padel ball or padel tennis) share the same scoring system, and the balls used in each game look similar. They both use racquets, but that’s almost where the similarities end. The balls in particular often garner some confusion – they look the same, but there are some subtle differences between tennis balls and padel balls, which many players often overlook. So, if you enjoy playing padel and want to get the most from our game, you’ll definitely need to avoid using a tennis ball and stick with the original padel ball. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between tennis balls and padel balls to explain why that is: Is a Tennis Ball the Same as a Padel Ball? No, while both balls have a similar shape, size, and texture, there are some slight differences between padel balls and tennis balls. Yes, you could use a tennis ball for a game of padel in theory, but the bounce between the two are vastly different, making a tennis ball pretty much unplayable on a padel court. Main Differences Between Tennis Balls and Padel Balls Size Possibly the most obvious difference between tennis balls and padel balls is their size. A padel ball is around 8% smaller than a tennis ball and has less pressure. The size and pressure difference means that the balls have different bounces and speeds during a game, which, combined with the different court sizes and racquets, has a notable impact on performance. Speed As mentioned above, padel balls are smaller and less pressurised than tennis balls, which greatly influences how they move. For instance, tennis balls move much quicker and are much ‘bouncier’ (they’ll bounce a lot higher) than padel balls, allowing the various spins and strokes common in the game. So a padel ball will move more slowly than a tennis ball, which is why it’s best to use the correct ball for each type of game. If you were to combine a faster tennis ball with a smaller padel court, and you’d be in for some fast action that even the most agile of players would struggle to keep up with! Control Again, the smaller size and less pressure of padel balls impact their movement, making them much slower compared to tennis balls. These slower movements give players more control over the ball, so using a tennis ball, which is much quicker and bouncier, will negate the accuracy padel balls offer. Final Thoughts Are tennis balls and racquet balls the same? No. While the differences between tennis balls and padel balls may appear small, they have a large impact on performance. Padel balls are slightly smaller than tennis balls and have less pressure, making them softer. The size and pressure differences mean that tennis balls are much quicker and bouncier compared to padel balls, which are slower and offer more control. It's also worth using a padel ball made to IPF specification, like ours, to make sure you get consistent game play every time. Be mindful of these differences whenever you’re playing tennis or padel. While it may seem like you can switch between each type of ball, the subtle differences will be evident once you start playing!      

Finding the right type of grip for your padel racquet is crucial for both your performance and comfort. The wrong grip will have your racquet slipping around and could even cause calluses if a poor quality or worn out grip is used. With a suitable grip, you’ll have more precise control over the racquet and avoid it slipping in your hand, so it’s always worth taking the time to find the best option for your needs. While an overgrip is an additional option for your racquet, its performance and safety benefits make it a worthwhile investment for any player. Of course, with so many options available, finding the best grip for your padel racquet is often easier said than done. So, if you’re looking for a new padel racquet grip but are unsure what’s best for your needs, be sure to check out our handy guide below! Overgrip vs Replacement Grip Before we delve into the best types of padel racquet grips, it helps to understand the two main options available: Replacement Grip Also known as an undergrip or base grip, every padel racquet comes with one of these as new, which is a factory standard. This grip type is designed to absorb vibrations when playing with the racquet, reducing fatigue and stress on the hand, wrist, and arm. The replacement grip also has a standard grip size, which can be removed to replace it if necessary. If you don’t like the feel or when it gets worn out. Many players prefer to add another layer using an overgrip, which, as the name suggests, is placed over the original grip. Overgrip Many of the standard grips featured on racquets lack the thickness that some players need for comfortable handling, which is where an overgrip comes into play. An overgrip is an additional layer that is placed over the base grip to increase thickness for more comfort and precision. Rather than replacing the entire undergrip, you can use an overgrip to improve handling for a much cheaper price. It’s also easy to try out different overgrips to find the right size for your play style and comfort requirements. They wear out quicker, but can be replaced quickly and cost effectively. Choosing the Right Grip If you want a simple and effective way to increase the comfort, performance, and safety of your padel racquet, then we recommend using a padel specific overgrip. Here are some things to keep an out for when choosing a new overgrip: Thickness The best thickness for an overgrip varies from player to player. For instance, women and junior players tend to have smaller hands and benefit from a thinner overgrip, typically a thin single layer over the top of the base grip. Men may require slightly thicker overgrips, ranging from one to two grips that overlap on the original grip. If you have larger hands, consider using two overlapping overgrips, while men with more average-sized hands may benefit from a single overlapping overgrip. Again, it varies from person to person, so consider trying a few different thicknesses to see what works best for your needs! Sweat Absorption A good overgrip for your padel should be able to absorb sweat to prevent it from sliding around your hands. Make sure that the overgrip you’re buying has some basic sweat absorption. Otherwise, it may be more difficult to handle. However, it may also be a good idea to have some tackiness (stickiness) on the overgrip, especially if your hands don’t sweat much, as absorbent grips can feel slippery when using dry hands. Tackiness A grip’s tackiness refers to how sticky it feels, which has an impact on how effectively you grip the racquet. However, without proper absorption, a sticky grip can quickly become slippery due to sweat, which can be an issue depending on how much you perspire when playing. So, it’s generally a good idea to have an overgrip that offers both absorbency and tackiness. Conclusion While a padel racquet comes with an original grip, it’s usually thin and lacks the comfort and precision many players seek. So, consider adding an overgrip to your racquet to improve its thickness and handling when you play. Be mindful of the overgrip thickness, and make sure it can absorb sweat while being sticky enough to handle. That said, a replacement racquet grip can have better properties than an overgrip, and with the right one, could be the perfect thickness, so be sure to try both to see which you prefer.