Oxdog ultimate court: accessible performance for beginners and intermediates
The first model highlighted by the reviewer is the Oxdog Ultimate Court, positioned as an entry-level racket within the Ultimate line. Its construction features fiberglass faces paired with a medium rubber core, resulting in a medium-soft hardness that stands out for comfort and ease of play. The faces are finished with a rough, sandy texture that the reviewer finds more effective than the carbon-fiber alternatives in the same line, such as the Ultimate Match.
- Weight: 365g (±10g)
- Balance: 26.2 cm
- Face material: Fiberglass
- Core: Medium rubber
- Surface: Rough, sandy finish
- Grip: Slightly larger than standard
- Price: €130
On court, the Oxdog Ultimate Court delivers excellent ball output and a generous sweet spot, making it particularly forgiving from the back of the court. The reviewer notes that it requires little effort to achieve consistent depth at medium pace. While not designed for high-intensity play, it still responds better than expected when the pace increases, offering a bit more rebound and speed than comparable models in its range. For its price, it is considered one of the most versatile and comfortable options in Oxdog’s lineup for players seeking value without sacrificing playability.
Kombat black mk3: a diamond-shaped all-rounder with solid power
Kombat’s presence in the sub-€150 segment is represented by the Black MK3, a diamond-shaped racket with a medium balance and medium hardness. The reviewer points out its 3K carbon faces and Black EVA rubber core, which together deliver a blend of control and power. The surface features a 3D rough finish for enhanced spin potential.
- Weight: 360–370g
- Balance: Medium
- Face material: 3K carbon
- Core: Black EVA
- Surface: 3D rough
- Price: €125
The sweet spot is described as slightly above standard, but the reviewer cautions that off-center hits are penalized with a noticeably drier response and less ball output. Despite this, the racket is praised for its versatility: it is manageable from the back of the court and provides decent power in offensive situations. The reviewer likens its overall feel to a “7.5 out of 10” in all aspects, making it a reliable choice for players who want a bit of everything in a diamond format without excessive complexity.
Bullpadel vertex 02 carbon: comfort and versatility in a proven mold
The Bullpadel Vertex 02 Carbon is highlighted as an excellent value alternative for players seeking a blend of comfort and performance. This model uses 3K carbon faces and MultiEva rubber, sharing the same core as the Neuron but in the familiar Vertex 2 mold. The sweet spot is slightly wider than the standard Vertex, resulting in a softer feel compared to the Vertex 4.
- Weight: 360–375g
- Balance: 25.8 cm
- Face material: 3K carbon
- Core: MultiEva
- Surface: Rough, sandy
- Price: €135
The reviewer appreciates the racket’s comfort from the baseline, noting its generous sweet spot and easy ball start. While it offers less power than the Vertex 4, it compensates with improved forgiveness and a more user-friendly feel, especially on off-center hits. The string exits through the center of the cap, a detail some players may prefer. For those seeking a versatile Bullpadel option with medium hardness at a reasonable price, the Vertex 02 Carbon is strongly recommended.
Kuikma carbon series: three distinct models for tailored performance
Kuikma’s 2024 carbon range is praised for its value and technical refinement. All three models—the Power Carbon, Control Carbon, and Hybrid Carbon—share 12K carbon faces and Black EVA rubber, yielding a medium hardness that sits just above last year’s Pro line but below the Hybrid Hard or Power Hard models.
- Weight: 365–375g (typically closer to 370g)
- Balance: 25.8–26 cm (varies by model)
- Face material: 12K carbon
- Core: Black EVA
- Surface: 3D rough
- Grip: Slightly longer than standard
- Price: €129.99
Control Carbon: Features a centered sweet spot and is most comfortable in defensive play, though it can feel dry and less responsive on higher shots. Its balance is 26 cm, and the reviewer notes it can feel a bit slow to maneuver if you’re not used to the weight.
Power Carbon: Marked by a slightly lower balance (25.8 cm) but comes in heavier (375g). The sweet spot is higher and smaller, offering the best power and ball speed of the three, especially at fast pace.
Hybrid Carbon: The most balanced option, with a mid-high sweet spot that is larger than the Power model. It offers the best mix of attack and defense, providing comfort in aerial shots and solid performance in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Across all three, the Black EVA core is less reactive than the previous Pro line, requiring more effort to generate speed but offering greater control and a slightly more technical, offensive feel. The reviewer singles out the Hybrid Carbon as the most convincing model for players seeking a true balance between attack and defense.
Joma padel 2024: updated molds and improved offensive play
Joma’s 2024 lineup delivers notable improvements in both feel and technical demand, with all three models—the Tournament, Gold, and Slam—featuring 3K carbon faces and Black EVA rubber. The reviewer observes a slight increase in hardness compared to last year, particularly in the Tournament and Slam models.
- Weight: 350–360g (Gold); others slightly higher
- Balance: 26.2–26.3 cm (varies by model)
- Face material: 3K carbon
- Core: Black EVA
- Price: €130–€150
Tournament: Redesigned for 2024, now with a smaller sweet spot and higher balance (26.3 cm), making it more technical and demanding in defense but improved for offensive shots like the viper and tray.
Gold: Offers a higher, medium-high balance and is the most powerful in attack, with a more reactive feel and faster ball output. The reviewer suggests opting for the 360g version for power or a lighter option for better maneuverability.
Slam: Considered the most complete of the three, balancing defense and attack. It is forgiving enough for most players, with a responsive feel in attack and a slightly lower balance (26.2 cm) than the Gold. It is also the most affordable of the trio.
Overall, Joma’s new models are slightly harder and more technical, with the Slam standing out as the best all-rounder for players who want versatility at a competitive price.
Key takeaways: best value padel rackets under €150 in 2024
- Oxdog Ultimate Court: Best for comfort and ease of use, especially for beginners and intermediates.
- Kombat Black MK3: Offers a solid all-round performance in a diamond shape, with good power and decent control.
- Bullpadel Vertex 02 Carbon: Delivers comfort, a wide sweet spot, and versatility, making it a top choice for those seeking a familiar feel at a lower price.
- Kuikma Hybrid Carbon: The most balanced of Kuikma’s new range, ideal for players who want both control and attack.
- Joma Slam: The standout for overall versatility in the Joma lineup, with a good mix of power, control, and price.
Each of these rackets brings unique strengths to the sub-€150 market, catering to a range of playing styles and preferences. The reviewer’s insights help clarify which model might best suit different types of players, whether prioritizing comfort, power, or all-round playability.
