Best value-for-money padel rackets that surprised in 2024
The creator from Probando Palas opens the review with a focus on value-for-money rackets that have stood out in 2024. Two models from the emerging brand Pallap are highlighted: the Control Star and Power Star. Both rackets feature 12K carbon fiber faces and a premium finish, yet remain accessible in price. The Control Star is described as having a hybrid-round shape, EVA 30 core for a medium feel, and a low balance, making it highly versatile for both baseline and net play. The Power Star, on the other hand, adopts a diamond shape with an EVA 28 core, offering a slightly firmer touch and excellent ball exit at both low and medium speeds. Both rackets are praised for their light weight and comfort, with prices dropping below €150 with discounts.
- Face material: 12K carbon fiber
- Core: EVA 30 (Control Star), EVA 28 (Power Star)
- Shape: Hybrid-round (Control Star), Diamond (Power Star)
- Balance: Low
- Price: Below €150 (with discount)
Two more rackets from Siux also make the list: the Electra Lite 3 and Fenix Lite 4. The Electra Lite 3, a lighter sibling of the ST3 Pro, is recommended for players seeking control with a progressive response at the net. It features a medium to slightly firm feel and a sandpaper-like rough surface, with the largest sweet spot in the Electra line. Its price point, between €130–€140, is considered excellent for its performance. The Fenix Lite 4, associated with players Hus Burger and Chozas, is a power racket that surpasses its Pro version in sweet spot and ball exit, while maintaining a manageable weight and moderate balance. It is available for €140–€160.
- Electra Lite 3: Medium feel, large sweet spot, sandpaper roughness, €130–€140
- Fenix Lite 4: Power-oriented, improved sweet spot, moderate balance, €140–€160
Emerging brands redefining padel racket design and community
In the next segment, the reviewer spotlights two standout brands that have disrupted the padel market in 2024: Xcalion and Secco Brand.
Xcalion is praised for its engineering-driven approach, bringing aerospace and automotive manufacturing techniques into padel. Their rackets use a monocoque carbon structure and the proprietary Alma Unum technology, resulting in ultra-lightweight yet powerful rackets. Each model is customizable in color and can be personalized with the player’s name. The brand offers four distinct play configurations—control, versatility, power, and a blend of power with maneuverability—using the same mold but adjusting carbon layering and core hardness. Notably, the Control S110 model weighs just 329g, while the Power H118 reaches 352g. The reviewer singles out the H1 Max (338g) as a revelation, combining top-tier power with the maneuverability of a control racket.
- Structure: Monocoque carbon
- Technology: Alma Unum
- Weight range: 329g (Control) to 352g (Power)
- Customization: Color and name personalization
Secco Brand, meanwhile, is celebrated for its community-driven ethos and artisanal production. All rackets are 100% handmade in Spain, with the founders personally involved in the manufacturing process. The latest models, La Blanca and All Black, use two layers of 3K carbon and differ mainly in feel: La Blanca offers a medium touch, while All Black is medium-hard, making it a powerful yet manageable option. Both feature effective 3D roughness. Secco stands out not just for its rackets but for fostering a lifestyle and community around padel, with events and active social engagement.
- Manufacture: Handmade in Spain
- Face material: Dual 3K carbon layers
- Feel: Medium (La Blanca), Medium-hard (All Black)
- Surface: 3D roughness
Rackets that exceeded expectations in power, versatility, and control
The final section highlights rackets that delivered unexpectedly strong performance in specific categories: power, versatility, and control.
For power, the reviewer is most impressed by the Wilson Blade Pro V3. Previously, Wilson lacked a truly power-oriented model, but this 2024 release—used by Javi Garrido—features a high balance, highly reactive feel at high speeds, and aggressive 3D roughness. Its aerial play and acceleration are standout qualities, and it maintains the same shape as previous Blade Pro versions, which were more control-oriented. This makes it a top choice for power seekers loyal to Wilson.
- Model: Wilson Blade Pro V3 (2024)
- Player: Javi Garrido
- Balance: High
- Surface: 3D roughness
- Feel: Highly reactive at speed
In the versatility (polivalencia) category, the Volt 950 V4 stands out. The reviewer, previously unfamiliar with Volt, praises the 950 V4 for its medium to medium-hard feel, medium balance, and especially its oversized sweet spot, which extends toward the handle. Despite its diamond shape, it performs exceptionally from the baseline and at the net. The racket is also customizable in weight, ranging from 350g to 370g, and is used by Cata Nogueira.
- Model: Volt 950 V4
- Feel: Medium to medium-hard
- Balance: Medium
- Sweet spot: Extra large, extends to handle
- Weight range: 350g–370g
For control, two rackets are highlighted. The Bullpadel Neuron 2024 is unique for its slightly wider lower shape and medium-hard feel, offering excellent control at all game speeds. Its main drawback is the lack of surface roughness, but it is considered Bullpadel’s best control racket to date. The Head Gravity Pro 2024, used by Edu Alonso, is the first Gravity model to feature a sandpaper-like rough surface. It excels in defensive situations, has a large sweet spot, and provides a medium-plus feel, making it ideal for control-focused players.
- Bullpadel Neuron 2024: Medium-hard feel, new wider shape, no roughness
- Head Gravity Pro 2024: Sandpaper roughness, large sweet spot, medium-plus feel
Ratings summary for the most surprising rackets of 2024
- Pallap Control Star & Power Star: Top value-for-money, premium finish, versatile performance
- Siux Electra Lite 3: Best sweet spot in Electra line, excellent control
- Siux Fenix Lite 4: Superior sweet spot and ball exit for a power racket
- Xcalion H1 Max: 10/10 for power with unmatched maneuverability
- Secco All Black: Standout for artisanal quality and unique brand ethos
- Wilson Blade Pro V3: Best power racket surprise of 2024
- Volt 950 V4: Most versatile, with exceptional sweet spot and all-court play
- Bullpadel Neuron 2024: Best control in Bullpadel’s lineup
- Head Gravity Pro 2024: Top control racket with innovative rough surface
Each of these rackets and brands has delivered unexpected performance or innovation, earning their place among the most surprising revelations in the 2024 padel season.
