Tariffs and inflation drive padel gear price increases for 2025 and beyond
The channel highlights a growing concern in the padel community: significant price increases across all categories of padel gear. From rackets to balls and accessories, the cost of equipment is rising, and the reasons go beyond simple inflation. The main driver behind these hikes is the introduction of new tariffs, particularly affecting products manufactured in China and Pakistan. According to the creators, these tariffs are already impacting the bottom line for both manufacturers and distributors, with the effects set to intensify in the coming years.
Emails from major brands and distributors confirm that the price increases are not speculative—they are happening now and will continue into 2026 and likely 2027. The channel emphasizes that these changes will affect everyone from club owners managing inventory to everyday players considering when to invest in new gear.
Brand-by-brand breakdown: how much prices are rising
The creators share concrete examples from leading padel brands, illustrating the scale of the increases and the strategies companies are using to manage the impact:
- Wilson: Announced a price increase for the upcoming season, though the exact percentage was not specified in the discussion.
- Nox: Facing tariffs that have increased costs by almost 15%. However, the US representative for Nox has decided to raise prices by only 5%, absorbing the remaining 10% internally. The channel notes this is a short-term solution and expects further increases by the end of 2027.
- Dunlop: Prices are set to rise between 10% and 15%.
- Bullpadel: Communicated a 15% price increase via email to distributors.
The creators point out that the majority of padel rackets—estimated at 70%—are produced in China, making them especially vulnerable to these new tariffs. Pakistan is also affected, though to a lesser extent. The uncertainty around future manufacturing locations and strategies adds to the unpredictability of pricing for both retailers and consumers.
Handmade production and working conditions in padel factories
Beyond the numbers, the channel offers a rare look into the realities of padel racket manufacturing. Despite the global popularity of the sport, most rackets are still handmade in small factories. The process involves laying carbon fiber and fiberglass, applying resin, pressing, heating, and then manually shaving and sanding the racket to its final form. This labor-intensive approach means that automation is limited, and the costs of production are tightly linked to human labor and working conditions.
The creators express concern about the health and safety standards in some factories, describing environments where workers are exposed to resin fumes, carbon fiber dust, and fiberglass particles. They suggest that increased automation could improve both efficiency and safety in the future, but for now, the handmade nature of padel rackets remains a significant factor in pricing and production timelines.
Impact on balls and accessories: unavoidable costs for players
While racket prices are drawing the most attention, the channel notes that padel balls and other accessories are also affected by tariffs and inflation. Price increases of 10–15% are being reported for balls from brands like Wilson and Dunlop. For club owners, this presents a dilemma: either absorb the additional cost or pass it on to players.
Unlike rackets, balls are a recurring necessity—players cannot avoid buying them to play. The creators argue that while players may delay purchasing a new racket, they have no choice but to buy balls, making these price increases especially impactful at the club level.
Advice for players: when to buy and how to save
Given the current landscape, the channel offers practical advice for both club owners and individual players. If you have a racket you love, now may be the best time to purchase a backup or secure a second model before prices rise further. The creators stress that 2024 models often represent the best value, as retailers look to clear out last year’s inventory at reduced prices before the next wave of increases hits.
For those considering a new racket, the recommendation is clear: buy sooner rather than later. Waiting for future releases may mean paying significantly more for similar technology and performance. The channel also notes that some brands, like Nox, have made subtle changes between model years, with some players preferring the feel of the 2024 Agustín Tapia Nox over the latest version—another reason to act quickly if you have a favorite.
How retailers and manufacturers are responding to the new market reality
Retailers are adapting by increasing their orders and stocking up on current models, even though this carries financial risk if demand slows. The channel explains that some are doubling or tripling their usual orders to lock in lower prices before the next round of tariffs, but this is only a temporary solution. Once current inventory is sold, new stock will inevitably reflect higher costs.
Manufacturers, meanwhile, are still analyzing the situation and may delay shipments or adjust production strategies as they wait for more clarity on tariffs and demand. The channel expects that the full impact of these changes will become apparent later in 2025, especially in the third quarter, as inventories turn over and new pricing takes effect.
Key takeaways for padel players and club owners
- Major brands like Wilson, Nox, Bullpadel, and Dunlop are all raising prices due to tariffs and increased manufacturing costs.
- Tariffs on Chinese and Pakistani-made rackets are driving most of the increases, with some brands absorbing part of the cost temporarily.
- Padel balls and accessories are also affected, with price hikes of 10–15% reported.
- Most rackets are still handmade, limiting the potential for mass production and keeping costs high.
- Players are advised to buy now—especially 2024 models—before further increases take effect.
- Retailers are stocking up, but once current inventory is gone, higher prices are inevitable.
The channel concludes that while the exact timing and scale of future increases remain uncertain, the overall trend is clear: padel gear is getting more expensive, and both players and clubs should plan accordingly.
