Pallap’s 2024 padel racket lineup: a new player with deep expertise
The channel introduces Pallap as a fresh but ambitious brand in the padel market, collaborating closely with Hugo Cases, a renowned coach with decades of experience and a background training elite players like Gonzalo Rubio and Mati Marina. Despite being new to the market—just two and a half months at the time of filming—Pallap’s team brings over 25 years of industry experience, from coaching to material development. This blend of new energy and seasoned expertise is reflected in the brand’s approach to both product design and player engagement, including plans for on-court clinics to let players test rackets before buying.
Pallap’s 2024 collection features nine models, ranging from entry-level to pro, each tailored for different player profiles and needs. The reviewer highlights not only the technical innovation but also the brand’s commitment to making high-quality rackets accessible at competitive prices.
Team range: accessible performance for beginners and intermediates
The Team range is Pallap’s entry-level offering, but the reviewer notes that its materials and construction are far from basic. There are three models in this range: a super-light fiberglass control racket, and two carbon fiber models—one for power, one for control. Even at this level, Pallap uses 12K carbon and EVA 28 or 30 rubber, giving these rackets a premium feel.
- Team Light Control: 340–350g, fiberglass face, EVA 30 core, wide sweet spot, €99.95
- Team Power: Up to 355g, 12K carbon face, EVA 28 core, medium balance
- Team Control: Up to 355g, 12K carbon face, EVA 28 core, medium balance
The Team Light Control stands out for its maneuverability and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners or players seeking a light, forgiving racket. The reviewer, a fan of fiberglass, notes that even intermediate players could enjoy this model due to its generous sweet spot and comfortable handling.
The Team Power and Team Control rackets, while still light and easy to handle, are better suited to players starting to develop their game. The Power version offers more ball output and a slightly softer feel, while the Control model provides greater precision and a firmer response. Both are praised for their wide sweet spots and comfortable playability, with the reviewer noting that the rough surface aids in spin generation.
Star range: advanced materials and a step up in performance
Moving up, the Star range targets intermediate to advanced players, introducing aluminized 12K carbon faces and maintaining the use of EVA 28 and 30 cores. These rackets weigh slightly more—355–360g—and continue with the same molds for power and control.
- Star Power: 355–360g, aluminized 12K carbon face, EVA 28 core, low to medium balance
- Star Control: 355–360g, aluminized 12K carbon face, EVA 30 core, low to medium balance
The reviewer is particularly impressed with the aesthetics and finish of the Star range, noting the use of 3K carbon in the frame and the visible insertions in the heart of the racket. On court, the Star Power provides effortless depth and acceleration, especially at higher swing speeds, while the Star Control delivers a more precise, controlled response. Both rackets are described as agile and easy to move, with a sweet spot that accommodates a range of playing styles.
Players with a medium pace or those looking to transition to a more advanced racket will find the Star range forgiving yet responsive, with the reviewer emphasizing the low balance that makes these rackets feel lighter than their weight suggests.
Elite range: Spanish-made rackets with cutting-edge technology
The Elite range is manufactured in Spain and incorporates advanced technologies such as Rocksolid 12K carbon plus basalt and a reinforced bridge for improved rigidity and vibration dampening. These rackets are designed for high-level players seeking both control and power, with weights in the 360–365g range and a choice between medium and medium-high balance.
- Elite Power: 360–365g, Rocksolid 12K carbon + basalt, EVA 28 core, medium-high balance, sandy rough surface
- Elite Control: 360–365g, Rocksolid 12K carbon + basalt, EVA 30 core, medium balance, sandy rough surface
The reviewer highlights the Elite range’s comfort and manageability, especially from the back of the court, where both models offer a blend of control and acceleration. The Elite Power impresses with its wide sweet spot and ability to generate speed with minimal effort, while the Elite Control stands out for its stability and precision, even at higher intensities. The sandy rough surface is noted for enhancing spin and touch.
These rackets are recommended for advanced players who can take advantage of their technical features and benefit from the increased rigidity and vibration reduction.
Pro range: maximum performance for advanced and professional players
At the top of the lineup sits the Pro range, designed for very advanced or professional players. These rackets feature the most demanding specifications, including Rocksolid carbon plus basalt 15K faces and the hardest EVA cores in the collection.
- Pro Power: EVA 30 core, Rocksolid 15K carbon + basalt, medium-high balance
- Pro Control: EVA 40 core, Rocksolid 12K carbon + basalt, high balance
The Pro Power model is the result of extensive development, with Hugo Cases personally involved in fine-tuning its performance. The reviewer describes it as having a medium-hard feel, offering exceptional solidity and fast ball exit without being overly demanding physically. The Pro Control, with its EVA 40 core and higher balance, provides even more output and is best suited for technically skilled players with strong physical conditioning.
Both rackets are praised for their ability to “copy” the player’s hand gesture, rewarding precise technique and aggressive play. The reviewer notes that, despite their advanced nature, these rackets remain manageable and do not feel excessively rigid or punishing.
Key impressions and qualitative evaluations from the review
- Wide sweet spots across all ranges, making the rackets forgiving and accessible
- Lightweight construction even in advanced models, promoting maneuverability
- Premium materials such as 12K and 15K carbon, basalt, and aluminized carbon, even in entry-level rackets
- Distinct power and control molds in every range, allowing players to choose based on their style
- Effective vibration dampening and rigidity improvements in higher-end models
- Rough surfaces on most rackets, enhancing spin and touch
- Attractive aesthetics and high-quality finishes noted throughout the lineup
- Competitive pricing for the quality and technology offered
The reviewer concludes that Pallap’s 2024 lineup stands out for its thoughtful design, innovative materials, and a clear focus on matching each racket to the needs of specific player profiles. Whether for beginners or professionals, Pallap’s range offers compelling options that combine comfort, performance, and value.
