No time to read it all? My podium for the best padel racket under £100:
🥇 Wilson Optix V2 Power 2026: teardrop, carbon-reinforced fibreglass, rough surface. £95.
🥈 Babolat Air Origin: teardrop, hybrid carbon and fibreglass frame, 345g. £85.
🥉 Babolat Counter Origin 2025: round, hybrid frame, soft EVA core. £85.
➡️ All 10 rackets were in stock under £100 at Nine Padel on 12 November 2026.
Can you find a good padel racket for under £100? Yes. In this top 10, 6 models out of 10 have carbon in their frame or hitting surface.
Short answer: the Wilson Optix V2 Power 2026 for the improving player, the Babolat Air Origin for a light first racket. For control, the Babolat Counter Origin 2025. For the smallest budget, the Adidas Match Blue 3.4 2025.
The 10 rackets cost £55 to £99.99 at Nine Padel. Prices checked on 12 November 2026.
How recent are they? 3 models come from the 2026 collections and 3 from 2025. 2 are sold below their original price.
Methodology: 10 rackets in stock at Nine Padel on 12 November 2026, all under £100. I rank them on 6 data points: frame, core, shape, weight, surface and price. I analyse their specs through the eyes of a ranked player (P250 in France, 7,500 FFT points, one P100 tournament won, a match every Monday night).
Ranking of the 10 Best Padel Rackets Under £100
Two criteria weigh most in my ranking: the carbon in the build, and the number of players the racket suits.
- 3 carbon frames (Babolat Stima Spirit, Joma Slam Soft 2.0, Joma Master): stability and durability, with a fibreglass hitting surface for comfort.
- 3 hybrid builds (Babolat Air Origin and Counter Origin, Wilson Optix V2 Power): carbon plus fibreglass, the best compromise under £100.
- 4 fibreglass builds (Adidas Match 2026 and Match Blue 3.4, Wilson Optix V2 Lite and Optix V1): softness and comfort, to start out.
Shapes: 5 round, 2 teardrop, 2 hybrid, 1 diamond. Weight runs from 335g to 360-375g, and 8 rackets out of 10 have a soft feel.
| Rank | Racket | Price | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilson Optix V2 Power 2026 | £95 | Improving player who wants easy power |
| 2 | Babolat Air Origin | £85 | New player who wants a light teardrop |
| 3 | Babolat Counter Origin 2025 | £85 | Beginner who wants control |
| 4 | Babolat Stima Spirit | £99.99 | Player who wants the lightest racket |
| 5 | Joma Slam Soft 2.0 | £95 | Intermediate who mixes attack and defence |
| 6 | Adidas Match 2026 (Black/Lime) | £65 | All-rounder on a tight budget |
| 7 | Wilson Optix V2 Lite 2026 (White) | £75 | Beginner who wants a light round racket |
| 8 | Joma Master (Black/Orange) | £90 | Beginner who wants comfort and a carbon frame |
| 9 | Wilson Optix V1 (Black) | £60 | First racket at a discount |
| 10 | Adidas Match Blue 3.4 2025 | £55 | Lowest price in the top 10 |
1. Wilson Optix V2 Power 2026 (⭐4.9/5)
My no. 1 under £100. It is the only 2026 teardrop in this top 10, and one of just two rackets with a rough surface.
Fibreglass, Carbon Reinforcement and Core Foam
Teardrop shape, 360g, balanced, 2026 collection. Target level: beginner to intermediate.
The fibreglass hitting surface is reinforced with carbon. It stays soft on impact and still responds on attacking shots.
The Core Foam cushions contact and reduces vibration. The feel is medium, the firmest of the 10. The rough surface grips the ball for spin.
On Court: Easy Power Without a Big Swing
You get depth and pace without generating huge swing speed. That is exactly what an improving player needs.
The teardrop keeps a generous sweet spot. The balanced weight keeps it quick at the net.
Want to compare it with higher-end models? See my best padel racket ranking.
Why It’s No. 1
Same teardrop shape as the Air Origin (no. 2), with two extras: a rough surface for spin and a medium feel for more pace. It costs £10 more.
At 360g, it is 15g heavier than the Air Origin. That extra weight sits behind the ball on attacking shots.
It is one of three 2026 models in the top 10, with the Match 2026 and the Optix V2 Lite.
Price at Nine Padel: £95. ➡️ Order the Wilson Optix V2 Power 2026 at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: £95 makes it one of the three most expensive rackets here. A pure beginner gets teardrop comfort from the Air Origin for £10 less.
2. Babolat Air Origin (⭐4.8/5)
The lightest teardrop in the top 10: around 345g, with a hybrid carbon and fibreglass frame.
Hybrid Frame, Soft EVA and Improver Heart
Teardrop shape, around 345g, even balance, 2025 collection. Target level: beginner to intermediate.
The frame blends carbon for strength with fibreglass for flexibility. The result is responsive yet forgiving.
A soft EVA core cushions impact and absorbs vibration. The Improver Heart insert stabilises the swing and reduces mis-hits. The surface is smooth.
On Court: Built for a First Season
The oversize sweet spot makes clean contact easier. It suits new players and those switching from another racket sport.
At 345g, it stays agile at the net and steady enough at the back of the court.
Why It’s No. 2
It trails the Optix V2 Power (no. 1): smooth surface against rough, soft feel against medium. In return, it costs £10 less.
It beats the Counter Origin (no. 3) at the same £85: a teardrop rather than a round shape, and 10g lighter.
Price at Nine Padel: £85. ➡️ Order the Babolat Air Origin at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: The smooth surface gives little grip for spin. The soft feel will hold back a player who already hits hard.
3. Babolat Counter Origin 2025 (⭐4.7/5)
The round version of the Air Origin: same hybrid frame, same soft core, same £85.
Round Shape, Hybrid Frame and Soft EVA
Round shape, around 355g, 2025 collection. Target level: beginner.
The hybrid frame blends carbon for strength and fibreglass for flexibility. The soft EVA core cushions impact and dampens vibration.
The Improver Heart insert adds stability on off-centre shots and improves energy return. The surface is smooth.
On Court: Control First
The oversized round shape centres a generous sweet spot. Placing the ball gets easier, and mis-hits become rarer.
The soft core keeps long sessions arm-friendly.
Why It’s No. 3
It ranks behind the Air Origin (no. 2): a round shape gives less reach in attack, and it weighs 10g more.
It ranks ahead of the Stima Spirit (no. 4): £14.99 less for a round shape and a hybrid frame.
Price at Nine Padel: £85. ➡️ Order the Babolat Counter Origin 2025 at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: Round and soft: little free power on smashes. A player who starts to attack will outgrow it.
4. Babolat Stima Spirit (⭐4.6/5)
The lightest racket in the top 10: 335g. It is also the only one discounted from above £100.
Carbon Frame, MicroPerf and 3D Spin
Round shape, 335g (±10g), balanced, 36mm profile. It belongs to Babolat’s women’s range, the brand’s lightest line.
A fibreglass hitting surface sits on a carbon frame, over a forgiving EVA core. The feel ranges from soft to medium.
MicroPerf micro-perforations cut weight and enlarge the sweet spot. 3D Spin raised patterns give a rough surface for spin. The Smart Buttcap adjusts or removes the wrist strap.
On Court: Light and Easy to Handle
Round shape and slim profile: a big sweet spot that forgives mis-hits.
At 335g, it suits players who want to build consistency without harsh feedback or fatigue.
Why It’s No. 4
It trails the Counter Origin (no. 3): £14.99 more, and only 1p under the £100 ceiling.
It leads the Slam Soft 2.0 (no. 5): 15 to 25g lighter, a round shape that forgives more, and a rough surface for spin.
Price at Nine Padel: £99.99 instead of £105. ➡️ Order the Babolat Stima Spirit at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: At £99.99, it is the most expensive racket in this top 10. Light and round, it puts little weight behind a smash.
5. Joma Slam Soft 2.0 (⭐4.5/5)
The only diamond in the top 10, with a 100% carbon frame.
EXO Counter Carbon Frame and Black EVA Core
Diamond shape, 350-360g, balanced, 38mm profile. Target level: improver to intermediate.
The EXO Counter frame is 100% carbon, for durability and stability. The FlexSHIELD fibreglass hitting surfaces stay flexible and forgiving.
The soft Black EVA core absorbs shock and limits fatigue. Joma’s Vibra-Out system cuts vibration further. The surface is smooth.
On Court: Reach and Punch in Attack
The diamond shape adds reach and punch in attack. The balance keeps it easy to manoeuvre.
It is the softer version of Joma’s Slam: attack and defence without a harsh feel.
Why It’s No. 5
It ranks behind the Stima Spirit (no. 4): a diamond forgives less than a round racket on off-centre hits.
It ranks ahead of the Match 2026 (no. 6) thanks to its carbon frame and diamond reach, for £30 more.
Price at Nine Padel: £95. ➡️ Order the Joma Slam Soft 2.0 at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: A diamond has a smaller sweet spot than a round racket. A beginner will find it less forgiving than the Counter Origin, for £10 more.
6. Adidas Match 2026 (Black/Lime) (⭐4.4/5)
The cheapest 2026 racket in the top 10: £65.
Hybrid Shape and Fibreglass Hitting Surface
Hybrid shape, 360-375g, balanced, 2026 collection. Target level: beginner to intermediate.
The fibreglass hitting surface gives a soft, comfortable and forgiving feel. The surface is smooth.
The hybrid shape sits between round and teardrop: an all-rounder by design.
On Court: Calm in Defence, Steady at the Net
Defensive shots stay composed, and volleys stay controlled under pressure.
It does not chase raw power. It rewards placement and long rallies.
Why It’s No. 6
It ranks behind the Slam Soft 2.0 (no. 5): a comfort all-rounder rather than an attacking diamond, and up to 15g heavier.
It ranks ahead of the Optix V2 Lite (no. 7): £10 less, with a hybrid shape that gives more options in attack than a round one.
Price at Nine Padel: £65. ➡️ Order the Adidas Match 2026 (Black/Lime) at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: At 360-375g, it can weigh 20g more than the Optix V2 Lite. It is not built for big power.
7. Wilson Optix V2 Lite 2026 (White) (⭐4.3/5)
A light round racket from Wilson’s 2026 range: around 355g for £75.
Soft Fibreglass Build in a Round Shape
Round shape, around 355g, 2026 collection. Target level: beginner to intermediate.
The soft fibreglass build gives easy ball output without a big swing. The surface is smooth.
The round shape keeps the sweet spot big and central.
On Court: Quick Into Position
The low weight gets you into position early, whether you defend off the glass or react at the net.
It stays forgiving when you don’t catch the ball perfectly.
Why It’s No. 7
It ranks behind the Match 2026 (no. 6): £10 more for a round shape that gives less in attack.
It ranks ahead of the Joma Master (no. 8): £15 less and 5 to 15g lighter.
Price at Nine Padel: £75. ➡️ Order the Wilson Optix V2 Lite 2026 (White) at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: Round and soft: very little free power. Once you start to attack, you will want more response.
8. Joma Master (Black/Orange) (⭐4.2/5)
A beginner racket with a 100% carbon tubular frame.
Carbon Tubular Frame and FLEXO BlackEVA Soft
Round shape, 360-370g, balanced. Target level: beginner.
The tubular frame is 100% carbon fibre. The fibreglass hitting surface absorbs part of the impact to spare the arm and wrist.
Inside, the FLEXO BlackEVA Soft core adds comfort. The surface is smooth.
On Court: Good Habits From the Start
The round shape balances control and power. The forgiving sweet spot helps you put the ball where you want it.
It also suits relaxed social games.
Why It’s No. 8
It ranks behind the Optix V2 Lite (no. 7): £15 more and up to 15g heavier.
It ranks ahead of the Optix V1 (no. 9) thanks to its carbon frame and a weight capped at 370g rather than 375g.
Price at Nine Padel: £90. ➡️ Order the Joma Master (Black/Orange) at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: £90 is a lot for a beginner racket: £30 more than the Optix V1, with the same round shape and soft feel.
9. Wilson Optix V1 (Black) (⭐4.1/5)
The biggest discount in the top 10: £30 off, from £90 to £60.
Soft Foam Core and Fibreglass Hitting Surface
Round shape, 360-375g, medium balance, 38mm profile. Target level: beginner.
A soft fibreglass hitting surface sits over a soft foam core. The surface is smooth.
On Court: A Proper First Racket
The ball comes off easily without a big swing. Off-centre hits still go somewhere useful.
The medium balance keeps it easy to move at the net and forgiving when you defend off the glass.
Buying for someone new to padel? It is a lot of racket for £60.
Why It’s No. 9
It ranks behind the Joma Master (no. 8): up to 375g against 370g, and the first Optix generation rather than the V2.
It ranks ahead of the Match Blue 3.4 (no. 10): a round shape with a big sweet spot, and £30 off its original price, for £5 more.
Price at Nine Padel: £60 instead of £90. ➡️ Order the Wilson Optix V1 (Black) at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: At up to 375g, it is among the heaviest rackets here. It will not win you points with power.
10. Adidas Match Blue 3.4 2025 (⭐4.0/5)
The lowest price in the top 10: £55.
Soft Performance EVA and Structural Reinforcement
Hybrid shape, 360-375g, medium balance, 38mm profile, 2025 collection. Target level: beginner to intermediate.
Frame and hitting surface are fibreglass, over a Soft Performance EVA core. The surface is smooth.
Structural Reinforcement keeps the frame stable on mistimed shots. Smart Holes Lineal drilling completes the build.
On Court: Depth Without Hitting Hard
The soft, cushioned feel gives decent depth without forcing the shot.
It is a solid step up from a starter racket.
Why It’s No. 10
The Match 2026 (no. 6) offers the newer version of the same all-round Adidas concept for £10 more.
Its argument is price: it is the only racket in the top 10 under £60.
Price at Nine Padel: £55. ➡️ Order the Adidas Match Blue 3.4 2025 at Nine Padel
Weakness to know: An all-fibreglass build. If you already attack hard at the net, you will want something stiffer with carbon.
Cheap Padel Racket: 3 Things to Check Before You Buy
A cheap padel racket is not a bargain-bin racket. In this top 10, 6 models have carbon in their build and 3 come from the 2026 collections.
- The frame: carbon brings stability and a firmer touch. Fibreglass brings flexibility. A blend of the two remains the best compromise under £100.
- The feel: soft to start out or to spare your elbow, firmer for an attacker who already centres their shots. Only the Optix V2 Power has a medium feel here.
- The weight: 335g for the Stima Spirit, up to 375g for three models. Those 40g matter more than the brand for an arm that is new to padel.
To place these prices in the wider market, my guide to padel racket prices breaks down each price range.
Best Budget Padel Racket: the 10 Models Side by Side
3 rackets cost £65 or less, 4 sit between £75 and £90, and 3 between £95 and £99.99.
Weight runs from 335g (Stima Spirit) to 360-375g (3 models). For an arm new to padel, those grams count more than the logo.
Detailed Summary Table
| Racket | Shape | Weight | Build | Feel | Surface | Level | Price | Rating | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Optix V2 Power 2026 | Teardrop | 360g | Fibreglass, carbon reinforcement | Medium | Rough | Beginner to intermediate | £95 | 4.9/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Babolat Air Origin | Teardrop | 345g | Carbon + fibreglass frame | Soft | Smooth | Beginner to intermediate | £85 | 4.8/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Babolat Counter Origin 2025 | Round | 355g | Carbon + fibreglass frame | Soft | Smooth | Beginner | £85 | 4.7/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Babolat Stima Spirit | Round | 335g | Carbon frame, fibreglass | Soft to medium | Rough | Improver | £99.99 | 4.6/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Joma Slam Soft 2.0 | Diamond | 350-360g | Carbon frame, fibreglass | Soft | Smooth | Intermediate | £95 | 4.5/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Adidas Match 2026 (Black/Lime) | Hybrid | 360-375g | Fibreglass | Soft | Smooth | Beginner to intermediate | £65 | 4.4/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Wilson Optix V2 Lite 2026 (White) | Round | 355g | Fibreglass | Soft | Smooth | Beginner to intermediate | £75 | 4.3/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Joma Master (Black/Orange) | Round | 360-370g | Carbon frame, fibreglass | Soft | Smooth | Beginner | £90 | 4.2/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Wilson Optix V1 (Black) | Round | 360-375g | Fibreglass | Soft | Smooth | Beginner | £60 | 4.1/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
| Adidas Match Blue 3.4 2025 | Hybrid | 360-375g | Fibreglass | Soft | Smooth | Beginner to intermediate | £55 | 4.0/5 | ➡️ See the deal |
Budget above £100? See my ranking of the best padel racket in 2026.
Your Questions Answered
What Is the Best Padel Racket Under £100?
The Wilson Optix V2 Power 2026: teardrop, fibreglass reinforced with carbon, rough surface, medium feel, £95.
For a light first racket, the Babolat Air Origin at £85. For control, the Babolat Counter Origin 2025. To attack, the Joma Slam Soft 2.0, the only diamond in the top 10.
Is a Racket Under £100 Good Enough to Improve?
Yes. 6 rackets in this top 10 have carbon in their build, and 3 come from the 2026 collections.
Most of them target beginner to intermediate players. Once you attack hard at the net, plan to move up to a stiffer racket.
What Is the Best Cheap Padel Racket for a Beginner?
The Air Origin (£85), the Counter Origin 2025 (£85) or the Optix V1 (£60). All three have a soft feel and a smooth surface.
My dedicated ranking compares the best padel rackets for beginners.
Which Racket Under £100 Is Kindest to the Elbow?
A soft feel. In this top 10, 8 models qualify: every racket except the Optix V2 Power (medium) and the Stima Spirit (soft to medium).
The Slam Soft 2.0 adds the Vibra-Out system against vibration. Pain that lasts is a matter for a doctor, not a new racket.
Which Is the Lightest Padel Racket Under £100?
The Babolat Stima Spirit: 335g. Next come the Air Origin (345g), then the Counter Origin and the Optix V2 Lite (355g).
A light racket moves faster at the net but puts less weight behind a smash.
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