If you are new to padel, you have probably heard people use both padel racket and padel bat to describe the same thing. You might even have searched online for “padel bats” when trying to buy one. So which is correct?

In short, the right term is padel racket. While “padel bat” is sometimes used informally, especially by beginners or players crossing over from other sports, the official term recognised by the sport’s governing bodies is racket.

In this article, we will explain why, look at the differences between padel rackets and other sports equipment, and help you choose the right racket for your game.

The Official Term: Padel Racket

According to the International Padel Federation (FIP) and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the correct English term is padel racket.

You will see this used on all professional tour websites, by brands such as Nox, Head, Bullpadel, and Babolat, and in all tournament regulations.

So, while you might hear people casually say “bat”, if you want to sound like you know the game, racket is the term to use.

Why It Is Not a Padel Bat

The confusion usually comes from how the racket looks. Unlike tennis or badminton rackets, a padel racket has no strings. Instead, it has a solid surface with holes drilled through it.

That makes it look more like a bat, but technically and functionally, it still counts as a racket because it is used to strike a ball via a defined hitting surface rather than a flat, solid piece of material like a cricket or table tennis bat.

The Construction of a Padel Racket

A padel racket is carefully engineered using materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass, and EVA foam. These layers work together to create a balance between power, control, and comfort.

Key features include:

• Perforated face to improve aerodynamics and control.

• Foam core that absorbs impact and gives feel.

• Wrist strap for safety and stability.

• Shape variation (round, teardrop, diamond) to suit different play styles.

You will not find these features on any kind of bat, which is another reason why “racket” is the correct and official term.

Why the Right Wording Matters

If you are searching online for equipment, using the right term helps you find better results. Most retailers and manufacturers label products as padel rackets, so searching for “padel bats” can sometimes bring up unrelated items.

At Ultimate Padel Store, you will find a wide selection of rackets from top brands designed for every level of player:

👉 Shop Padel Rackets

👉 Learn How to Choose the Right Padel Racket

A Fun Note on Language

In some countries, especially where English is not the first language, people translate the local term for racket differently. For example, in Spain, the word pala means both “blade” and “racket”, so when translated, it can appear as “bat”. That is why the confusion sometimes appears in English-speaking countries too.

So, if you hear someone refer to a padel bat, they are not wrong in spirit, but technically speaking, the proper name is a padel racket.

Final Thoughts

The official name for the equipment used in padel is the padel racket. While “bat” might sound right at first glance, it is not used in professional or coaching circles and can make searching for gear confusing.

Next time you step on court, you will know the correct terminology - and you can gently correct anyone who calls it a bat!