(Bilingual English-Chinese reference for brand R&D teams and factory project managers – Updated February 2026)
This padel racket glossary compiles the most essential padel racket terms and specs definition — from player-facing specifications to behind-the-scenes OEM production detail and delivery arrangement — with English-Chinese bilingual explanations and practical notes. Designed to help brand developers accurately brief factories and PMs quickly with accurate glossary in 2026’s evolving market.
1. Basic Specs (基本規格)
- Weight (重量) Total racket weight, typically 340–380g. Impact: Lighter (<360g) → superior maneuverability & less fatigue (great for defense/net play); Heavier (>370g) → more inherent power (ideal for attackers). Factory note: Identical weights can feel drastically different due to balance + swingweight. In 2026, 365g has become the sweet-spot mainstream compromise.
- Balance / Balance Point (平衡點) Weight distribution measured from the butt cap (mm). Low (<265mm), Medium (265–280mm), High (>280mm). Impact: High balance → head-heavy, explosive power but harder control; Low balance → head-light, easier handling & wrist-friendly. Factory observation: Diamond shapes often pair with high balance; round shapes favor low balance.
- Shape (形狀) Round (圓形), Teardrop (水滴形), Diamond (鑽石形), Hybrid (混合形). Impact: Round → largest sweet spot, max control & forgiveness; Diamond → smallest sweet spot, highest balance, max power; Hybrid (rising star in 2026) blends control + power for versatile play.
- Thickness (厚度) Usually 38mm; rarer 35mm (stiffer, faster) or 40mm (more forgiving). Impact: Thinner frames → quicker ball speed but smaller sweet spot.
- Please ensure that all technical specifications are strictly compliant with the most up-to-date FIP rules. I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the latest FIP standards in a follow-up article.
2. Materials & Construction (材質與結構)
- Core / Foam (芯材) The heart of the racket—usually EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) or Foam.
- EVA Soft (low density, e.g., EVA13–15) → high rebound (ball exit), comfort, beginner-friendly.
- EVA Medium/Hard (EVA17–22) → more power & durability.
- Sandwich EVA (multi-layer, e.g., EVA22/20/22) → soft center + hard outer layers for balanced comfort & explosiveness.
- Factory tip: A 5-unit density difference changes everything; delamination often starts from poor EVA-face bonding.
- 2026 trend: multi-density cores for tuned power + touch.
- Face / Surface (面板 / 面材) Fiberglass (GF / 玻纖維) or Carbon Fiber (CF / 碳纖維).
- Carbon grades: 1K / 3K / 12K / 15K / 18K (higher K = finer weave, stiffer, pricier).
- Weave types: Plain (平織), Twill (斜織). Impact: GF → softer, larger sweet spot, budget-friendly; CF → rigid, durable, powerful. Only CF could dp the plain and twill weave.
- 2026 hot: 3K/12K + rough textures (3D / sand finish) to boost spin.
- Frame (框 / 邊框) Top frame (頂框) + Side frame (側框). Usually carbon-reinforced to prevent breakage at high-impact zones.
- Surface Texture / Finish (表面處理) Glossy (亮面), Matte (霧面), Sand / 3D (砂礫 /顆粒). Impact: Rougher finishes → significantly more spin; grip / rubber paint (橡膠漆) → premium hand-feel.
3. Production & OEM Terms (生產與 OEM 相關術語)
- Lay-up / Construction (結構 / 鋪層) Sequence and orientation of carbon/glass layers. Determines overall stiffness, weight, and feel.
- Lamination / Pre-mold (長條捲製 / 預型) Fiber Yarn cutting → fabric layering → pre-forming before molding.
- Molding (成型) High-pressure heat forming. After de-mold (離模), you get raw frame (粗胚), then after molding need to do deburr (削毛邊) and sanding/putty (粗細補).
- Cosmetics / Painting (塗裝) Primer (底漆) → color paint (色漆) → lacquer (止漆) → decal / foil decal (水標 / 燙標) → top coating (面漆: glossy / matte / sand finish).
- Drilling Hole / Drilling Pattern (鑽孔 / 鑽孔樣式) Hole layout affects aerodynamics, weight, and sweet spot size/position.
- Delamination Issue (分層問題) Layers separating—common from bad adhesive, temperature control, or material mismatch.
- Yoke Area (三角區) Bridge between face and handle; reinforced to avoid cracking.
- Accessories (配件) Endcap / butt cap (底蓋 / 後套), Grip (柄皮), Wrist cord (腕繩), Cover (拍套), Box (禮盒), Hang tag (吊卡), Shrink tube (收縮管).
4. Other Production Workflow Terms (其他生產流程術語)
- Pilot Run / Trial Run (試產 / PR) → Small batch testing.
- Mass Production (量產) → Bulk order / PO-Purchase Order(正式訂單).
- ETD-Estimated Time of Departure (預計出貨日), PI (Proforma Invoice / 銷售確認單), PL (Packing List / 裝箱單).
Conclusion / Final Notes for Padel racket glosssary
This glossary serves as a practical, bilingual reference tool to streamline communication between padel brand R&D teams and racket factory project managers throughout the entire OEM process—from initial specs briefing and sample development to pilot runs, mass production and final shipping arrangements. By mastering these terms and ensuring alignment on key details like lay-up sequences, core densities, drilling patterns, and surface finishes, you can significantly reduce miscommunication, minimize costly revisions, and bring high-quality 2026 padel rackets to market faster and more reliably.
Important reminder: Please ensure that all technical specifications are strictly compliant with the most up-to-date FIP rules (effective 2026). I’ll publish a dedicated, in-depth article covering the latest FIP standards—including racket dimensions, wrist cord requirements and drilling hole requirements —in the coming weeks.
If you’re working on a new padel project and need help translating concepts into precise factory briefs, reviewing lay-up options, or avoiding common production pitfalls, feel free to DM — happy to share quick feedback on your ideas.
Thanks for reading, and let’s build some standout padel gear together! 😄