€500 racket VS €20 racket - Is it worth it?

This article compares a €20 padel racket with a €500 one, analyzing their performance across different strokes. The conclusion is that, while the more expensive racket offers better control and power, there are more suitable options for beginners that won't break the bank. Today, we're going to analyze the difference between two padel rackets: one that costs €20 and one that costs €500. Throughout this article, we'll examine their performance across different strokes and, at the end, decide if each one is truly worth the price.

Introduction

Welcome to the Portes channel. After a brief break, we're back with an experiment comparing two padel rackets. On one hand, we have the Nox AT10 Limited Edition 18K from Buenos Aires, which costs €500. On the other hand, the cheapest racket we found, one from Lidl, costs €19.99. Despite the poor reviews it has received, we decided to put it to the test ourselves.

Racket Analysis

Nox AT10 Limited Edition 18K

We thank Nox for sending us this racket. The Nox AT10 is known for its quality and performance. In terms of play, it feels great on defense, and we give it a score of 9 out of 10. The racket has a good weight and distribution, which makes it easy to hit. Although I'm used to playing with the 12K, the performance is similar, and I have no complaints.

Lidl Racket

Now, let's move on to the Lidl racket. When testing it, the feel is quite different. The sound when hitting is similar to that of a beach paddle, and the stroke is horrible. The vibration is felt throughout the arm, which can cause discomfort. Although the weight isn't the worst, the lack of consistency is noticeable. We gave it a score of 4 out of 10 for defense.

Shot Comparison

Groundstrokes

When comparing groundstrokes, the Nox feels like a superior quality paddle. The difference is huge; it feels like I'm playing two different sports. The Nox offers control and power that the Lidl paddle simply can't match. The feel of playing with the Nox is incomparable.

Bolea Shots

When it comes to bolea shots, the Nox once again stands out. The Lidl paddle feels slow and soft, with little control. The experience of playing with the Nox is much more satisfying, and the difference in performance is clear. The Lidl paddle is not recommended, especially for beginners.

Aerial Play

When testing aerial play, the Nox shines. The feel of the shot is excellent, and the power is remarkable. In contrast, the Lidl racket fails to offer the same quality. Although it's playable, the lack of speed and control is evident.

Strength Test

We performed a strength test with the Lidl racket, as many reviews mentioned that it broke easily. After just a few hits, the racket couldn't hold up and broke. This demonstrates the poor build quality.

In Conclusion

In short, the Nox AT10 Limited Edition is a high-quality racket that justifies its price. It offers excellent control and power, ideal for serious players. On the other hand, the Lidl racket, although affordable, is not recommended. While it may be suitable for beginners, there are much better options on the market that don't break as easily. If you're just starting out, it's not necessary to spend money on a high-end racket, but it is important to choose one that offers good performance. The bottom line is that you should be aware of your level and choose a racket that suits your needs.