Compare the best padel racket sets in Ireland for couples and friends starting together, from ready-made sets with balls to branded pairs worth gifting.
Short answer: for the best value, buy two branded beginner rackets such as the Dunlop Megamax and add a tube of balls. If you want everything in one box, the Ianoni Starter Set includes two rackets and three balls.
- Two ways to buy Ready-made sets are cheap and convenient. Two branded rackets cost more but usually last longer.
- Check what is in the box Look for two rackets, balls and ideally a bag. Some ‘sets’ contain one racket.
- Avoid ABS-only faces The cheapest sets use plastic faces that feel dead. Look for fibreglass or carbon.
- Add balls Most branded rackets come without balls. A tube or tripack is an easy add-on.
Should you buy a padel racket set or two separate rackets?
It depends on your budget and how sure you are that padel will stick. Ready-made sets bundle two rackets with balls, and often a bag, at a low price. They make a great gift for couples or friends who want to try padel together.
The catch is that most sets come from lesser-known brands. Two branded beginner rackets cost a little more, but they tend to feel better and last longer. If you already know you will play every week, a branded pair is usually the better buy.
Not sure which rackets suit beginners? See our best padel rackets for beginners guide.
Padel Player earns a small commission if you buy through links on this page. It never changes which rackets we recommend.
Our top racket sets and pairs at a glance
What should a padel racket set include?
At minimum, two full-size adult rackets with wrist cords. Good sets add a tube of three balls, and some include a carry bag or cover.
Read the listing carefully. A few products sold as a "set" contain one racket plus accessories. Check the title and photos for "2 rackets" or "set of 2" before you buy.
What should you check before buying a set?
Five things to check
Some listings called sets contain only one racket.
Sets the feel and durability.
Two players may need different weights.
Saves buying them separately.
Handy for carrying and gifting.
Why are racket sets popular in Ireland?
Padel is a doubles game, so people often start in pairs or groups of four. In the Irish Farmers Journal, a padel holiday company named stag and hen groups as its biggest surprise of the year.
Splitting a court keeps costs low. Padel Tennis Ireland in Carrigtwohill charges €43.60 off-peak and €49.05 peak per court hour, or about €11 to €12 each for four players. Owning your own rackets saves on hire and means you always play with the same feel.
Whatever you buy, use real padel balls. The FIP ball specification sets a bounce of 135 to 145 cm from a 2.54 m drop, which beach or toy balls do not match. Each racket also needs a wrist cord, which the FIP Rules of Padel make compulsory.
We chose these by comparing what is included, listed weights and face materials for sets and branded beginner rackets stocked for delivery to Ireland. For the branded picks, buy two to make your pair.
Best padel racket sets compared
| What you get | Racket weight | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 x Megamax
Best value pair
|
2 rackets (buy two) | 360 to 370 g | €46.87 | Check price |
Ianoni Set
Best ready-made set
|
2 rackets + 3 balls | About 360 g | €113.90 | Check price |
2 x Optix V1
Most comfortable pair
|
2 rackets (buy two) | About 360 g | €69.95 | Check price |
Jouryvue Set
Best budget set
|
2 rackets + 2 balls | 340 g | €77.93 | Check price |
HEAD Tripack
Best add-on
|
9 balls | Balls | €13.95 | Check price |
Which padel racket set should you buy?
Here is each pick in detail, with what is included and the racket specs.
Two branded rackets for well under €100
Two Megamax rackets cost about the same as many ready-made sets, but you get a known padel brand. The round head and even balance are forgiving for both players.
Add a tube of balls and you have everything you need to start.
| What you get | One racket per purchase, so buy two |
| Shape | Round |
| Weight | 360 to 370 g |
| Balance | Medium, even |
| Core | Pro EVA |
| Face | Graphite |
- Branded quality at a set price
- Forgiving for both players
- Balls not included
- Bought as two single rackets
Two rackets and three balls in one box
The Ianoni Starter Set puts two rackets and a tube of three Pro S balls in one box, which makes it an easy gift. The listing describes a carbon fibre face and a high-density EVA core.
Ianoni is a smaller brand, so expect a decent beginner feel rather than the polish of a Bullpadel or HEAD.
| What you get | 2 rackets, 3 balls |
| Shape | Not listed |
| Weight | About 360 g (listed) |
| Balance | Not listed |
| Core | High-density EVA |
| Face | Carbon fibre |
- Everything in one box
- Balls included
- Lesser-known brand
- Limited published specs
Soft, round rackets that are easy on the arm
If comfort matters most, two Optix V1 rackets make a lovely pair. The round head, low balance and soft foam core make them easy to play with from the first session.
They cost a little more than the Megamax, but feel softer on contact.
| What you get | One racket per purchase, so buy two |
| Shape | Round |
| Weight | About 360 g |
| Balance | Low (265 mm) |
| Core | Low-density foam |
| Face | Fibreglass |
- Soft, comfortable feel
- Very easy to control
- Costs more than a ready-made set
- Balls not included
Two light round rackets with balls
The Jouryvue set is one of the cheaper ways to get two rackets in one go. The listing describes round, 340 g rackets, which are light enough for most adults and teenagers.
The face mixes carbon fibre with ABS, so it will not feel as lively as a fibreglass racket, but it is fine for casual games.
| What you get | 2 rackets, 2 balls |
| Shape | Round |
| Weight | 340 g (listed) |
| Balance | Not listed |
| Core | EVA memory foam |
| Face | Carbon fibre mixed with ABS |
- Low price for two rackets
- Light round rackets
- ABS blend feels less lively
- Lesser-known brand
Nine balls to go with a branded pair
If you buy two branded rackets, add a tripack of balls. HEAD’s Padel Team Tripack gives you three tubes of three, enough for weeks of games.
It also makes a good stocking filler alongside the rackets.
| What you get | 3 tubes of 3 balls |
| Use | Club and social games |
| Brand | HEAD |
- Good value per ball
- Easy add-on gift
- Balls only, no rackets
- Fresh tubes still needed for matches over time
Is a padel set a good Christmas gift?
Yes, especially for couples or friends who keep saying they will try padel. Pair the rackets with a session booked at their local club, and you have a gift they will actually use.
Many clubs also run beginner sessions that suit pairs starting together. Her Sport and Druid Padel, for example, ran coached beginner mornings at Druid's Kimmage courts in Dublin.
Book well ahead in winter. The Irish Examiner reports peak-hour slots at some Cork clubs booked almost a week in advance.
Want to add more? Our padel starter kit covers shoes, bags and grips, and our best padel rackets in Ireland guide has upgrade options. Buying for children? See our best kids padel rackets.
Padel racket set questions
Are padel racket sets worth it?
Ready-made sets are good value for trying padel. If you already know you will play regularly, two branded beginner rackets usually last longer.
What comes in a padel racket set?
Usually two rackets and a tube of balls. Some sets add a carry bag or covers.
Can couples use the same weight racket?
Often, yes. Most adults suit 340 to 370 g. If one player is much smaller or has sore elbows, buy them a lighter racket.
Do padel rackets come with balls?
Branded rackets usually do not. Many ready-made sets include two or three balls.
Is a padel set a good gift for beginners?
Yes. It gives two people everything they need to start, apart from court shoes and a booking.