EVA vs foam padel rackets: differences and which to choose

EVA and foam are two of the most widely used materials in padel rackets worldwide.

Before buying a padel racket, think about which material best suits your playing style: EVA or foam. If you are prone to elbow injuries, that should weigh heavily in your choice.

Foam padel rackets

What is foam? It is a polyethylene foam with ideal properties for absorbing vibrations, which greatly improves the feel of the ball at impact. Foam provides cushioning, so you need less effort to send the ball away, without losing control.

One drawback is that it is less durable than EVA. However, it helps a lot to prevent discomfort, as it absorbs impact and transmits fewer vibrations (the famous tennis elbow).

The Steel Custom range includes models with foam and soft foam.

Foam in a nutshell

More ball output.
More control on the shot.
Helps prevent elbow injuries.
Greater impact absorption.
Better ball feel.
Soft feel.
Lower durability.

EVA padel rackets

Rackets with an EVA core are far more common across brands. The name comes from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. Its main feature is stiffness: it is somewhat harder than foam, so it feels harder.

It absorbs far fewer vibrations than foam, and precisely because of that EVA usually gives more power on the shot.

EVA in a nutshell

More power.
Longer lifespan.
Not recommended for players prone to arm injuries.
Hard feel.
Less control.

How to tell them apart

Look inside the racket’s holes. If the inner cut is smooth, it is EVA; foam rackets look rougher, as if they had tiny bubbles. Foam also gives Steel Custom rackets a very distinctive sound.

Although durability is foam’s weak point, it offers more comfort and is a more forgiving material.