Karakal FF 365 Padel Racket

Weight is the one clear number: 365 g with a 10 g tolerance. The frame is described as 60 per cent Karakal Fast Fibre carbon and 40 per cent graphite, which makes it a carbon blend rather than a full carbon racket, and the core is black EVA, sold as a comfort and control core that absorbs shock. The finish is matte white, and most sellers describe a granular, rough-textured surface for spin and control.

It comes with a black Karakal X-AIR grip and an adjustable wrist strap. Tennisnuts places it with intermediate and club players, which suits a mid-weight carbon-blend racket with a forgiving core.

Tennisnuts calls it a teardrop with a low, head-light balance, though its own text mentions a 265 mm balance point. Decathlon UK lists a round head with an even balance, and a PDH Sports listing gives a teardrop, even balance and a smooth face. A balance figure in millimetres and a head-light label do not obviously fit together, and we cannot tell which one is right.

We cannot settle it from here. If shape matters to you, ask the seller to confirm it, or look at the racket in person. A teardrop gives a bit more power and a slightly smaller sweet spot than a round head, so the difference matters. Our teardrop padel rackets page explains the trade.

The Karakal FF Pro 375 sits above it. Tennisnuts, which calls it the FF 375, lists 375 g, a teardrop, a frame in 100 per cent Fast Fibre 3K woven carbon and a white EVA power and control core, and pitches it at experienced players who want an attacking game. That is 10 g heavier and a step up in carbon.

If you are moving up from a beginner racket and want a little more bite, the FF 365 is the gentler choice. If you already hit with weight and want a full carbon face, the Pro is the one to look at. Our best padel racket for intermediate players page compares more rackets at this level.

Anyone who wants a published spec sheet, a tested racket or a firm answer on shape. We found no independent review, and the listings disagree on basics. A complete beginner will find a lighter, softer racket easier, and our best padel racket for beginners page lists them.

It ships with an X-AIR grip, and Karakal sells replacements, such as the X-Air replacement grip. A fresh overgrip from the padel grips page and frame tape from the racket protector range are worth adding before the first match, and balls come from the padel balls page.

A bag with a shoe pocket keeps sand off the kit, such as the Babolat RH Pro, and the padel shoes page covers court shoes, including the K-Swiss Ultrashot Light. Our guide to choosing a padel racket explains shape and balance.