Stiga 18K 2 Cybershape Padel Racket

STIGA describes softer ball contact with balanced play and control under pressure, and calls it a refined, fine-tuned version of the original 18K Cybershape that is meant to be even more balanced. The face is textured with Crystal Grip, a sandy finish that is there to help spin and placement, and the 18K Carbon Duplex layer is described as powerful but slightly softer in feel.

The Cybershape head is hexagonal with straight lines, and the stockist lists the frame as asymmetric. It gives the sweet spot a higher position on the face, and the brand claims it is around 20 per cent larger than on round rackets. That is STIGA's figure, not an independent one, and it does not mean a bigger margin for error on every shot.

The handle is longer, which the listing says adds flexibility, and the wrist strap is removable and replaceable. Bygghemma lists the level as advanced and competitive, another retailer lists intermediate, and STIGA's release says only that it suits players who value control. A softer 18K racket sits sensibly with improving players, though the advanced label comes from the stockist, not from STIGA.

No source names the core, so we cannot say whether the Performance Foam of the 1.3K Hard or the Power Foam of the X Hard is in this racket. The thickness is not stated either. We found no independent test, so everything here is the brand's or a stockist's word.

STIGA's own descriptions place the 18K Hard 2 at a harder response with acceleration on demand, the 3K 2 as the stiff, precise one and the 18K LW 2 as the lighter racket for the arm. The 18K 2 is the one for control under pressure, the 18K X Hard is the most powerful, and the 1.3K Hard is the entry point.

If you tend to defend and build points, the softer 18K 2 is the natural pick. If you want to finish, the Hard versions are built for it. Our best padel racket for intermediate players page compares more rackets at this level.

Players who want free power or a big published margin for error. A soft 18K face adds control, not pace, and a hexagonal head needs a little adjusting to. If you are new to the game, the best padel racket for beginners page lists gentler first rackets.

A fresh overgrip from the padel grips page suits a longer handle, and frame tape from the racket protector range protects an odd-shaped head. 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. The full padel racket range is on one page, and our guide to choosing a padel racket explains shape and balance.