NOX blades to avoid epicondylitis 2021

Epicondylitis is an injury in the elbow area very annoying and common in both amateur and professional padel players. Preventing this injury is possible through a good warm-up and stretching beforehand, but above all it is essential to choose the right paddle racket.

What aspects should we take into account in a padel racket to prevent epicondylitis?

1.- The weight

The greater the weight of the racket, the more effort we will have to make to handle it and, therefore, the more the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints will suffer. If you suffer from discomfort in these areas we recommend that you choose a low weight range: 360-365 grams if you are a man and 355-360 grams if you are a woman.

In more severe cases you can choose paddles specifically designed to be lightweight, such as our Ultralight series.

2.- The shape

The shape of the blade determines how the weight is distributed along the blade (the so-called balance of the blade). In the market there are basically 3 shapes of paddle blades:

• Diamond shape: the weight of the racket is placed towards the end of the racket making the sensation that the racket "pitches". This diamond shape provides greater inertia in the shots and is therefore ideal for attacking players. However, it is not the most advisable if you have epicondylitis or shoulder problems.
• Round: the weight of the racket tends to be located in the grip area, making the racket more manageable at the cost of losing a little power in the shots. If you suffer from arm injuries, this is the most advisable blade shape.
• Teardrop or drop: this is a hybrid between the first 2. It can be a very good option if your problems are not very severe and you choose a not very high weight range.

3.- The materials

To avoid joint problems you must avoid vibrations of the blade. To do this it is essential to choose soft or medium touch blades and avoid hard blades at all costs. The hardness of the racket is determined by the materials used in the core (rubber) and the faces of the racket.

• The rubber of the racket. The softer the rubber, the greater the vibration absorption. Likewise, the softer the rubber, the less power the shots will have since the ball will tend to "sink" more in the paddle.

• Shovel faces. The material used in the faces of the racket is a determining factor in the rigidity and hardness of the racket. Basically we can distinguish 3 types of materials, according to their level of stiffness:

• Fiberglass. This is the least rigid material and the one with which the softest blades can be obtained. However, it is less durable and somewhat heavier.
• Metallized fiberglass. Halfway between fiberglass and carbon fiber, it is a perfect option for a semi-soft feel, with great durability and excellent ball output.
• Carbon fiber. Lighter in comparison to glass fibers and with a higher resistance. They provide a slightly drier feel when hitting the ball.

Our recommended blades for preventing epicondylitis