Royal Padel RP 850 Pure 2023

Introduction

The Royal Padel RP 850 Pure 2023 is a heavy diamond-shaped racket for advanced players who want maximum power and can handle the weight.

Shape & Balance

The diamond shape places the balance towards the head, which increases swing weight and power. This means you'll feel the racket's weight in your hand, and it requires a full, deliberate swing.

The balance also affects how it rotates in your hand, making it less agile for quick wrist flicks. You need solid technique to get it moving quickly.

Grip

The grip is standard for a racket this size, but the 360-380g weight means your hand and arm will feel the strain over a long match. You'll need a firm grip to control it, and you might find your forearm tiring after a couple of hours.

The medium feel helps absorb some vibration, but the weight amplifies any impact. You'll want to make sure your grip size is correct to avoid unnecessary tension.

Power & Control

With a power rating of 8/10, this racket is built for aggressive play. You'll get explosive smashes and fast balls, especially when you hit in the center of the sweet spot.

The control rating of 7.5/10 is solid, but it's not a precision tool. You'll have good directional control, but there's less margin for error, especially on off-center hits, where the smaller sweet spot lets you down.

Comfort & Speed

Comfort is mixed. The soft EVA core and medium feel soften the ball's impact, so it's not harsh on the arm. But the high weight and head-heavy balance can cause fatigue, and you'll feel the vibration on mis-hits.

Speed is the weak point. The maneuverability score of 6.4/10 means it's slow to reposition. You'll need to prepare early and use your whole body to swing, not just your wrist.

Materials & Durability

The frame and faces are both made of carbon, which is a durable material that withstands impacts and abrasions. This should hold up well against aggressive play and occasional wall contact.

The core is soft EVA, which provides the medium feel and contributes to shock absorption. While it's not the hardest core, it's built to last, and the carbon exterior protects it from cracks.

Analysis

This racket is all about power. With a diamond shape and a 360-380 gram weight, it delivers a solid 8/10 for power, which you'll feel on every smash and flat shot. The soft EVA core gives it a medium feel, so the ball sits on the face for a moment before launching off, which helps with control despite the aggressive shape.

Control is rated at 7.5/10, which is decent but not top-tier. You get enough precision for defensive shots, but you'll need to be well-positioned to place the ball exactly where you want. The sweet spot is rated 6.8/10, which is small, so off-center hits lose pace and accuracy.

Maneuverability is only 6.4/10, which makes sense for such a heavy racket. This will slow down your reaction time at the net, so if you're not used to this weight, you'll struggle in fast exchanges.

This racket suits powerful, experienced players who can handle the heft. Beginners or players with a slower swing will find it hard to get the most out of it, and it could contribute to fatigue in long matches.