Round paddle
The most forgiving shape. Big sweet spot, even balance, easy control. Best for beginners and players who want consistency.
Padel Paddles & Gear
Padel Paddles & Balls in St. Louis
Padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world, and St. Louis is on the map with six dedicated padel courts and more on the way. Forever Tennis stocks padel paddles, balls, and accessories from Babolat and Wilson, with demos available so you can find the right frame before you commit.
Padel in St. Louis
The fastest-growing racquet sport in the city
If you haven’t played yet, you will. Padel is a doubles-only court sport played in an enclosed glass-and-mesh court, a hybrid of tennis and squash where the walls stay in play. It’s easier to learn than tennis, more social than singles, and the rallies are addictive. St. Louis now has six padel courts in operation and more being built.
Forever Tennis is your local source for padel gear. We carry the only two paddle brands most American clubs are using right now, Babolat and Wilson, and we stock the balls, grips, and bags you need to keep playing.
Babolat
Wilson
Choosing a Paddle
Shape, weight, and balance
Padel paddles come in three shapes, each shape changes how the sweet spot behaves and where the paddle is best used. Our staff will walk you through it in person, but here’s the short version.
Teardrop paddle
An all-rounder. Sweet spot is slightly higher with more pop than a round paddle, but more control than a diamond. The most popular shape.
Diamond paddle
Power-first. The sweet spot is high on the face for maximum smash and put-away power. Best for advanced, aggressive players.
Demo before you decide
Padel paddles run $150–$400. Don’t guess. Borrow a paddle from our demo program for a week, play a couple of sessions, and let your hands and shoulder tell you what they like. Demo fees apply toward your purchase if you decide to buy.
Padel Balls
Padel-specific balls in stock
Padel uses purpose-built balls, lower pressure than tennis balls, sold in pressurized tubes of three. Always use padel balls on a padel court.
Tubes of 3
The standard format. We stock fresh tubes year-round so you’re never caught short before a session.
By the case
Running clinics, ladders, or club programs? Call ahead and we’ll set aside cases and quote team pricing.
Padel grips & overgrips
Tacky overgrips for sweaty hands and replacement cushioned grips for fresh feel. Free install with any paddle purchase.
FAQ
Padel questions we hear at the counter
Where can I play padel in St. Louis?
St. Louis now has six padel courts in operation across the metro area, with more being built. Ask our staff for the current list of clubs and where to play as a guest or member.
Can I use a tennis racket on a padel court?
No, padel uses solid (no-string) paddles with a perforated face and a wrist strap. Tennis rackets won’t work; they’re also not allowed at most padel facilities.
How are padel paddles different from pickleball paddles?
They look similar but they’re very different. Padel paddles are thicker, heavier, have a foam core (not honeycomb), perforated holes through the face, and a wrist strap. Padel paddles are built to take impact off glass walls; pickleball paddles aren’t.
Should I buy a paddle as a beginner?
It’s smart to demo first. Most beginners do best with a round or teardrop shape. Borrow one from our demo program for $5–$10 and play a few sessions before deciding.
Do you stock padel court shoes?
Padel courts use turf with sand infill, so a clay-court tennis shoe (full herringbone tread) is what you want. We carry several models on our court shoe wall, ask our staff for our padel-friendly recommendations.
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