---
title: "Padel Equipment Compliance | FIP Checks for Racket, Balls and Strap"
url: "https://padel.how/rules/padel-equipment-compliance/"
description: "A practical FIP equipment compliance checklist for padel players: racket size, thickness, holes, safety cord, balls and what to verify before competition."
date_published: "2026-07-07"
date_modified: "2026-07-07"
locale: "en"
---

## Direct answer

> A practical FIP equipment compliance checklist for padel players: racket size, thickness, holes, safety cord, balls and what to verify before competition.

# Padel Equipment Compliance


Most club players never need a formal equipment inspection, but knowing the FIP basics helps you avoid unsafe or clearly non-standard gear.


## Use the official rules as the base


The International Padel Federation rules define the main equipment limits. For rackets, the key public checks are total length, width, thickness, perforated hitting surface and the non-elastic safety cord.


Do not rely on retailer summaries for regulation claims. When a detail matters for competition, check the current FIP rules or your tournament organiser.


- [Official FIP padel rules](https://padel.how/rules/official-fip-padel-rules/)
- [Padel wrist strap](https://padel.how/equipment/wrist-strap/)
- [Padel equipment checklist](https://padel.how/equipment/padel-equipment-checklist/)


## Player-level compliance checklist


| Check | FIP-based reference point | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Racket total length | Maximum 45.5 cm | Avoid modified or unusual oversized rackets. |
| Racket width | Maximum 26 cm | Use a normal padel racket, not a different racket-sport substitute. |
| Racket thickness | Maximum 38 mm, with control tolerance in rules | Do not add layers that change the profile. |
| Hitting surface | Solid and perforated, without strings | Avoid damaged or altered faces. |
| Safety cord | Non-elastic cord up to 35 cm fixed to handle | Wear it around the wrist during play. |
| Balls | Use padel balls approved for the event or club | Do not substitute tennis balls for official play. |


## Be careful with modifications


Normal protective tape, overgrips and reasonable vibration or weight accessories are common, but additions should not create distraction, unsafe surfaces or a materially altered racket.


If you are playing a club match, this is usually a common-sense issue. If you are playing a sanctioned event, ask before using unusual modifications.


- [Padel racket protector](https://padel.how/equipment/racket-protector/)
- [How to replace an overgrip](https://padel.how/equipment/how-to-replace-a-padel-overgrip/)


## Quick pre-match check


- Use a real padel racket, not another racket-sport substitute.
- Check the safety cord is fixed and worn.
- Make sure the face is not cracked, sharp or altered.
- Use balls accepted by the club or competition.
- Ask the organiser if you use unusual weight, surface or protection accessories.


## FAQ

### What is the maximum padel racket size?

Under FIP rules, total racket length may not exceed 45.5 cm and maximum width is 26 cm.

### How thick can a padel racket be?

The public FIP rule reference is 38 mm maximum thickness, with a measurement tolerance described in the rules.

### Is the wrist strap required?

Yes. The racket must have a non-elastic safety cord fixed to the handle and it should be worn around the wrist.

### Can I use tennis balls in official padel?

No. Official or organised padel should use padel balls accepted by the event or club.

### Are racket protectors allowed?

Normal protective accessories are common, but unusual additions should not make the racket unsafe, distracting or materially non-standard.