Cork Padel is a Portuguese company based in Santa Catarina Da Serra, situated between Porto and Lisbon. The company is known for creating rackets that grab attention. They aim to become a globally recognized brand for their high-quality rackets and other related products like textiles, accessories, and padel courts.
All of their products are made in Portugal and most are exported worldwide. The key ingredient in their products is cork! Cork is extracted from the bark of the Mediterranean tree Quercus suber and is a natural and eco-friendly material with great durability, strength, and comfort.
One of the standout features of Cork Padel's rackets is the use of cork as a raw material. Cork is elastic and can easily regain its shape after pressure, making it ideal for absorbing shocks. This elasticity is also appreciated in industries like bottling and construction. Each Cork racket has a unique design due to the distinctive properties of cork.
The founder of Cork, Nicolau Silva, ensures strict quality control throughout the production process to deliver top-notch rackets. The company focuses on creativity, high-quality materials, strategic reinforcements, anti-vibration systems, and expert craftsmanship in the production of each racket.
Production in Portugal offers several advantages including adherence to specifications, quick responsiveness, and job creation in the region. Cork Padel prioritizes product quality and continual innovation. For instance, they have patented vibration reduction technology in their rackets and recently introduced the "Pro Cork Grip" for enhanced comfort and reduced vibrations during play.
These advancements help enhance player control and prevent injuries like tendonitis in padel players. Each racket is meticulously crafted, with attention to detail on weight accuracy and a unique, laser-engraved serial number for authenticity.
Two categories of models
There are two types of racket models available, each in three styles (round/Control, water drop/Hybrid, and diamond/Power), as well as a Light version.
The first type, known as "Premium," features a Black Eva core with medium consistency. The faces of these rackets have a mix of Innegra, 24k and 3k carbon, fibreglass, and a rough texture.
The second type, called "Supreme," has the same core and rough surface as the Premium ones, but the faces are made only of a blend of 24k and 3k carbon.
The Supreme models are much firmer than the Premium ones. Even though they have the same core, they lack Innegra and fibreglass, making them less flexible during hits. These models are best for advanced players seeking precision and powerful shots.
The Premium range variations cater to a broader audience looking for comfort and an expanded sweet spot.
Round rackets (Control) offer great power with excellent balance.
Diamond-shaped rackets (Power) provide the maximum power.
Drop-shaped rackets (Hybrid) offer a good compromise between manoeuvrability and power.
All models feature unique technology and coating, along with a half-drilled cross positioned in the middle of the racket.
This half-drilling creates a more concentrated area with a wide and controlled sweet spot, thanks to specific perforations in each part of the racket. This design enhances stability, responsiveness in defence, and increases power and rigidity in attack.
Play Test
After trying out these high-tech rackets for over 30 days, I'm ready to share my thoughts.
Firstly, these rackets will definitely catch people's attention when you bring them out of your bag.
The Supreme range is super powerful, perhaps even a bit too much for me in certain situations. Personally, I preferred the Control version which gave me great power while still being easy to handle.
The Premium range is more user-friendly, and I went for the Hybrid version which strikes a good balance between comfort, control, and power.
The diamond-shaped rackets are top-tier and meant for elite players. Although not overly heavy, the racket's balance towards the head might need some getting used to for control.
These rackets with unique features have really upped my game, providing smooth play, minimal vibrations, and boosting my confidence with every shot.
Adding to the lineup is the Light model in a round shape. Control rackets are perfect for players who value agility over power and lean towards a defensive style of play.
Similar to the Premium series but lighter by about 15 grams, the Light model is suitable for those with elbow issues and is also a good choice for female players, albeit sacrificing a bit of power. Its lightweight and low swing make it comfortable and easy to move with.
Recommended for beginners and advanced players alike, this racket is great for those who prefer a light, manageable, and comfortable option. It's especially good for learners looking for increased manoeuvrability.
Furthermore, this racket is ideal for experienced players seeking consistent balance and comfort, while still enjoying plenty of power when needed.
Conclusion
Today, the Cork brand Padel rackets are famous for their special design and texture, as well as the high quality and durability of the materials used in making them.
Cork is known for being long-lasting and having excellent anti-vibration properties, making it a great choice for padel racket design.
While I won't say these rackets are unbreakable, they are definitely tough and will keep you playing well for years, even after taking a beating on the court.
The brand also has a patented system to reduce vibrations, which is really effective.
Each racket is handmade with care and precision, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
Although they may look similar, each racket performs differently when in use.
These rackets are all about sophistication, quality craftsmanship, and technology, leading to top-notch performance on the court. They look great, feel smooth when hit, hardly vibrate, and offer exceptional striking quality.
However, there's room for improvement in terms of handling, especially with diamond-shaped rackets, and the straps provided are quite basic. But soon, the company plans to offer interchangeable straps in different colors with antibacterial treatment.
Another cool feature is the option to have the factory engrave a message, image, or signature on your racket for a personalised touch.
The prices are on the higher end, reflecting the unique and high-performance nature of these rackets.
INNEGRA
Apart from cork, carbon fibre and fibreglass, some models also incorporate a material called Innegra, known for its elasticity and durability.
Innegra carbon combines carbon fibre and Innegra fibre to create a composite fabric that is both lightweight and impact-resistant.
The addition of Innegra fibres enhances the properties of the composite material by providing flexibility, shock absorption, and impact resistance, complementing the strength and stiffness of carbon fibres.
Innegra carbon offers several benefits:
- Low density, high impact resistance, energy absorption, wear resistance, and vibration reduction.
- It is ideal for sports needing a balance of lightness and strength, with flexibility to absorb shocks.
Cork has various unique properties:
- Lightweight thanks to the air-filled cells.
- Impermeable due to suberin and waxes, making it resistant to liquids and gases.
- Good thermal insulation and low heat transmission because of its structure.
- Acts as acoustic insulation by absorbing sound waves.
- High friction coefficient due to excellent grip.
- Damping capacity for applications like caps or shoe soles.
- Compressibility, elasticity, and flexibility allowing it to regain shape once compressed.
- Durable, stable, and rigid due to lignin and polysaccharides.
- Hygroscopic nature adjusts based on environmental conditions.
- 100% natural, recyclable, and renewable, promoting sustainable practices and aligning with current trends in eco-friendly materials.
See the full Cork Padel Collection here!