Slazenger padel: a remarkable return to the roots!

Slazenger is an English company which mainly specialized in tennis, cricket, golf and racket sports in general, producing both clothing, equipment, balls and rackets.

Slazenger was one of the main manufacturers of wooden rackets and has remained the official supplier of balls to the Wimbledon Tournament since 1902. Obliged to supply the balls until 2025, this partnership is one of the longest in history.

This British brand is quite simply one of the oldest sports brands in the world!

Today, Slazenger has decided to (re)launch into padel, by offering a complete range, spectacularly bold and contemporary.

The company has decided to enlist the services of a key figure in the European padel scene for many years, namely Robin Haziza (current coach of the French women's team).

Panther Series Icon Limited Edition

Let's start with the model Challenge No.1 Panther Series Icon Limited Edition.

Slazenger's first padel racket collection is named after one of the most iconic tennis rackets ever made: the Slazenger Challenge No.1.
At one time, this was the pattern used by most of the winners of Grand Chelem.

Slazenger icons such as Björn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Ken Rosewall and Fred Perry used Slazenger tennis racquets.

We are dealing here with a very powerful pala in the shape of a drop of water with a slightly above average balance. Made with a hard EVA core and 12K carbon surface, this mix will give you high power and speed.

For experienced players who love effects, the 3D (panther) grooves provide the perfect spin.

This masterpiece, handmade in Barcelona, features a matte black dress with the most beautiful effect.

The Panther Edition racquet is the first of what will be a full collection of all-black products.

Playing with this pala gives you the total experience of a unique look on the padel court, far from the bright colors that have taken over in recent times.

On track it is a very stable racket, ultra precise, quite manoeuvrable and with an excellent reserve of power. Players who like comfort and soft or mid tires, go your way, it's rigid and inflexible.

Challenge No.1

Black and gold bi-color racket, also mounted in 12K, but Hybrid shape with an upward balance, this pala is also suitable for all those who want to send breeze blocks.

On track : I did not have additional information to confirm my feelings, but I think that the eraser is nevertheless softer than that of the previous racquet.
Different drilling pattern also, this pala is very responsive and also more comfortable than the Panther Series.

Challenge No.2

Burgundy color (mix of red and burgundy), 1st round shape of the Challenge series, which suggests that maneuverability and control will be the key words.

Medium density core just like its balance, less weight than previous racquets but still mounted in 12K for more punch.

On track it is a very pleasant racquet to play, easy to handle, and which does not lack power despite its round shape. Perfect for the right player who builds the point, and when to push in will not be greatly penalized. Big smashers abstain anyway and rather orient yourself towards the 2 previous models.

Challenge No.3

A beautiful black dress dressed in a golden S in the center of the pala and the logo just below, it is still a faultless aesthetic level.
Round shape also but mounted this time in 6K, for more responsiveness and ball output, this pala is excellent because it combines all the good characteristics of the other models.

On track, for me it is a great alternative. Nervous and docile, beautiful and comfortable, it was a treat to play with this reference, which I recommend for the complete player who likes rackets that are not too rigid and those whose elbow does not take vibrations well.

Challenge No.4

This time we break the color codes with a completely white racket decorated as most of the time with a golden logo.

Pala focused on the beginner / intermediate level, the lightest in the series, round in shape and equipped with 3K: one model is exemplary in handling.

In addition, the soft foam will provide even more comfort during the strikes and will erase the imperfections due to the learning of the one who grips it.

On track, a docile and tame pala, I recommend it to women due to its low weight, or to those who want to start with a racquet that will not break their arm and who need tolerance.

Acknowledgments:

Special thanks to Frederic Rondeau for coming to have me test the products it represents, and Regis Gorrino for the always impeccable welcome at Luminy Tennis Club.

Stéphane Penso

Padel fan, Stéphane has become the official tester of the padel planet in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the world of rackets, he is able to scan your equipment from head to toe!