The K tells you how many thousand carbon filaments each bundle of the fabric has: 3K is 3,000 filaments per bundle, 12K is 12,000 and 18K is 18,000. The number describes the carbon fabric used on the face of the racket, not the quality or the hardness of the whole racket.
What changes between 3K, 12K and 18K
| Carbon | Filaments per bundle | Look of the weave |
|---|---|---|
| 3K | 3,000 | Fine, tight grid |
| 12K | 12,000 | Wide, clearly visible grid |
| 18K | 18,000 | An even wider grid |
With wider bundles, the fabric needs fewer crossings to cover the same area. That changes how the face reacts on impact, but there is no simple rule like "more K is harder" or "more K is softer".
Does the K number define the feel of the racket?
Not on its own. The feel of a padel racket comes from several factors together:
- The core: the density of the EVA rubber or foam matters as much as, or more than, the fabric on the face.
- The number of layers and their orientation.
- The resin used to bind the fibres.
- The shape and balance of the racket.
That is why two rackets with the same 12K carbon can behave very differently on court.
So how do you choose?
Look at the whole picture, not a single number: weight, shape, balance, core and carbon. In our own models, for example, the Carbon Light uses 3K carbon, a round shape and around 330 g, and the Carbon Core uses 12K carbon, a round-hybrid shape and around 360 g, both with an EVA Medium core.
If you are not sure what suits your game, message us on WhatsApp.
