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3K, 12K or 18K: what the carbon number changes
The K is how many thousand carbon filaments are in each thread of the face. Across the 203 carbon rackets we have scored, power rises with it, 78.4 for 3K, 80.1 for 12K and 82.7 for 18K, while the sweet spot, comfort and handling fall a little, value rises and control does not move.
Our scores, updated 9 November 2026 · How we score
What Our scores say
The best of each row in green. Fibreglass gives up power and control and gains the sweet spot, comfort, handling and value.
Averages of Our score across every published racket with that face.
The best of each
Our three highest scores on each face.
The best 12K
The best 18K
One racket, two faces
Compare any two →The cleanest way to feel the K: the same racket, two faces.
Before you compare
Questions
Straight answers.
What does the K mean on a padel racket?
How many thousand carbon filaments are in each thread of the face: 3K is 3,000, 12K is 12,000, 18K is 18,000. More filaments make a thicker thread and a stiffer face.
Is 18K better than 12K?
On average, yes: 1.3 more on Our score. In Our scores 18K faces average 82.7 for power against 80.1 for 12K, with a slightly smaller sweet spot (67.9 against 68.9). Control is the same.
Is 3K softer?
It is the softest carbon. 3K rackets average 70.0 for comfort against 68.3 for 18K.
Carbon or fibreglass?
Fibreglass is softer and more forgiving: it averages 72.8 for sweet spot against 67.9 for 18K, and the best value, 78.0. Carbon gives more power and precision.