The Dunlop Nanomax Lite is Dunlop’s lighter hybrid racket for beginners and occasional players: a graphite frame, a Soft EVA core, a 38 mm profile and an Extra Grip finish at 350 g. This review covers it together with the Dunlop Nanomax Pro, a 365 g version with a Pro EVA core.
Both are entry-level rackets in Dunlop’s range, and both showed about $140 on the US listings with one or two units left. This review covers the build, the specs, how they should play, how they differ and who should buy which.
See also our best Dunlop padel rackets guide, or browse all our padel gear reviews.
Dunlop Nanomax at a glance
Why it wins: Dunlop’s hybrid starter range: the Nanomax Lite is a 350 g Soft EVA racket and the Nanomax Pro is a 365 g Pro EVA racket, both with a graphite frame and Extra Grip finish. (~$140)
- Hybrid shape with a wide sweet spot
- Nanomax Lite: 350 g, Soft EVA core
- Nanomax Pro: 365 g, Pro EVA core
- Graphite frame, 38 mm profile and Extra Grip finish
Main features of the Dunlop Nanomax
The Nanomax range is built for easy play:
- Hybrid head shape, which the listings describe as adding power with a wide sweet spot
- Graphite frame, which the listings call lightweight and durable against wall scrapes
- Soft EVA core on the Lite, for comfort with a lower weight, and Pro EVA core on the Pro, a high-density foam with a crisp touch
- Extra Grip textured finish, which the listings tie to spin on all shots
- 38 mm frame and a straight hole pattern for reliable precision
- A glassfibre face over the core, per Dunlop’s spec sheets
Specification of the Dunlop Nanomax
Here are the full specs of the Dunlop Nanomax:
- Nanomax Lite: hybrid, 350 g, medium balance, Soft EVA core
- Nanomax Pro: hybrid, 365 g, medium balance, Pro EVA core
- Face: Glassfibre
- Frame: Graphite, 38 mm
- Holes: Straight pattern
- Surface: Extra Grip
- Level: Beginner to intermediate (listings)
- Type of play: Easy power, recreational
Our review of the Dunlop Nanomax
The Nanomax rackets are a step up from a pure round beginner racket. The hybrid shape merges the control of a round head with some of the punch of a teardrop, which the Pro listing describes in exactly those terms, and the wide sweet spot keeps them forgiving. The Lite is the gentler of the two, with a Soft EVA core at 350 g, and the Pro adds a denser core and 15 g.
Dunlop’s own pages call both rackets suitable for beginners and occasional players, although its spec table lists the level as intermediate. The Extra Grip finish and a graphite frame are there for spin and durability, and the glassfibre face keeps the feel comfortable rather than crisp.
We have not played them ourselves, so this is an assessment of Dunlop’s spec sheets and the US listings. On paper they suit a newer player who wants a little more power than a round racket gives, and the US prices are above Dunlop’s UK list prices.
Pros
- Hybrid shape for easy power and a wide sweet spot
- The Lite is 350 g with a soft core
- Extra Grip finish for spin
- Two weights and cores to choose from
Cons
- US prices sit above Dunlop’s UK list prices
- A glassfibre face has limited power and feedback
- Only one or two units per listing at the time of writing
- Limited independent information on Dunlop’s padel range
Who is the Dunlop Nanomax for?
The Nanomax Lite suits beginners and occasional players who want a light, comfortable racket with a little power, and the Nanomax Pro suits players who want a denser core. Both suit players who like a textured, spin-friendly finish.
Who the Dunlop Nanomax is not for
Skip them if you want the softest round racket or a carbon face. The Head Vibe costs less, and improving players will outgrow a glassfibre face, so see our intermediate racket guide.
What to know before you buy the Dunlop Nanomax
Lite or Pro
The Nanomax Lite is 350 g with a Soft EVA core, and the Dunlop Nanomax Pro is 365 g with a Pro EVA core. Both have a medium balance and a hybrid shape according to Dunlop.
Weight and balance
Dunlop lists a medium balance for both. An older Nanomax listing on the US page gives 350 g and a Soft EVA core, which matches the Lite, and showed $135.95 with a single unit at the time of writing.
Price and stock
The US listings showed $139.99 for the Lite with 2 left and $139.99 for the Pro with 1 left. Dunlop’s UK site lists the Lite at 99.95 euros and the Pro at 119.95 euros, so the US prices include a premium.
How the Dunlop Nanomax plays
Volleys and blocks: A wide sweet spot and a soft core give a forgiving response at the net.
Smashes: The hybrid shape gives a little more power than a round racket. Our guide to the kick smash covers a shot that beginners can learn on any frame.
Defense: A medium balance and a soft core are comfortable from the back of the court.
Spin: The Extra Grip finish is aimed at spin on the vibora and sliced volleys.
Dunlop Nanomax vs the alternatives
Inside Dunlop, the Rapid Power is the teardrop beginner racket and the Megamax is the round one. Outside Dunlop, the Head Vibe (~$110) and the Head Coello Vibe (~$100) are oversized beginner teardrops. Our best rackets for beginners guide compares the wider field.
Similar rackets if the Dunlop Nanomax sells out
The US listings were down to one or two units each at the time of writing, so here are the closest alternatives:
- Dunlop Rapid Power: a teardrop beginner racket from the same brand
- Head Vibe: an oversized beginner teardrop with a fibreglass face at about $110
- Head Coello Vibe: an oversized beginner teardrop with Power Foam at about $100
- Bullpadel Indiga W: a round SoftEVA racket with a low balance at about $110
Is the Dunlop Nanomax worth it?
At about $140, the Nanomax rackets cost more than Dunlop’s UK list prices and more than the Head Vibe and the Coello Vibe. They are worth it only if you want Dunlop’s hybrid shape and the textured finish.
Conclusion
The Dunlop Nanomax Lite and Pro are hybrid starter rackets with a graphite frame and an Extra Grip finish. Their strengths are the shape, the weights and the finish. Their weaknesses are the US price and the thin stock.
Choose the Lite for the lightest feel and the Pro for a denser core. If they sell out, use the similar rackets above, and browse our best padel rackets roundup for every level.
Frequently asked questions about the Dunlop Nanomax
What is the difference between the Dunlop Nanomax Lite and the Nanomax Pro?
The Lite is a 350 g hybrid with a Soft EVA core. The Dunlop Nanomax Pro is a 365 g hybrid with a Pro EVA core, which Dunlop describes as a high-density foam with a crisp touch.
How heavy is the Dunlop Nanomax?
Dunlop lists 350 g for the Lite and 365 g for the Pro, both with a medium balance.
Is the Dunlop Nanomax good for beginners?
Yes. Dunlop describes both rackets as suitable for beginners and occasional players, and our beginner racket guide lists other options.
What is a hybrid headshape on the Nanomax?
The Pro listing describes it as merging the control of a round racket with the punch of a teardrop, which optimizes the sweet spot for playability.
What does the Extra Grip finish do?
It is a textured, sandpaper-like surface. The listing says it bites into the ball to enhance spin on the vibora and sliced volleys.
Is the Dunlop Nanomax an intermediate racket?
Dunlop’s spec table lists it as intermediate, and its descriptions call it suitable for beginners and occasional players. It suits a newer player moving up from a round racket.
Why is the Dunlop Nanomax more expensive in the US?
Dunlop’s UK site lists the Lite at 99.95 euros and the Pro at 119.95 euros, and the US listings showed $139.99 each at the time of writing, so the US prices include a premium.
Is the Dunlop Nanomax worth about $140?
Only if you want the hybrid shape and the textured finish. The Head Vibe and the Coello Vibe cost less for similar beginner rackets.
Lucas Sánchez is the founder of SimplePadel. Born and raised in Spain, Lucas has been living in the US and UK for the last 20 years and currently calls Miami his home. While he’s never played professionally, the dream is still alive.
Lucas loves nothing more than playing (and talking) about padel, and he considers himself lucky to have a wife and family that share his love for the game.