Varlion is padel royalty — one of the oldest names in the sport, credited with inventing the carbon padel racket and still made in Spain. The modern range is led by the Bourne and Maxima Summum lines, premium frames with a distinctive feel that has kept Varlion a favourite among purists and stronger club players alike.
Varlion frames lean premium and reward technique, so choosing well matters. The line splits between the power-focused Bourne diamond, the all-round Maxima and a hybrid in between. Below we break the current Varlion line-up down by what each racket is genuinely best for.
The Varlion Bourne Summum Carbon is our top power pick for advanced players, while the Varlion Maxima Summum is the most versatile all-rounder. Not set on Varlion? See our full best padel rackets roundup across every brand.
How to choose a Varlion padel racket
Focus on three things: shape, weight and balance, and the level a racket is built for.
- Shape. The Bourne is a diamond built for power and suits advanced attackers. The Maxima is a more balanced teardrop all-rounder, while the Hexagon sits between the two as a hybrid.
- Weight and balance. Varlion frames typically sit around 360–370g. Head-heavy diamonds like the Bourne hit harder but demand timing; more balanced frames are easier to swing and control.
- Your level. Buy the racket that challenges you slightly. Unsure where you sit? Our intermediate and advanced guides will help.
The best Varlion padel rackets
1. Best for power: Varlion Bourne Summum Carbon
Why it wins: Varlion’s flagship power diamond — stiff carbon, head-heavy balance and elite smashing pace for advanced attackers. (~$320)
- Diamond — top-end power
- Carbon construction
- Head-heavy balance
- Pro-level attack
The Bourne Summum Carbon is Varlion’s headline power frame. The diamond shape and head-heavy balance deliver the explosive smashing pace that aggressive net players chase, while the carbon construction gives the stiff, direct response that lets you finish points decisively.
As with any diamond, the sweet spot is high and unforgiving, so it is strictly an advanced-level racket. See where it ranks in our advanced rackets guide.
→ Read our full Varlion Bourne Summum review
2. Best all-round: Varlion Maxima Summum
Why it wins: A balanced teardrop that blends power and control — the most versatile frame in the range and the pick for all-court players. (~$300)
- Teardrop — balanced feel
- Power without the punishment
- Mid balance, manageable
- Great for all-court play
The Maxima Summum is Varlion’s all-rounder. The teardrop shape balances power and control, so it has enough pop to attack and enough forgiveness to defend, making it a more usable everyday option than the attacking Bourne.
It still carries Varlion’s premium feel and rewards good technique, but it is the more forgiving choice for an advanced all-court player. Compare it with rivals in our advanced rackets guide.
3. Best hybrid: Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8
Why it wins: A hybrid that keeps much of the Bourne’s punch in a slightly more manageable package — power with a touch more control. (~$280)
- Hybrid — power + control
- Carbon faces
- Slightly more forgiving
- For strong attackers
The Bourne Hexagon 8.8 sits between the pure-power Bourne diamond and the all-round Maxima. It keeps a large share of the Bourne’s attacking punch but in a slightly more forgiving, manageable frame, which makes it a good bridge for strong players who find a full diamond too demanding.
If you want the Bourne’s character without committing to its unforgiving sweet spot, the Hexagon is the smart middle path — still an advanced-leaning racket, but a more usable one.
Varlion padel rackets compared
| Racket | Best for | Shape | Level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varlion Bourne Summum Carbon | Best for power | Diamond | Advanced | $320 |
| Varlion Maxima Summum | Best all-round | Teardrop | Advanced | $300 |
| Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8 | Best hybrid | Hybrid | Advanced | $280 |
Final thoughts
Varlion is a connoisseur’s brand. The Bourne Summum Carbon is the diamond for advanced attackers who want elite power; the Maxima Summum is the more versatile all-rounder; and the Bourne Hexagon bridges the two for strong players who want power with a little more forgiveness. These are premium frames that reward good technique.
Comparing brands? Browse our full best padel rackets roundup, or jump to the right paddle for your stage: beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Once you have picked your racket, round out your kit with the right padel shoes and a padel bag.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — Varlion is one of the oldest and most respected names in padel, credited with inventing the carbon padel racket. Its frames are made in Spain and known for a distinctive premium feel that rewards good technique.
The Varlion Bourne Summum Carbon is the power pick — a head-heavy carbon diamond built for advanced attackers who want explosive smashing pace.
The Bourne is a power-focused diamond for aggressive players, while the Maxima is a more balanced teardrop all-rounder. The Bourne hits harder; the Maxima is more forgiving and versatile.
Generally no — Varlion’s current range leans premium and advanced, rewarding players who already have solid technique. Beginners are better served by a forgiving, lower-cost round racket from a value-focused brand.
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.