In short
The Valor Score is the average of independent published review scores for one exact racket model and year, each converted to a 0 to 100 scale. A racket gets a score only when at least three independent sources have published a score, and Valor shows when most of those sources are funded by affiliate links. Valor has not court-tested these rackets.
Updated
How is the Valor Score calculated?
Each review source that publishes a numeric overall score for a racket contributes one score. Valor converts it to a 0 to 100 scale (for example, 8.4 out of 10 becomes 84) and takes the plain average. The score appears only when three or more independent sources have published a score for that exact racket, and the page shows how many reviews it is based on.
Which reviews count?
A review counts only when it matches the exact model and year, or the exact version number, of the racket on the page. A review of last season's model, a women's version or a similarly named racket is left out. Each source counts once per racket, and every review used is listed on the racket's page with a link, the published score and date, and a one-line summary in Valor's own words.
What is excluded?
- Brands' own ratings of their rackets. These are shown separately on the racket page, labelled as the brand's own.
- Retailer listings and paid placements.
- Reviews without a published numeric score, and sources whose scores are not comparable across players or levels.
- Any score Valor would have to guess or infer.
What does "affiliate-funded source" mean?
Many padel review sites earn money when readers buy through their links. That does not make their scores wrong, but it is worth knowing. Valor labels every affiliate-funded source on the racket page, and when most of a racket's reviews come from affiliate-funded sites, the score carries a visible note saying so.
Has Valor tested these rackets?
No. Valor has not court-tested any racket yet. The Valor Score summarizes what independent reviewers have published, and the rest of each racket page comes from the manufacturer's published specs. If Valor starts its own testing, tested rackets will be labelled clearly and the method will be published.
How should I use the score?
Use it as one signal next to fit. A high score for a stiff, head-heavy power racket does not make it right for a beginner or for a sore elbow. Start with the racket type guide to find the shape, weight and balance that suit you, compare models in the racket database, then demo before you buy.
FAQ
Why do so few rackets have a Valor Score?
Few sources publish numeric scores for the same exact model and year, so most rackets have fewer than three. The score appears automatically as coverage grows.
Can a brand pay to change its score?
No. The score is calculated only from independent published reviews, and no brand can pay for placement or scoring.
How often is it updated?
Whenever the racket database is refreshed. Each review shows the date it was published.
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