Standard vs panoramic: the difference
Short answer: a standard padel court holds its glass with steel posts between panels; a panoramic court holds thicker glass with fittings at the base, so there are no posts in the way. Panoramic courts look cleaner, give spectators and cameras clear views and are popular for club center courts. They cost more for the court system and installation.
| Standard | Panoramic | |
|---|---|---|
| Glass support | Posts between panels | Base fittings, no side posts |
| Views | Posts in sightlines | Clear sightlines |
| Glass | Commonly 10 mm tempered | Commonly 12 mm tempered |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Homes, most club courts | Show courts, premium clubs |
When panoramic is worth it
- A club's center or tournament court where spectators and video matter
- Premium residential projects where the court is a design feature
- Indoor halls where clean sightlines across several courts make the club look better
Many clubs mix: one or two panoramic courts and the rest standard.
What to ask
- What glass thickness and fittings does your panoramic system use?
- Is the slab or footing design different for panoramic courts?
- How are broken panels replaced, and how fast can you get spare glass?
- What's the price difference for our project, including freight?
Questions
Are panoramic padel courts better to play on?
The game is the same. Players and spectators like the clear views, and some prefer the look, but standard courts play just as well.
How much more does a panoramic court cost?
It varies by maker and freight. Expect the court system line to be noticeably higher than a standard court; ask builders to quote both.
Do I need a permit?
It depends on your city, county and HOA, and on what's included (slab, lighting, structure). Ask your local building department and HOA, and ask builders what they needed on recent projects near you.