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63% positive62 reviewsView price on Amazon
#1 in Best Padel Rackets 2026#1 in Best Padel Rackets for Control 2026
In shortMost players like the large, forgiving sweet spot, easy power and control, and many add weights at the top for more punch. The soft, springy face divides opinion, with some finding it too bouncy at the net or in warm weather. A few report the weight screws breaking.
Showing 12 reviews mentioning soft Show all
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I wanted to love this racket as I read lots of positive reviews but just could not get used to how much trampoline effect this racket have! the ball just bounce out of the racket and even though this is suppose to be a CTRL racket I felt like I could not get it under control at all! I guess its good for beginners who need help with ball output but it was not for me.
Finds the Metalbone CTRL soft and comfortable with an enormous sweet spot; even soft volleys get depth and power, it stays manoeuvrable, and without the weights it's super light.
“El punto dulces es enorme y si le quitas los pesos es súper ligera.”
Compared with the AT10 18K, found the Metalbone CTRL 2026 clearly softer with a trampoline effect and high ball output, still going deep on slight mishits, but a bit more top-heavy with the stock weights.
“Adidas is clearly softer and definitely has a trampoline effect. The ball output is high.”
A 4.2 left-side player finds the Metalbone CTRL 2026 forgiving and excellent in defence after about 20 games, but too springy in attack: mild effort sends the ball long, especially against fast shots.
“It’s excellent in defence e.g. lobs and chiquitas, but isn’t clicking for me on offensive shots like forehand volleys/smashes.”
Testing a 2026 Metalbone CTRL that weighs 362 g without weights or overgrip. Likes it overall, especially the trampoline effect, but isn't happy with its manoeuvrability; their heavier Nox Equation feels lighter in the hand.
“I'm currently testing a metalbone ctrl 2026. Overall I like it, I like the trampoline effect, but I'm not that happy with the maneuverability.”
A big fan of the Metalbone CTRL 3.5 2026: like the Cross It CTRL but with a longer handle and adjustable weights, though some find it has a trampoline effect.
“I’m a huge fan of the CTRL 3.5 (2026). It’s similar to Cross IT CTRL but has a longer handle and adjustable weight system…but some would accuse it of having that trampoline effect.”
Bought the Metalbone CTRL 2026 and finds it too soft, especially in warm weather: the slightest movement gives the ball too much power, above all on lobs.
“I also bought the metalbone CTRL 2026 and find it too soft, especially in warm weather. As soon as you move the racket a tiny bit, it gives the ball too much power, especially for lobs.”
Moved from the Carbon CTRL to the new Metalbone CTRL: much more power and easier to generate it, though less forgiving on blocks at the net, where the ball can shoot into the glass. They call it an upgrade for players on both sides.
“I found the ctrl to have a lot more power and ‘trampoline’ effect versus the carbon ctrl which often sounded very flat and hard.”
Delighted with the Metalbone CTRL 2026, used without any screws: super light and soft but head-heavy, and a cannon once you adjust to its ball exit.
“Yo estoy encantado con ella, tienes que acostumbrarte a la salida de bola, pero es un cañón cuando le pillas la medida”
Compared it with other rackets they tried and found the Metalbone CTRL 2026's sweet spot significantly better, though they want something similar without its trampoline effect.
Finds the Metalbone CTRL 2026 too soft with too much trampoline, and its weight screws a gimmick that break quickly (comment in French).
A low-intermediate right-side player tested the Metalbone CTRL 2026 and hated its trampoline effect.
“I’ve tested the adidas metalbone ctrl 2026 but hated the trampoline effect.”
Of the 59 reviews with a clear verdict, 63% are positive, 27% mixed and 10% negative. The praise mentioned most is forgiving. The most common complaint is durability issues.
The praise reviewers mention most: forgiving (17 reviews), easy power (16 reviews) and good control (11 reviews). For example: Finds the Metalbone CTRL 3.5 more forgiving and easier to play than the ST4, and lighter, which helps on the right side.
The complaints reviewers mention most: durability issues (2 reviews). For example: Finds the Metalbone CTRL 2026 too soft with too much trampoline, and its weight screws a gimmick that break quickly (comment in French).
#1 in Best Padel Rackets 2026, #1 in Best Padel Rackets for Control 2026, ranked by real player reviews.
60 are quotes from discussions on Reddit and YouTube, each linked to the original post. 2 were written by players here. Player reviews are checked for spam before they appear, and only they count toward the star rating; quotes never do.