Reddit · r/Padelracket · yesterday
They moved from the Air Viper to the Oxdog Ultimate Tour X and find it dry feeling yet maneuverable, giving up some easy power for much better control and feedback on every shot.
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Fresh experiences from real players, collected from Reddit, YouTube and blogs and linked to their sources.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · yesterday
They moved from the Air Viper to the Oxdog Ultimate Tour X and find it dry feeling yet maneuverable, giving up some easy power for much better control and feedback on every shot.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · yesterday
They tested the Coello and found it bouncy, with a strong trampoline effect that sometimes sends their volleys flying onto the glass.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · yesterday
They loved their previous racket but found it lacked power for their offensive game, and it eventually developed a large crack on the edge near the hole.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · yesterday
They currently play with this racket and dislike the ball feel, finding it awkward and tacky despite being marketed as light and maneuverable.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 2 days ago
Used the Hack 04 Hybrid for six months and just bought the 05 for 2027. They describe a dry first feel with generous output, excellent maneuverability, strong blocking, and no elbow trouble after five or six matches.
PadelRecs · Ilkka · 2 days ago
The Neuron suits the way I play on the right: lots of blocks and deep lobs. Quicker in the hand than my Metalbone. I do miss the Metalbone when there's a chance to put away a smash, but overall I play better with this one.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
After a lot of experimenting they keep returning to this racket. They describe a large sweet spot, medium hardness, not much free power, and comfort even with tennis elbow.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
Owns the Arrow Hit CTRL Carbon without the weights and calls it a great racket. They also note it cost about half the price of the Metalbone and the non-carbon Arrow Hit.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
Has used it for almost a year after a Bullpadel Xplo 2025 while managing arm overload. They find it lighter and more maneuverable than the Xplo.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
Loves the Metalbone Control 2026 but finds it a bit bouncy, with a trampoline feel. They smashed it to bits and ordered the Arrow Hit control for a more direct feel.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
Came from a very soft beginner Head racket. This one still feels good for control but lets them smash the ball easily out of the court.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
Bought it because of tendinitis and likes it so far: light, big sweet spot and enough power. They note it is the non-Edge control version and was cheaper after the 2027 release.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
Owned two 2026 Neurons with extra weight added and is moving on. They praise the maneuverability, spin and stability on blocks, but find it stiff with a small sweet spot and not enough power.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
Owns the 2027 Neuron 02 Edge and describes it as stiff and hard, suited to placing the ball with control but with no trampoline effect.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 3 days ago
After years on soft control rackets and a switch to the left side, they tested several rackets and bought the 2026 Coello Motion, which suited what they needed.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 4 days ago
Stiff feel requires high swing speed and contributed to wrist and elbow pain.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 4 days ago
Has tried both the 12K and 18K AT10 and rates the 18K far above anything else, picking up the 2025 version on a Black Friday deal.
PadelRecs · Javiiii · 5 days ago
Easy on my elbow and pretty forgiving off the back glass. But it feels too bouncy when I'm blocking fast balls at the net, and my smashes don't have much power either.
PadelRecs · nico · 5 days ago
Way too stiff for me for normal club games. The sweet spot is small, and hitting outside it feels like using a plank. My elbow was already hurting by the second set. I can hit some hard smashes when I time them right, but it's not worth the arm pain.
PadelRecs · 6 days ago
Heavy. That's the first thing and honestly the main thing. I bought it because I watch Coello every weekend and I play left, and when I get a high ball and hit it clean the smash just goes, no question. Problem is the other 90% of the match. I'm late on everything low at the net and anything off the middle feels dead and buzzy. Probably a racket for someone a couple levels above me.
PadelRecs · Sam T. · 6 days ago
Switched from a diamond and this just sits in the middle, defence is solid and I can still put power on overheads
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 6 days ago
Recently got the Metalbone CTRL and is very happy with it, saying the movable weights let them tune the power and that it gives plenty of control and precision on lobs.
PadelRecs · Cas · 6 days ago
Switched from Extreme Pro because 370g was too heavy for me, Motion still works great in overheads and quicker to move around
PadelRecs · 6 days ago
Light and firm, Smashes still go when I accelerate it but its not a heavy ball as the weight is low, you need good form to get it to do the things you want to. Sweet pot is smaller than other rackets I tired before so I mishits at least a few times every game.
PadelRecs · padelhero · 6 days ago
Sandy face is fantastic and it does well in effects, I leave the 8 g weight at the bottom in as I feel the racket is more balanced that way. You do have to swing through to get output out of it so not for beginners. Good all around racket.
PadelRecs · Ray · 6 days ago
Defense is not easy with this racket so it should not be used by players without a lot of experience, if you seek power then you will get it with this racket but you will need the ball well as the sweet spot is not the biggest.
PadelRecs · Dada · 6 days ago
if you want free smash power look elsewhere, this racket is for control and it does it well, its quick to move around, I love it.
PadelRecs · 7 days ago
Its head heavy racket so be aware of that, it will penalize you at the back . Once I'm at the net though it really shines and you can get that extra power the foam gives you. Also my arm isn't hurting after like it was on harder diamonds.
YouTube · PADELREVIEW ENG · 7 days ago
Geometric 3K carbon frame feels super sharp at the net, letting you rip overheads and volleys without sending the ball long. It also gives you crisp touch on chiquitas and cut lobs from the back. You'll need clean technique, though, because off-center hits make a wooden sound and die on the net. The 3D surface texture doesn't grab huge spin either.
YouTube · Padel Magazine · 7 days ago
Weight is condensed toward the handle on the hybrid frame, making it super fast and comfortable when scrambling in defense. The 3K carbon face and MultiEva core strike a great middle ground that's neither too stiff nor too soft. Thanks to the Prism Lock bridge and corner dampeners, it doesn't flinch or vibrate even when blocking heavy balls at the net. You also get plenty of bite for slicing and solid pop once you push through your swing. It's built to control the tempo rather than blast winners, so pure attackers wanting head-heavy power will prefer the Edge version.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 7 days ago
Still prefers the 2025 18K over the newer version, mainly because they find its round handle feels much better.
PadelRecs · Ignacio · 7 days ago
My old racket was a heavy diamond that was hurting my elbow. This feels softer and is much easier to play with. Getting my lobs deep is easy too. I do miss the extra power on smashes.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 8 days ago
Recommends the 2026 Metalbone Carbon Control for its control at the net and a good sweet spot, with enough power left for smashes.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 8 days ago
Calls the 2025 AT10 12K perfect for their game and regrets it is out of stock everywhere.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 8 days ago
A right-side player with a powerful vibora and smash who had a great time with the AT10 12K Attack 2026 before selling it. His only complaints were the small sweet spot and that it lacked a bit of control and manoeuvrability, so he is now choosing between the AT10 18K Genius 2027 and the Metalbone.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 9 days ago
Served as a beginner racket over about seven months of weekly lessons and matches, but they now want something firmer with less trampoline effect and a textured face for spin.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 9 days ago
Owns both the Adidas CTRL and the Nox AT10 18K and prefers the Adidas for its bigger sweet spot, which stays forgiving on off-centre hits where the Nox does not.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 9 days ago
Finds the 2026 ST5 much stiffer and more manageable than the too-soft ST4, and calls this year's version incredible.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 9 days ago
Tried the ST5 and rated its hardness around 6 out of 10, finding it gave little power output.
PadelRecs · Javi · 9 days ago
I used a budget round racket that i got from decathlon and the first week the difference in firmness was a lot more than i expected so my lobs were going a lot shorter than i wanted, but now i'm used to it the ball pretty much goes exactly where i'm pointing it. I'm the right side player, which suits me.
PadelRecs · Ramon · 9 days ago
Too firm for me. Quick to move around, yes, but I want a softer contact than this. The Air name had me expecting an easier racket.
PadelRecs · Luis R. · 9 days ago
Soft enough to get the ball moving when I'm defending, and the long handle is a big plusfiddling with screws before a match. Wouldn't pick it for smashing everything. For blocking, lobbing and waiting for a ball I can actually attack, it works for me
PadelRecs · 9 days ago
Crisp is the word. I like feeling the contact this clearly on a volley. Wouldn't choose this 12K if I wanted a soft racket.
PadelRecs · 10 days ago
The control is excellent. Chiquitas and lobs land where I aim them, and the 12K face gives a nice bit of feel on soft volleys. Balance is a touch head-heavy for a teardrop but it never feels sluggish at the net. Sweet spot is normal
PadelRecs · Sergio M. · 10 days ago
The balance is very high, so in fast exchanges at the net when they aim at my feet I'm late more than I was with the teardrop. My overheads kept landing long for most of July since the ball jumps off the face even on a short swing, it took a while to calm my arm down. The sweet spot is small too, hit anywhere near the frame and you feel it buzz up into the wrist. Yes there is a lot of free power when you hit it well, but it ask for a lot in return. Get it only if you are advance level left side player who smash a lot.
PadelRecs · Marc V · 10 days ago
Playing it since spring on the left, about three times a week, Playtomic level around 4. I came from a softer round racket so the first weeks took some adjusting. What I like: at the net it's very stable, a hard ball at my body doesn't twist the face, and the rough texture lets the víbora and the bandeja really bite. Smashes have proper pace when I commit to the swing. What took work: from the back glass the racket hands you almost nothing on its own. A defensive lob I hit late lands short unless I swing all the way through. Mine weighed 371 g on the kitchen scale, heavier than the listed 365, and late in a long match my shoulder starts to complain. It has held up well, just a few scuffs on the frame from the walls. If you mostly defend, look at the LS version instead. If you like to win points at the net, it's a very good racket.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 10 days ago
Very comfortable and excellent for control-oriented play, but after about a year it starts to lack power when attacking.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 10 days ago
Dual 3K carbon faces and balanced weight give superb control and comfort with zero trampoline effect.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 10 days ago
Owns the lighter version and needed a few sessions to adapt, since it wants to be hit dead centre and needs some tailoring with weights or a protector. Calls it solid but less forgiving than the teardrop shape suggests.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 10 days ago
Has played both the 2025 and 2027 versions and feels the 2027 has more spin and a plusher feel at similar power. Dislikes how quickly the paint scratches in normal play.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 10 days ago
Moved over from a Siux Electra ST4 and found less trampoline effect and more control on lobs and chiquitas, but developed tennis elbow with it.
YouTube · R A C C A · 10 days ago
Firm face with a slightly small sweet spot, though balls still jump off quickly on volleys and deep lobs. Slowing the pace down and controlling placement from the back court is super easy. Because it doesn't have much weight in the head, getting downward whip on bandejas, rulos, and smashes takes extra effort.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 10 days ago
Plays regularly with the 2026 18K but it hurt their wrist badly, so they switched to the Nox AT10 12K Lite.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 10 days ago
Two months into playing a Babolat Technical Viper 2025 two or three times a week, a hard spinny vibora produced a pop and a large crack across the face. The shop's technician believed it was a manufacturing defect and is contacting Babolat.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 10 days ago
Owns the 2026 AT10 Genius 18K, which weighed 390 grams with two grips and a protector, and says it really damaged their elbow. Has moved to a Cork Supreme Control, which they find much better.
PadelRecs · 10 days ago
When I'm set under the ball the smash is a weapon, the problem is anything fast at the body. At 370 g with that much weight up in the head I'm late on reflex volleys, and digging balls out of the back corner is hard work. I'm keeping it for friendlies and going back to something lighter for competitive games
PadelRecs · Nacho · 10 days ago
52, right side, four mornings a week. Came from a Vertex that was too much racket for my shoulder. The Neuron is light, mine came in at 361 g, and I'm quicker at the net and much steadier on bandejas and lobs from the back glass. Almost no vibration. Flat smashes don't go out of the court like they did with the Vertex, I've accepted that. Face is smooth, so not much bite on spin. One star off because at month seven a small crack showed in the paint on the frame after a wall hit.
PadelRecs · Marta K. · 11 days ago
Ridiculously light and fast at the net, volleys feel great. But it is stiff and dry and off-centre hits get punished hard. Fine if you hit clean, not if you're tired.
PadelRecs · Marco D · 11 days ago
Switched from an old Adidas that was pretty hard on my wrist. About 3 months with the 18K now, playing twice a week, and my arm has thanked me. It's soft, the ball sort of sits on the foam a bit longer so lobs and chiquitas land where I aim them. Volleys feel crisp and it's quick enough at the net. Power is just ok, don't expect big smashes unless you swing properly. I'd call it a control racket that forgives a bit when I'm late. Got a few scratches already so get a protector. Would recommend if you're intermediate and want comfort over raw pop.
PadelRecs · Vlad Kat · 11 days ago
Switched to the Vertex 05 from a round control racket and the first two weeks were rough. The head-heavy balance is very noticeable and my bandejas kept sailing long until I shortened my swing. Once it clicked though, the power on smashes is the best I've had. Flat smashes from the left side actually go out by 3 now, which never happened before. Downsides: the sweet spot is small and up high, so off-centre volleys feel dead and you feel it in the elbow by the third set. Slow at the net in fast exchanges too. Face is still holding up fine after about 8 months, 2-3 times a week. Great if you play left and like to finish points overhead. If you're a defensive right-side player or have any arm issues, I'd look at something more forgiving.
PadelRecs · dave52 · 11 days ago
bought it because the shop guy said its a control racket. it kind of is, but its very firm and dry and my elbow started complaining after about 3 weeks of playing twice a week. light in the hand and quick at the net, which i liked. sweet spot is small so my bad days are really bad. not terrible, wouldnt buy it again
YouTube · Dani 13 · 11 days ago
Shines on fast bandejas, víboras, and aggressive volleys, letting you swing out freely without sending the ball into the back glass. It's half a point softer and more forgiving than the Hack or Xplo, and the reactive 3K carbon helps your kick smashes pop out even when you're late. However, it doesn't give away free ball output at slow speeds. On passive volley blocks or stretched defensive digs, the ball sticks to the face and drops short unless you push through. It's also slower to maneuver in tight spots than the standard Neuron.
YouTube · pdhsports · 11 days ago
Got wider side air channels on the 2027 teardrop frame, so swinging through fast volleys feels super quick. The 12K face gives you a firmer, drier response than the 18K, which really shines on crisp bandejas and víboras. It's also gentler on your arm with the new handle dampening, though it isn't built for raw power unless you clip on the extra top weights.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 11 days ago
Used the Triton+ Power 2026 as a diamond power-control racket: stiff and dry with a smaller sweet spot but forgiving for its shape, little rebound, and very good for smashing, though it demands focus and early preparation.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 11 days ago
Right-side low-intermediate player who used the Raptor+ 2026 for about a year; finds it very forgiving with a big sweet spot and plenty of rebound, strong from the back, and comfortable, though at the net the ball output needs a swing adjustment.
PadelRecs · Nico · 11 days ago
Nice racket when I stop trying to smash everything. I like the control from the back and there's a decent amount of room for a slightly messy contact. But when I want to finish a point, I have to do more of the work than I'd like. Probably better suited to someone more patient than me lol.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 14 days ago
Bought the 2027 18K among about five rackets in a month and found nothing special about it, compared with the instant appeal of the Oxdog Ultimate Tour X.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 14 days ago
Loved the Metalbone CTRL 2026 after 90 minutes, a big upgrade that gave enough power, but struggled with overheads and digging balls near the glass, and returned it over a faulty weight-adjustment screw.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 14 days ago
Calls the Metalbone CTRL 3.4 the best racket they've played to date, though it finally cracked after 18 months.
YouTube · Fun Padel Shop · 15 days ago
Whether you're playing in summer heat or a cold indoor court, the 18K aluminized face keeps its medium-stiff feel consistent all year. In the back court, the multi-layer core gives you calm, predictable depth on lobs and glass rebounds without random trampoline bounce. Up at the net, the side air channels make reaction volleys feel light and quick in your hand. The rough texture really bites into slicing víboras, though you still need to swing through firmly to unlock the denser inner foam on smashes.
Reddit · r/Padelracket · 15 days ago
Owns the Metalbone 3.4 and an Oxdog Ultimate Pro: the Adidas is a bit more unpredictable when blocking but gives more free power for heavy hitters.
YouTube · Tino · 16 days ago
Strong easy power, quick ball output, serves and the feel appeal after time with the Fire Red and an earlier try of the Shadow version. He nevertheless struggles to control right-side volleys because of the lively response and needs more adaptation. He still prefers his own Head Motion, seeing this as a better match for a more attack-minded player.