-30%
8.75
Adidas Metalbone Carbon Ctrl 2026
This padel racket Adidas round is an ideal model for a level intermediate and stands out for Ball Output.
R.R.P 260€
182.00€
This padel racket Adidas round is an ideal model for a level intermediate and stands out for Ball Output.
R.R.P 260€
182.00€
The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 arrives as a very consistent version, with the same base of Carbon 6K and Soft Performance rubber that we saw last year, but with a facelift and a new rope-type string with a sliding knot. On the court, it has left us with a very clear feeling: it remains a paddle designed for those who prioritize control, execution speed, and a more contained response than other Adidas paddles with this rubber. Within the control format, we see it as the most offensive option from the brand in this line. It is aimed at technical players who want to move the ball quickly without experiencing excessive rebound on each impact.
The first thing we noticed is that Adidas has preferred not to touch the essence of the model. The configuration of Carbon 6K with Soft Performance rubber remains, so the overall behavior follows the line of the previous version, although with a visible aesthetic change and that new rope-type string that updates the set. In hand, it conveys a fairly defined personality from the start. We are not dealing with a soft-touch paddle nor one with pure dry touch.
The hitting sensation felt medium hard, in that range of 7.5-8 out of 10, but without being a rigid paddle that punishes every impact. The ball enters and exits quickly from the face, something that is very noticeable when we accelerate, although the contact does not feel as dry as in other firmer models. There lies one of its keys: it generates good ball speed without shooting the rebound. Compared to a normal Metalbone, the response here is more contained, which helps to play with more intention.
We also liked how the overall balance of the model is resolved. The balance of 26.2 cm, combined with the long handle, leaves a paddle that moves better than it might seem and also allows for good leverage from above to accelerate. That combination of maneuverability and medium-high hardness gives it an interesting offensive point without leaving the control format. It is a paddle very much about clean sensations: quick on the exit, firm in hand, and with a behavior quite recognizable from the first games.
From the back is where its personality has seemed clearest to us. In fast rhythm, it has a bit less rebound effect than other Adidas with the same rubber, and that translates into a more marked feeling of control when it comes to blocking, containing, or changing direction with intention. The ball comes out with speed, yes, but it doesn’t go away as easily as in a normal Metalbone. For players who prefer to feel a bit more command in the hit, that is quite appreciated.
However, it is not a forgiving paddle when we miss the impact zone. The sweet spot is rather small and when we hit slightly off, the response changes quite a bit, so it demands precision and a clean mechanics to maintain performance. This demand is especially noticeable in intense exchanges, where a more tolerant paddle would give you a bit more. Here, if we hit the ball well, it responds; if not, it lets us know quickly.
The positive thing is that the maneuverability supports it. Despite the long handle, the paddle moves well and allows us to accelerate easily, which helps a lot when we want to transition from a neutral ball to a more aggressive one. With that balance of 26.2 cm and a medium-hardness, the Adidas allows for rhythm without becoming clumsy in preparation. If we have good technical level and hitting power, we can play with quite offensive intention from the back.
At the net, it maintains the same line that is already perceived from the back: a firm, quick response with less rebound than usual within Adidas with Soft Performance rubber. This makes the overall feeling one of offensive control, very useful for those who want to add speed to the ball without feeling that the paddle face spits it out too much. The medium-hard touch helps the contact feel solid, but without reaching that extreme dryness that some players find too demanding. We have found it consistent with its approach, more about directing with intention than leaving everything to the natural exit.
The good maneuverability it provides despite the long handle also adds up when the game accelerates near the net. It moves with enough agility, and that leverage effect allows for acceleration from above with a fairly clean feeling, something that fits well with a technical player looking to command without losing precision. It is neither a soft paddle nor one with a wide sweet spot that forgives any contact. Here the key remains the same: if we hit well, the response is serious and very usable.
On the smash, the character of a control paddle with offensive ambition is noticeable. The long handle and the balance of 26.2 cm help generate leverage and accelerate well from above, while the ball comes out with good speed without the exaggerated rebound that we do find in a normal Metalbone. It does not give a feeling of extreme dry touch, but rather of firm and quick response when we hit decisively. If we have the technique and arm to load the shot, it is a paddle that supports well in that attacking game.
What has convinced us the most about this Adidas is how it balances both aspects without falling into extremes. It has good ball speed and a medium-hard touch that allows for pressure, but at the same time offers a feeling of control superior to that of other Adidas paddles with Soft Performance rubber due to that lower rebound effect in fast rhythm. Within the control format, we also see it as the most offensive option from the brand. However, it is much more enjoyable when handled by a player with technique and hitting power, because that is where it really shows its best side.
Here it is important to be clear: the sweet spot is not large. If we hit outside that zone, the response changes quite a bit, so it is a paddle that demands precision and penalizes more than other more tolerant options.
We found it to be a manageable paddle for having a long handle, and that is quite an achievement. The set allows for good leverage and acceleration without the paddle feeling clumsy, which reinforces its dynamic and offensive profile within the control format.
Its price is around €280, so we are talking about a professional/top range paddle and, therefore, a serious investment for those looking for specific performance rather than total versatility. At that price level, a construction with premium materials and a very defined behavior is expected, and it is also worth remembering that these types of models usually drop in price over the months, especially as the next version approaches, so paddles from the previous season often end up being the most interesting in terms of quality/price ratio.
We think it is a paddle very well focused for players looking for medium-high hardness, less rebound, and more control within the Adidas options with Soft Performance rubber. It also fits better in the hands of those with good technique who can hit hard, as this way they take advantage of its ball speed and offensive character without suffering so much from the reduced sweet spot. If what we are looking for is a very tolerant paddle or extra help when we do not hit cleanly, this is not its strength.
The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 seems to us to be a very technical paddle, with a very clear game idea: to control more without giving up on acceleration. If we fit into that profile and value a firm, quick response with less rebound than other similar Adidas paddles, it makes a lot of sense. If we need tolerance and a wide sweet spot to play more comfortably, we would look at other options.
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