-28%
8.85
Adidas Metalbone 3.5 Ale Galán 2026
This padel racket Adidas diamond is an ideal model for a level intermediate and stands out for Ball Output.
R.R.P 390€
280.80€
This padel racket Adidas diamond is an ideal model for a level intermediate and stands out for Ball Output.
R.R.P 390€
280.80€
The Adidas Metalbone 3.5 Ale Galan 2026 arrives as the signature model of Alejandro Galán, one of those paddles designed to play with intention and dominate near the net. We see it very aligned with the profile of a backhand or high-court player who seeks serious power without losing usable control when the game accelerates. It maintains the Metalbone DNA, but on the court, it feels like a more user-friendly version than other harder entries in the series. If your paddle game involves volleying, lobbing, and punishing the ball up high, there’s a lot to appreciate here.
The first thing we noticed was a quite pleasant medium feel, easier to handle than the HRD version, although it still retains that firm and stable hit provided by the 16K aluminized carbon. It is not a soft-feeling paddle nor one that sinks the ball too much, but it also doesn’t feel excessively dry in the first few minutes. This mix works well because it makes the impact clear and clean, without becoming harsh. From the start, it conveys that it is made to hit hard, but without punishing as much as other stiffer diamond-shaped paddles.
The ball exit is high, and this is immediately noticeable in the initial exchanges, especially when we are not perfectly positioned. The ball comes out with speed and precision, and that extra help makes adaptation quick for a professional-profile paddle. We also liked that the high balance can be adjusted with the Weight & Balance system, although it is important to note that it never becomes a low-balance paddle; at most, we can bring it to a medium-high. The octagonal frame provides that torsional rigidity typical of the series, but it requires a good protector because scratches can take a toll on aesthetics.
With its oversized diamond shape, adjustable high balance, and EVA Soft Performance rubber, this version helps more from the back than we usually expect from a paddle of this type. Compared to the HRD, it felt more forgiving and easier to handle when it comes to defending or rebuilding the point. The very high ball exit makes it easier to lift deep lobs and get out of tight situations with less effort than usual. This is where it shows that Adidas has refined the set so that not everything depends on having the perfect arm for every ball.
In long lobs, we had good sensations because the medium feel prevents the ball from sinking too much, allowing us to give it depth with reasonable control. It doesn’t reach the control of a round paddle or a more neutral tear-drop shape, but the surface feels stable and allows for a fairly natural link between defense and attack. When we look for a wall drop, the response is regular and clean: the ball comes out tense without needing to accelerate too much and maintains a stable trajectory. That stability makes the paddle have more order than is usually associated with a powerful diamond.
Even so, there is a clear condition here: it works better if we play actively. If we step into the ball, prepare well, and want to take the initiative from the back, it responds very well; if we wait for the paddle to do the work on its own, the performance becomes quite normal. We find this nuance important because it clearly defines who it is aimed at. It is not a passive paddle, but rather a diamond that helps more than many rivals in its segment when it comes to defending.
At the net, we clearly saw its balance between ball exit and firmness. Volleys come out tense without requiring an exaggerated gesture, which gives a lot of confidence when we want to press quickly and take time away from the opponent. In blocks, it also performs well because the ball rebounds cleanly and does not sink, even when there is considerable weight from the ball on the other side. It is not the fastest paddle on the market, but near the net, it feels stable and very reliable.
The trays came out deep without too much complication, something that fits very well with that medium feel and the rigidity of the surface. In the vibora, the plate system makes a lot of sense because we can adjust the weight to our style and make the hit feel faster or with more load. The rough finish also plays a role, helping the ball grip better and giving us an extra bite and angle on the cut shot. It is not an especially agile paddle, but it is one of those that allows you to play with confidence and offensive intent at the net.
On the smash, it maintains the Metalbone essence very well: high power, dry hit, and good ease of generating depth. On the surface, the ball comes out quickly and with good projection, and the medium feel ensures that even when we don’t hit perfectly, the response remains rewarding. It didn’t seem as extreme as an HRD Hard Plus, but it is still in the high power range within Adidas’s catalog.
In terms of pure performance, this Adidas moves in a very clear balance between configurable maximum power and sufficient control for technical players. With the screws mounted, the power is at that level 10 expected from a top-of-the-line Metalbone, and the ball comes out with a lot of speed and precision. The control stays around an 8 due to its oversized diamond shape, so it doesn’t have the sweet spot or easy direction of a more round paddle. In exchange, it gives us that aggressive edge that high-court players seek who want to press without sacrificing some comfort. Within the brand itself, we place it very high in power, even above the Arrow Heats 2026 and very close to the HRD Hard Plus, although a small step below the latter in raw demand.
The sensation we got from the sweet spot is of a medium term: it is not huge, but it also doesn’t punish too much when the impact is not perfect. In quick hits and defense, it maintains good stability on off-center hits, which is why it feels more forgiving from the back than the HRD.
With a weight between 345 and 360 grams and the option to lighten it by up to 12 grams by removing screws, we have plenty of room to adjust sensations without leaving the concept of high or medium-high balance. It is not the most maneuverable, but we liked that the energy is absorbed in the ball and does not travel to the wrist, which improves overall comfort and makes the hitting cleaner.
We are looking at a professional/top range paddle, and its reference price ranges between 385 and 390 €. In this range, a premium construction is expected, real customization technologies, materials like aluminized carbon, and performance clearly aimed at demanding players. It is a serious investment for those who prioritize performance on the court above all else. As is often the case with seasonal models, it is normal for the price to decrease over the months, and as the next version approaches, it is common to find very interesting discounts. In fact, paddles from the previous year are usually the ones that offer the best performance-to-price ratio within the high segment.
We think it is a paddle very well focused for backhand players or for those who play aggressively up front, with good volley, tray, and smash technique. If your game involves high balls, taking the net, and accelerating with control, this Metalbone makes sense and fits very well with the style represented by Ale Galán. We also see it suitable for those who want power but do not desire an excessively hard feel like that of other more radical versions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a soft feel, a more round paddle, or expect the material to resolve situations for you, you probably won’t get the most out of it here.
We see it as a very serious Metalbone, powerful and much more accessible than other hard versions in the series. If you are an advanced or professional player looking for a signature paddle with hitting power, customization, and better performance from the back than usual in a diamond, this Adidas Metalbone 3.5 Ale Galan 2026 has plenty of arguments. If your priority is pure maneuverability or easy control of a round paddle, we would look for another profile.
Our recommender helps you choose the racket that best suits you, your child, or your friend to give them the best gift.
