Which is better for beginners: Evo Speed or Cross It Light?

Head Evo Speed at €64 is the best first racket — low risk while you learn. Cross It Light (€179, score 84) suits beginners ready to invest in a lightweight control frame with a 9.12 sweet spot.

Why is Cross It Light so much more expensive?

Cross It Light uses Adidas carbon construction, scores 84 overall with 9.48 manoeuvrability and 9.12 sweet spot. Evo Speed is a €64 fiberglass entry frame scoring 65 — different product tiers entirely.

Which has better control?

Cross It Light dominates — 8.58 CTL vs Evo Speed's 7.11, plus 9.12 sweet spot vs 6.38. Cross It Light is built for placement and forgiveness at higher levels.

Is Evo Speed powerful enough?

Evo Speed scores 5.58 PWR — adequate for learning, not for aggressive club play. Cross It Light isn't a power frame either (6.33 PWR). For power, see Cross It 2025 or Metalbone lines.

When should you upgrade from Evo Speed to Cross It Light?

After 6–12 months when technique is solid and you want lighter swing weight, better sweet spot, and higher control. If budget allows sooner, Cross It Light accelerates development.

VS ComparisonBudget vs upgradeHead · Adidas

Head Evo Speed vs Adidas Cross It Light

July 10, 2025·Updated June 2026·8 min read

Entry budget meets lightweight control: Head Speed EVO from €64 vs Adidas Cross It Light at €179. These rackets sit at opposite ends of the market — not direct rivals, but a common upgrade path. Live Padelvo scores compared below.

Head Evo Speed

Head's entry-level Speed EVO line — the cheapest way into padel at €64. Fiberglass construction and modest scores make it ideal for absolute beginners testing the sport without a big investment.

Adidas Cross It Light

Adidas's lightweight control hybrid built for manoeuvrability and sweet-spot forgiveness. A significant step up in materials and performance for club players who want easy swing weight and placement precision.

Quick verdict

Evo Speed to start · Cross It Light to upgrade

Evo Speed wins on price (€64 vs €179) — the smartest first racket. Cross It Light wins everything else: score (84 vs 65), control (8.58 vs 7.11), sweet spot (9.12 vs 6.38), and manoeuvrability (9.48 vs 6.38). Upgrade when you outgrow entry-level limits.

Which should you buy?

Choose Evo Speed if…

You want the lowest entry price in our catalog (from €64)
You are brand new to padel and unsure how often you'll play
A budget first racket beats borrowing or renting long-term
You will upgrade within a year once technique develops

Choose Cross It Light if…

You want elite sweet spot (9.12) and manoeuvrability (9.48)
Control matters more than power (8.58 CTL vs 7.11)
You are ready to invest €179 in a lightweight hybrid
You have 6+ months experience and need a proper upgrade

Common questions

Is Evo Speed a diamond shape power racket?

No — despite the Speed name, our catalog scores it at 5.58 PWR. It is an entry-level frame, not an attacking diamond. The old article's power ratings were inaccurate.

Cross It Light vs Cross It 2025 — which one?

Cross It Light prioritises light weight and control (6.33 PWR). Cross It 2025 is a power hybrid (9.4 PWR, score 87). This article compares Evo Speed vs the Light model specifically.

Best budget alternative to Cross It Light?

Head Radical Team 2026 (€121, score 84) or Babolat Counter Veron (€149, score 85) offer strong control at lower prices than Cross It Light.

Can advanced players use Cross It Light?

Yes for control-focused defensive play, but most advanced players want more power. See Cross It 2025 or Metalbone for offensive frames.

More comparisons

Beginner guides, Cross It power models, and Head vs Adidas brand battles.

Start cheap or upgrade smart

Evo Speed for your first sessions, Cross It Light when control and manoeuvrability matter — live prices on both.