Head vs Adidas: Which Brand Should You Buy in 2025?
Two tennis giants clash in padel. Head brings innovative Graphene technology and decades of expertise. Adidas counters with the revolutionary Metalbone series and pro-level performance. We compare their best rackets, technology, value, and reputation to help you choose the right brand.
Quick Verdict
Winner: Adidas (By a Narrow Margin)
Adidas edges ahead with superior control-oriented rackets (Adipower CTRL series), the innovative Metalbone line, and better value at mid-range prices (€200-240). Their rackets consistently score higher on control, comfort, and sweet spot size—critical for most players.
Head remains competitive with proven Graphene 360 technology, excellent build quality, and better value at entry-level prices. The Radical Pro offers great all-around performance, and Head's reputation for durability is unmatched.
Best Choice: Choose Adidas if you prioritize control and comfort. Choose Head if you want proven tennis technology and excellent value.
Brand Heritage & Philosophy
Head
Founded: 1950 (USA) • Entered Padel: 2015
Head is a legendary tennis brand that brought decades of racquet innovation to padel. Famous for sponsoring Novak Djokovic in tennis, they've applied the same engineering excellence to padel with their Graphene 360 technology.
Head's philosophy: "Performance through innovation". They focus on material science, especially graphene-reinforced frames for stability and power without adding weight.
- Graphene 360: Redistributes weight for better balance
- Power Foam: High-energy return cores
- Comfort Foam: Vibration-dampening materials
Limited padel sponsorships, focusing on grassroots growth
Adidas
Founded: 1949 (Germany) • Entered Padel: 2012
Adidas is a global sports giant that invested heavily in padel earlier than most tennis brands. Their Metalbone series revolutionized design with octagonal shapes and aluminized surfaces for maximum spin and power.
Adidas's philosophy: "Impossible is nothing". They combine cutting-edge materials with bold design and premium pro partnerships to dominate competitive padel.
- Aluminized Carbon: Enhanced spin and durability
- EVA High Memory: Consistent bounce and power
- Spin Blade: Rough surface for extreme spin
Alejandro Galán, Arturo Coello, Paula Josemaría, Ariana Sánchez
Flagship Models: Head-to-Head
All-Round Performance: Radical Pro vs Metalbone CTRL
Power Output
Adidas WinsControl Precision
Adidas WinsSweet Spot Size
Adidas WinsManeuverability
Adidas WinsBuild Quality
Head WinsValue for Money
Head WinsThe Brand Battle: Deep Dive Analysis
Technology: Graphene vs Aluminized Carbon
Head's Graphene 360 is a material science breakthrough—graphene is the strongest material on Earth, and integrating it into the frame redistributes weight from the handle to the head for optimal balance. You get more power and stability without adding weight. It's proven technology from tennis that works beautifully in padel.
Adidas's Aluminized Carbon takes a different approach—coating the carbon fiber face with aluminum particles creates a rougher surface that grabs the ball better. This generates more spin and provides better durability. The Metalbone series combines this with octagonal shapes for unique aesthetics and performance.
Winner: Adidas. While Head's graphene is impressive, Adidas's aluminized carbon delivers more tangible benefits for padel specifically—better spin, improved durability, and unique design possibilities. Graphene's weight redistribution is excellent but less revolutionary in padel than tennis.
Control & Precision: Adidas Dominates
Looking at average ratings across comparable models, Adidas rackets consistently score 0.5-1.0 points higher on control. The Adipower CTRL 3.2 (9.5 control rating) is one of the best control rackets available at any price. Even the Metalbone CTRL (8.6) matches Head's best control offerings.
Head's control rackets like the Alpha Motion (9.0 control) are excellent but don't quite reach Adidas's level. The Radical Pro emphasizes versatility over pure control (8.4 rating). If precision placement is your priority, Adidas has the edge.
Power Output: Close Race
Both brands deliver excellent power in their aggressive models. The Head Radical Pro (8.7 power) and Adidas Metalbone CTRL (8.9 power) are nearly identical. Head's Power Foam core provides explosive energy return, while Adidas's EVA High Memory delivers consistent power throughout the racket's lifespan.
Winner: Tie. Both brands can produce serious power when you need it. Your choice should depend on other factors like control, feel, and price.
Build Quality & Durability: Head Takes It
This is where Head's 70+ years of racquet-making experience shines. Head rackets are exceptionally well-built with consistent quality control. Their frames resist chips and cracks better than most competitors, and the graphene reinforcement adds structural integrity.
Adidas rackets are also well-made, but their more experimental designs (like the octagonal Metalbone) sometimes sacrifice some durability for innovation. Some users report that aluminized surfaces can wear faster than traditional carbon fiber.
Winner: Head. If you want a racket that will last multiple seasons with minimal degradation, Head's proven construction methods and materials give them the edge.
Value for Money: Depends on Budget
Under €200: Head wins decisively. The Alpha Motion (€189) and Radical Pro (€199) deliver excellent performance at accessible prices. These are fantastic first "serious" rackets for intermediate players.
€200-240: Adidas wins. The Adipower CTRL 3.2 (€210) and Metalbone CTRL (€229) offer premium performance without reaching into ultra-luxury pricing. These compete with €270+ rackets from other brands.
€240+: Neither brand competes strongly in the ultra-premium segment (€280-350) where Spanish brands like Bullpadel and Nox dominate. Both Head and Adidas focus on the €180-240 sweet spot where most players shop.
Pro Players & Marketing: Adidas Dominates
Adidas invests heavily in professional padel with sponsorships of elite players like Alejandro Galán (world #1), Arturo Coello, Paula Josemaría, and Ariana Sánchez. This creates powerful aspirational marketing—"play like Galán with the Metalbone!"
Head has limited pro sponsorships in padel, focusing instead on grassroots programs and club players. Their strategy emphasizes value and technology over celebrity endorsements.
Winner: Adidas for aspirational branding, Head for substance-over-hype approach. Choose based on whether you care about playing what pros use or just want great equipment.
Who Should Choose Head?
Choose Head If You:
- Want proven tennis technology adapted for padel
- Prioritize build quality and durability
- Need excellent value under €200
- Prefer balanced, versatile rackets over specialized designs
- Trust established brands with decades of racquet expertise
Who Should Choose Adidas?
Choose Adidas If You:
- Want maximum control and precision
- Seek innovative design (Metalbone aesthetics)
- Value enhanced spin generation
- Want pro-level equipment used by world #1 players
- Prefer best value in €200-240 range
The Final Verdict
Both brands produce excellent rackets, but they excel in different areas:
Adidas wins overall with superior control-oriented rackets, innovative technology (aluminized carbon), strong pro partnerships, and excellent value in the €200-240 range. The Adipower CTRL series is arguably the best control lineup available, and the Metalbone offers unique performance and aesthetics.
Head remains highly competitive with exceptional build quality, proven graphene technology, better value under €200, and reliable, versatile designs. If you want a racket that does everything well and will last multiple seasons, Head is an excellent choice.
For most players, we recommend Adidas—their control focus aligns with what most players need (precision over pure power), their rackets feel premium without ultra-premium pricing, and their innovation in padel-specific technology is impressive.
However, if you're on a tighter budget (under €200) or prioritize durability and build quality above all else, choose Head. You won't be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Head or Adidas better for beginners?
Both are excellent for beginners. Head's Alpha Motion (€189) offers great control with a large sweet spot. Adidas's Adipower CTRL (€210) provides exceptional forgiveness. Choose Head if budget is tight, Adidas if you want maximum control from day one.
Which brand is better for advanced players?
Adidas edges ahead for advanced players seeking specialized performance. The Metalbone series offers unique options for aggressive play, and the Adipower CTRL delivers elite control. Head's offerings are more generalist—excellent quality but less specialized for high-level competition.
Do Head rackets last longer than Adidas?
Generally yes. Head's conservative design approach and reinforced graphene frames tend to maintain performance longer. Adidas rackets are well-built but their experimental designs sometimes sacrifice some longevity. Expect 1.5-2 years from Head vs 1-1.5 years from Adidas with regular play (3x/week).
What's better: Graphene 360 or Aluminized Carbon?
Different purposes. Graphene 360 (Head) optimizes weight distribution for better balance and stability. Aluminized Carbon (Adidas) enhances spin and durability. For control players, aluminized carbon wins. For all-around performance, graphene wins.
Can I get professional-level performance from both brands?
Absolutely. While Adidas sponsors more pros, both brands offer rackets capable of professional-level play. The Adidas Metalbone CTRL and Adipower CTRL are used by top players. Head's Radical Pro delivers elite performance despite less celebrity marketing.
Which brand offers better value for money?
Depends on your budget. Under €200: Head wins (Alpha Motion, Radical Pro). €200-240: Adidas wins (Adipower CTRL, Metalbone CTRL). Both brands offer excellent performance-per-euro compared to Spanish premium brands.