Adidas Metalbone vs Bullpadel Vertex: The Ultimate Power Racket Showdown
The two most iconic power rackets in professional padel go head-to-head. The revolutionary Adidas Metalbone 3.2 (Alejandro Galán's weapon) with its octagonal design battles the proven Bullpadel Vertex 03 (Paquito Navarro & Martín Di Nenno's choice). Both cost €299. Which flagship delivers more for your game?
Quick Verdict
Winner: Metalbone 3.2 (Narrowly)
The Adidas Metalbone 3.2 edges ahead with its revolutionary octagonal design, superior control (8.7 vs 8.0), exceptional spin generation, and Alejandro Galán's world #1 endorsement. It's the more complete flagship—excellent power (9.3) combined with better precision and versatility.
The Bullpadel Vertex 03 delivers marginally higher raw power (9.5 vs 9.3) with proven traditional diamond engineering. If you want the absolute maximum smash velocity and prefer conventional designs, the Vertex excels. It's also backed by 30+ years of Bullpadel quality.
Best Choice: Choose Metalbone for innovation, spin, and all-around excellence. Choose Vertex for pure explosive power with traditional diamond reliability. Both are elite—you can't go wrong.
The Flagships: Side-by-Side
The Battle: Category by Category
Power Output
Vertex WinsVertex delivers slightly more raw power through its aggressive diamond shape
Control & Precision
Metalbone WinsMetalbone's octagonal shape and aluminized surface provide better ball feel
Spin Generation
Metalbone WinsAluminized carbon surface creates significantly more spin
Sweet Spot Size
Metalbone WinsMetalbone's hybrid shape offers slightly larger sweet spot
Maneuverability
Metalbone WinsMetalbone feels more agile despite similar weights
Build Quality
Vertex WinsBullpadel's 30 years of experience shows in proven construction
Complete Pros & Cons Analysis
Adidas Metalbone 3.2
- Revolutionary octagonal shape for unique handling
- Aluminized surface for extreme spin generation
- Used by Alejandro Galán (world #1)
- Exceptional power output (9.3/10)
- Dual Exoskeleton frame adds rigidity
- Perfect for aggressive, attacking players
- Demanding racket requires advanced technique
- Higher price point at €299
- Hard touch may cause arm fatigue
- Octagonal shape takes adjustment period
- Not ideal for defensive/control players
Bullpadel Vertex 03
- Highest power rating in comparison (9.5/10)
- Traditional diamond shape - easier to adapt
- Used by Paquito Navarro & Martín Di Nenno
- Proven MultiEVA core technology
- 30+ years of Bullpadel expertise
- Excellent value for flagship performance
- Lower control than Metalbone (8.0 vs 8.7)
- Smaller sweet spot requires precision
- Hard touch - not comfortable for long sessions
- Heavy weight (365-375g) needs strength
- Less innovative than Metalbone design
The Ultimate Power Racket Battle: Deep Analysis
The Revolutionary vs The Proven: Design Philosophy
The Adidas Metalbone's octagonal shape is the most radical design innovation in modern padel. The eight-sided geometry creates unique aerodynamics and weight distribution. It looks futuristic, feels different in hand, and genuinely performs differently than any traditional racket. Adidas took a massive risk with this design—and it paid off when Alejandro Galán won tournaments with it.
The Bullpadel Vertex's diamond shape represents 30+ years of refined engineering. It's not revolutionary—it's evolutionary. Every generation of Vertex improves incrementally on proven diamond geometry. Bullpadel knows exactly how diamond rackets should feel, and the Vertex 03 is their masterpiece of traditional power engineering.
Which approach is better? The Metalbone's innovation delivers tangible benefits (better control, spin, sweet spot). The Vertex's conservatism ensures reliability and raw power. Choose based on whether you value cutting-edge innovation or proven consistency.
Power: Vertex's Narrow Victory (9.5 vs 9.3)
In pure, explosive smash power, the Vertex 03 edges ahead with a 9.5 power rating. Its aggressive diamond shape and high balance point create maximum leverage. When you wind up for a smash, the Vertex delivers devastating velocity. Paquito Navarro and Martín Di Nenno use this racket to hit some of the fastest smashes on tour.
The Metalbone's 9.3 power rating is still elite—among the top 5% of all rackets. The difference is marginal. However, the Metalbone's octagonal shape does sacrifice some ultimate power for better control and maneuverability.
Winner: Vertex by a whisker. If you want the absolute maximum smash power available in padel, choose the Vertex.
Control & Precision: Metalbone's Clear Advantage (8.7 vs 8.0)
Here's where the Metalbone's innovation shines. Its 8.7 control rating is exceptional for a power racket—most diamond rackets score 7.5-8.0. The octagonal shape provides better feedback on ball contact, and the aluminized surface enhances feel. Alejandro Galán uses the Metalbone not just for power but for his signature precise placement.
The Vertex's 8.0 control is typical for aggressive diamond rackets. It's not bad—it's just that raw power diamonds inherently sacrifice some control for explosion. The Vertex is built for smashing, not surgical placement.
Winner: Metalbone decisively. This 0.7 difference is significant and makes the Metalbone the more complete flagship.
Spin Generation: Metalbone Dominates (9.5 vs 8.4)
This isn't even close. The Metalbone's aluminized carbon surface generates extreme spin—among the best in all of padel. The aluminum particles create micro-friction that grabs the ball, letting you put wicked topspin on drives and slice on volleys. This is a massive competitive advantage for technical players.
The Vertex's smooth 12K carbon face provides good spin (8.4), but it can't match the Metalbone's textured surface. If spin is critical to your game, the Metalbone is significantly better.
Winner: Metalbone by a mile. This 1.1 rating difference represents a genuine on-court performance gap.
Professional Validation: Both Are Elite
Metalbone: Alejandro Galán (world #1) and Arturo Coello dominate with this racket. Galán's precision and power game perfectly showcases what the Metalbone can do in the hands of an elite player.
Vertex: Paquito Navarro & Martín Di Nenno (multiple WPT champions) prove the Vertex's tournament credentials. These are explosive, attacking players who need maximum power—and they choose the Vertex.
Winner: Tie. Both rackets are proven at the absolute highest level. Your choice should be based on playing style, not professional endorsements.
The €299 Question: Which Delivers More Value?
Both flagships cost exactly €299, making this a pure performance comparison:
- The Metalbone wins on: control (8.7 vs 8.0), spin (9.5 vs 8.4), sweet spot (8.6 vs 8.3), maneuverability (8.2 vs 7.8), and overall rating (9.4 vs 9.2)
- The Vertex wins on: power (9.5 vs 9.3), build quality (9.3 vs 9.0), and traditional design familiarity
The Metalbone wins more categories and by larger margins. For €299, it delivers more complete performance. However, if you specifically want the absolute maximum power and prefer proven designs, the Vertex's advantages matter more to you.
Who Should Choose the Metalbone?
Choose Metalbone 3.2 If You:
- Want the most complete flagship (wins more categories)
- Value control + power over pure power (8.7 control is elite)
- Need maximum spin generation (9.5 spin rating)
- Want what Alejandro Galán (world #1) uses
- Appreciate innovative design (octagonal shape)
Who Should Choose the Vertex?
Choose Vertex 03 If You:
- Want absolute maximum power (9.5 is top-tier)
- Prefer traditional diamond design (no adjustment period)
- Trust 30+ years of Bullpadel expertise
- Value proven build quality (9.3 rating)
- Want what Paquito & Di Nenno dominate with
The Final Verdict
The Adidas Metalbone 3.2 wins this flagship battle by delivering more complete performance. It matches the Vertex's power closely (9.3 vs 9.5) while significantly outperforming in control, spin, sweet spot, and maneuverability. For the same €299 price, you get a more versatile, innovative racket that excels in more areas.
However, the Bullpadel Vertex 03 remains an exceptional choice if you prioritize raw power above all else and prefer traditional engineering. It's proven by champions and built to last.
Can't decide? Test both if possible. The Metalbone's octagonal shape feels unique—some players love it immediately, others need adjustment. The Vertex feels instantly familiar to anyone who's played diamond rackets. Your hand and playing style will tell you which is right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power: Metalbone or Vertex?
Vertex 03 has slightly more raw power (9.5 vs 9.3). The difference is marginal—both deliver elite smash velocity. The Vertex's traditional diamond shape maximizes pure power, while the Metalbone sacrifices 0.2 points of power for better control and versatility.
Is the Metalbone's octagonal shape worth the adjustment?
Yes, if you value its benefits (better control, spin, sweet spot). Most players adapt within 2-3 sessions. The shape feels unique at first but delivers tangible performance advantages. If you're resistant to change, choose the Vertex's familiar diamond.
Which is better for intermediate players?
Neither—both are demanding rackets for advanced players. If you must choose, the Metalbone's better control (8.7) and larger sweet spot (8.6) make it slightly more forgiving. But honestly, intermediate players should consider less demanding options like the Hack 03 Comfort.
Which generates more spin?
Metalbone dominates spin generation (9.5 vs 8.4). The aluminized carbon surface creates significantly more friction than the Vertex's smooth 12K carbon. If spin is critical to your game, the Metalbone is clearly superior.
Do both cost the same?
Yes, both flagships are priced at €299. This makes it a pure performance comparison. The Metalbone wins more categories (control, spin, sweet spot, maneuverability, overall rating). The Vertex wins fewer but important ones (power, build quality, familiarity).
Which lasts longer?
Vertex likely lasts longer due to traditional construction. Bullpadel's 30+ years of experience shows in durability. The Metalbone's aluminized surface and innovative design may wear faster. Expect 1-1.5 years from Metalbone vs 1.5-2 years from Vertex with regular play.