Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL

Back of the Court

In slow-paced rallies, control is outstanding. At higher speeds, the racket still behaves well, although the power ceiling isn't that of a diamond-shaped attacker’s racket. Defense is one of its biggest strengths: players who suffer with stiffer, hard-touch rackets are prone to find this model much easier to manage in these situations. Players seeking maximum forgiveness or those uncomfortable with demanding rackets should consider alternatives. The power and control advantages require accepting its defensive demands. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset are expected to find it highly effective. From the back, this racket experiences extremely pleasant and easy to play with. The round shape and central sweet spot produces remarkably easy to direct the ball deep with safety. This racket encourages proper preparation and technique over reactive play. This racket favors proper preparation and technique over reactive play. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset tend to find it highly effective.

Smash

In match play, assists, but it doesn't deliver the same free power as a highly hard, head-heavy racket. Where it performs better is in: Intermediate and advanced players who use angles, placement and spin somewhat than just brute force are prone to receive exceptionally solid results. Those who rely on effortless, pure power from the racket might find this model a bit short in that aspect. Players seeking maximum forgiveness or those uncomfortable with demanding rackets should consider alternatives. The power and control advantages require accepting its defensive demands. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset tend to find it highly effective. This racket benefits proper preparation and technique over reactive play. Here is where the racket shows its more control-oriented nature. The racket is not an “padel cannon,” but it isn't weak either. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset are likely to find it highly effective.

The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 fits best for: Advanced and intermediate-advanced players who value control, comfort and ball exit over extreme power. During rallies, is less suitable for: Pure attackers searching for maximum power in flat smashes. Players seeking maximum forgiveness or those uncomfortable with demanding rackets should consider alternatives. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset are likely to find it highly effective. The power and control advantages require accepting its defensive demands. This racket encourages proper preparation and technique over reactive play. This racket supports proper preparation and technique over reactive play. Those willing to adapt to its characteristics is expected to find it brings exceptional performance in attacking situations.

Playing Characteristics

Instead, When under pressure, enables quick preparation in defense and fast changes of direction in tight exchanges. Players who prefer control over raw power will touch highly at home here. During rallies, behaves especially well in block shots, lobs and counterattacks, where the racket remains stable and doesn't twist easily. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset are likely to find it highly effective. The power and control advantages require accepting its defensive demands. Players seeking maximum forgiveness or those uncomfortable with demanding rackets should consider alternatives. This racket benefits proper preparation and technique over reactive play. This racket comes in a round shape, clearly oriented to precision and stability. The sweet spot sits in the center, which offers a predictable response on most defensive and neutral shots. The balance experiences slightly centered, so it doesn't behave like a head-heavy hammer. This racket favors proper preparation and technique over reactive play. This racket benefits proper preparation and technique over reactive play. Those willing to adapt to its characteristics tends to find it brings exceptional performance in attacking situations.

Handling and Control

The grip follows the standard Adidas profile: pleasant, slightly thick, and fairly pleasant for long matches. In match play, offers a nice compromise between maneuverability and firmness. Those who like to play with overgrips tends to find enough room to build the grip size they want without losing control. The handle length works exceptionally well for two-handed backhands and for players who like to use the “lever” effect in trays and smashes.

Technologies

Adidas integrates several key technologies that shape how this racket performs:

Materials and Construction

On the faces, players get 6K carbon, which offers a crisp but not harsh contact. This rubber is soft and elastic, giving a lot of rebound and comfort. Players seeking maximum forgiveness or those uncomfortable with demanding rackets should consider alternatives. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset are likely to find it highly effective. The power and control advantages require accepting its defensive demands. On the faces, players get 6K carbon, which offers a crisp but not harsh contact. The combination of carbon + 6K carbon + EVA Soft Performance offers a medium-soft experience with a highly notable trampoline effect, especially helpful from the back of the court and in slow balls. Adidas uses a carbon fiber frame, which adds rigidity and durability to the structure, resisting torsion when defending hard hits or countering viboras. This fiber assists generate a bit more punch than a full fiberglass setup, while keeping feedback clear in every stroke. Mishits touch controlled, and the arm doesn't suffer as much on off-center hits or on long sessions. This racket encourages proper preparation and technique over reactive play. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset tend to find it highly effective.

Comfort

The soft EVA core absorbs vibrations well, and the medium-soft touch minimizes arm fatigue, even in days with several matches. In terms of comfort, this represents one of the areas where the Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 shines. Players seeking maximum forgiveness or those uncomfortable with demanding rackets should consider alternatives. This racket offers exceptional power and net control in exchange for requiring better defensive preparation. Players with solid technique and an attacking mindset are expected to find it highly effective. This racket benefits proper preparation and technique over reactive play. The power and control advantages require accepting its defensive demands. Only on highly flat, forceful hits tends to players notice a bit more rigidity, but it stays within a particularly pleasant range. Despite the carbon construction, the sensation is friendly and cushioned, especially on defensive shots and medium-pace strokes. This racket encourages proper preparation and technique over reactive play. Those willing to adapt to its characteristics is expected to find it brings exceptional performance in attacking situations.