Rackets · adidas · Metalbone CTRL
adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026
2026

adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026

8.5padell.io scoreSpecs + 1 review source
Shape
Round
Weight
345 to 360 g
Balance
Even
Core
EVA Soft Performance
Does it suit your game?Seven quick questions, with this racket as the starting point.
Question 1 of 7

What is your level?

The short answer

A round control racket that forgives a lot and gives away little. The published reviews agree on the basics: control yes, easy power no.

RBy · facts checked 23 September 2026

Choose it if

  • You play on the right side and win points with patience, lobs and placement.
  • You want a racket that forgives off-centre hits.

Skip it if

  • You play on the left and want to finish points with smashes.
  • You want easy power. Look at a diamond or a teardrop with a high balance.
  • Your elbow is sensitive and you cannot try it first.

How it plays

8.5
padell.io score 8.5Play 8.6 (60%) and reviews 8.3 (40%). Based on 1 review source. How the score works
Control9.0above average▲
Power4.0below average▼
Comfort5.0around average●
Handling6.0above average▲
Forgiveness7.0above average▲

Line = the average of all rackets ▲ above ▼ below

Round head, even balance, 38 mm thick, a soft EVA core and a 16K carbon face. A racket for placing the ball, not for ending the point.

  • Control The round shape keeps the sweet spot big and in the middle of the face. Long rallies from the back are where it feels at home.
  • Power Low for this price. A smash from the back needs your own speed, and every review says so too.
  • Comfort The soft core helps, the stiff carbon works the other way. The reviews do not agree here.
  • Handling The weight sits low in your hand, so it is easy to move. A lighter round racket is still a little quicker at the net.
  • Forgiveness Catch the ball a few centimetres off-centre and it still goes roughly where you aimed.

Specifications

Launched2026The newest version of this racket
ShapeRoundBig sweet spot low in the face: control and margin
Weight345 to 360 gLight: quick in the hand, less mass behind the ball
BalanceEven according to the brandEven: quick at the net, enough in the smash
FaceCarbon Aluminized 16KStiff: precise and powerful at speed, less damping
CoreEVA Soft PerformanceSoft: comfort and ball exit, less control at high speed
Thickness38 mmThe maximum the rules allow
Head size485 cm²
SurfaceSpin Blade DecalRough: helps with spin
HandleExtra Power Grip
FrameOctagonal Structure

Specs from the brand's own site · checked 25 September 2026 · Spotted a wrong spec? Report it →

Video reviews

6 videos from independent channels and shops

What 6 video reviewers say

6 played it on court

Often mentioned
Plus points
  • Large sweet spot5 of 6
  • Adjustable weight system3 of 6
  • Good control3 of 6
  • Good in defence2 of 6
Minus points
  • Lacks power4 of 6
  • Less control3 of 6
Summaries by padell.io, based on what each reviewer says in the video. Tap a time to watch that moment.
Tested on court

The reviewer describes this racket as having a medium soft feel with good power and a larger sweet spot than standard rackets. It is suitable for players who want extra help in the air and those who prefer a softer feel or need to avoid elbow discomfort.

Tested on court

The reviewer finds this racket offers good power and a responsive feel, making it suitable for players who want extra assistance in their game. It performs well in defensive situations and overhead shots, though it can feel slightly demanding in terms of control during faster exchanges.

Tested on court

The reviewer describes this racket as a high performance model that offers excellent control and elasticity. It is particularly effective for defensive shots and lobs, while still providing sufficient power for attacking play.

Tested on court

The reviewer finds this racket offers excellent control and is particularly enjoyable for defensive play. While it provides less raw power than a diamond shaped racket, it remains a versatile option that allows for precise ball placement.

Tested on court

The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 is a round shaped racket that prioritizes control and strategy over raw power. It is a complete and versatile option that is easier to handle than other models in the Metalbone line.

Tested on court

The reviewer finds this racket excellent for control and defensive play. It is particularly well suited for beginners or players who prioritize ball placement and maneuverability over raw power.

Every version

Compare all versions →
2023Other version€ 190.00
2024Other versionNot in shops
2025Different specs€ 191.90
2026This racket€ 224.95

adidas brings out a new Metalbone CTRL every year. The 2026 is also called the 3.5.

What changed? Less than the name suggests. From the 3.3 to the 3.4 the face went from aluminized 2-to-1 carbon to 16K carbon. From the 3.4 to the 2026: nothing in the published specs. Same shape, weight, balance, core, face and thickness.

So if you want this racket, look at the 3.4 first. Same specs, one year older. The price of every version is in the timeline above.

Price history

Today€ 224.95Lowest in 30 days€ 224.95vs 30-day average-6%
23 Sept€ 224.95 · € 309.8014 Nov

Lowest price per day across the shops in your market. Checked every night.

What reviewers say

There are three reviews of the 2026: padel.how gives it 71 out of 100, Padelprof 8.4 and Padelzoom 8.6. They agree on two things. Control is the strong point, power the weak one.

Where they differ: comfort, and who it is for. Padelprof points it at advanced defensive players, Padelzoom at intermediate and advanced players who want consistency.

Two of the three mention an adjustable weight system. The spec page padell.io uses does not list one. Ask the shop before you count on it.

padel.how7.1

Best forIntermediate-advanced players prioritizing placement and controlled shot construction

Read the full review →

Of the ten Metalbone rackets adidas has for 2026 in the padell.io index, most are diamonds for the left side: head-heavy and built to finish the point. The CTRL goes the other way. Round head, even balance, the weight low in your hand.

The Metalbone familySame year, from most power (left) to most control (right)
HRD+ReservePro Edt Ale GalánAle GalánCarbonTeamSuperlightCarbon Ctrl
Ctrl
Team Zidane

Its closest relatives are the Carbon CTRL and the Superlight. The Carbon CTRL keeps the round shape but gets a 6K carbon face and 15 grams more: a little softer and a little slower. The Superlight has fibreglass instead of carbon, is much softer and has hardly any punch.

Feel and your arm

16K carbon is stiff, and the soft core takes some of that away. With a healthy arm you will hardly notice. If your elbow complains after two hours, try the Carbon CTRL or the Superlight first. Same shape, softer face.

Written byPadel player and founder of padell.io

Bought, played and sold more rackets than was good for him, and built padell.io to bring it all together.

About padell.io →

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Questions before you buy

Is the Metalbone CTRL 2026 the same racket as the 3.5?

Yes. The 2026 model is also called the Metalbone CTRL 3.5. padel.how, for example, reviews it under that name.

Is it a good racket for a beginner?

The racket itself is forgiving: round shape, big sweet spot. The question is the money. An older Metalbone CTRL with the same shape costs a lot less, and a first racket takes a beating.

Is the Metalbone Ctrl 2026 worth the money right now?

Today's price is labelled "Pricey today" compared with the rackets that play most alike. Which shops deliver, and what shipping costs, depends on your country. The price comparison shows it for yours.

See all prices
What is the closest alternative?

The adidas Cross IT Pro Edt 2026 plays most alike. Differences: comfort +1.0. Today: € 252.00.

Compare side by side →
Who should not buy it?

Skip it if you want easy power for smashes (power 4.0/10), or if your elbow or shoulder complains (comfort 5.0/10).

How heavy is it really?

The brand gives 345 to 360 g. That counts as light. Each racket can differ within that range.

Why a range? →