# adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 > Round, 345 to 360 g, even balance. Above average for handling and forgiveness, below for power. € 224.95 delivered to the Netherlands, checked 14 Nov 2026. - URL: https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-ctrl/ - Last updated: 2026-11-11 - Author: [Ruud Caris](https://padell.io/about/) - Language: en - Site: padell.io (https://padell.io/) Shop links go through padell.io/go/ (affiliate links: padell.io may earn a commission, which never affects scores). Prices include shipping to the Netherlands unless stated otherwise, and change daily. --- [Rackets](https://padell.io/rackets/) · [adidas](https://padell.io/brands/adidas/) · [Metalbone CTRL](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-ctrl/generations/) 2026 - **Shape**: Round - **Weight**: 345 to 360 g - **Balance**: Even - **Core**: EVA Soft Performance Lowest price **€ 224.95** at Pace · In stock · Free shipping · Checked at 04:21 (2026-11-14) · 17% cheaper than usual Lowest in 53 days **€ 224.95** Today **€ 224.95** [Buy at Pace](https://padell.io/go/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpace-shop.be%2Fproducts%2Fpadel-rackets-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026) 1. [PadelShop.com · In stock · Free shipping · Checked at 04:12 (2026-11-14) **€ 226.15**](https://padell.io/go/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpadelshop.com%2Fproducts%2Fadidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026) 2. [Holland Padel · In stock · Free shipping · Checked at 04:23 (2026-11-14) **€ 269.95**](https://padell.io/go/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhollandpadel.com%2Fproducts%2Fadidas-metalbone-ctrl-3-5-2026) Prices include shipping to the country you choose. [How padell.io earns money](https://padell.io/how-we-earn-money/) 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. By [Ruud Caris](https://padell.io/about/) · 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 8.5** Play 8.6 (60%) and reviews 8.3 (40%). Based on 1 review source. [How the score works](https://padell.io/how-we-score/) - **Control**: 9.0 above average▲ - **Power**: 4.0 below average▼ - **Comfort**: 5.0 around average● - **Handling**: 6.0 above average▲ - **Forgiveness**: 7.0 above 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 - **Launched**: 2026 The newest version of this racket - **Shape**: Round [Big sweet spot low in the face: control and margin](https://padell.io/guides/padel-racket-shapes/) - **Weight**: 345 to 360 g Light: quick in the hand, less mass behind the ball - **Balance**: Even according to the brand Even: quick at the net, enough in the smash - **Face**: Carbon Aluminized 16K Stiff: precise and powerful at speed, less damping - **Core**: EVA Soft Performance Soft: comfort and ball exit, less control at high speed - **Thickness**: 38 mm The maximum the rules allow - **Head size**: 485 cm² - **Surface**: Spin Blade Decal Rough: helps with spin - **Handle**: Extra Power Grip - **Frame**: Octagonal Structure Specs from the brand's own site · checked 25 September 2026 · [Spotted a wrong spec? Report it →](https://padell.io/contact/?topic=correction&racket=adidas%20Metalbone%20Ctrl%202026) ## 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 spot *5 of 6* - Adjustable weight system *3 of 6* - Good control *3 of 6* - Good in defence *2 of 6* **Minus points** - Lacks power *4 of 6* - Less control *3 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 →](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-ctrl/generations/) [2023 · Other version · € 190.00](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-ctrl-3-2/) [2024 · Other version · Not in shops](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-ctrl-3-3/) [2025 · Different specs · € 191.90](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-ctrl-3-4/) 2026 · This 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 **€ 224.95** Lowest in 30 days **€ 224.95** vs 30-day average **-6%** 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.how** 7.1 Best for Intermediate-advanced players prioritizing placement and controlled shot construction Read the full review →](https://padel.how/equipment/racket/adidas-metalbone-ctrl-3-5-2026-review/) Of the ten Metalbone rackets [adidas](https://padell.io/brands/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 family Same year, from most power (left) to most control (right) [**HRD+**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-hrd/) [**Reserve**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-reserve-2026/) [**Pro Edt Ale Galán**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-pro-edt-2026-racket-ale-galan/) [**Ale Galán**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-2026-ale-galan/) [**Carbon**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-carbon-2026/) [**Team**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-team-2026/) [**Superlight**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-superlight-2026/) [**Carbon Ctrl**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-carbon-ctrl-2026/) **Ctrl** [**Team Zidane**](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-team-zidane/) Its closest relatives are the [Carbon CTRL](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-carbon-ctrl-2026/) and the [Superlight](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/metalbone-superlight-2026/). The Carbon CTRL keeps the [round shape](https://padell.io/guides/padel-racket-shapes/) 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 by **[Ruud Caris](https://padell.io/about/)** Padel 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 →](https://padell.io/about/) ## Similar rackets Often compared: [Metalbone Ctrl 2026 vs adidas Metalbone Ctrl 3.4](https://padell.io/compare/adidas-metalbone-ctrl-3-4-vs-adidas-metalbone-ctrl/) [adidas Cross IT Pro Edt 2026](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/cross-it-pro-edt-2026/) · 7.9 [Compare side by side](https://padell.io/compare/adidas-cross-it-pro-edt-2026-vs-adidas-metalbone-ctrl/) [adidas Cross IT Light](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/cross-it-light/) · 8.7 [Compare side by side](https://padell.io/compare/adidas-cross-it-light-vs-adidas-metalbone-ctrl/) [adidas Cross IT Light 3.4](https://padell.io/rackets/adidas/cross-it-light-3-4/) · 8.6 [Compare side by side](https://padell.io/compare/adidas-metalbone-ctrl-vs-adidas-cross-it-light-3-4/) [Stiga ACE 3 LW](https://padell.io/rackets/stiga/ace-3-lw/) · 8.0 [Compare side by side](https://padell.io/compare/adidas-metalbone-ctrl-vs-stiga-ace-3-lw/) [All rackets that play like the adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 →](https://padell.io/alternatives/adidas/metalbone-ctrl/) ## 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 →](https://padell.io/compare/adidas-cross-it-pro-edt-2026-vs-adidas-metalbone-ctrl/) **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? →](https://padell.io/guides/padel-racket-weight-range/)