Which one will deliver you the best control?

Control-oriented padel players looking to improve their game must choose a suitable padel racket. In this article, we will compare three of the best control rackets on the market: the Bullpadel Vertex 03 CTR, the Adidas Adipower CTRL 3.2, and the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.2. We will highlight their similarities, and differences, and give your our opinion on which is the best option for intermediate-level and up players looking for a control racket to deliver precision in their game.

Comparison criteria

We analyzes padel rackets performance in the following criteria:

1. power
2. control
3. sweet spot
4. maneuverability

These rackets are designed to excel in control, so this comparison will prioritize the rackets' control performance.

We assume players evaluating these racket are focused on this metric. The 2022 and 2023 models, which for all of these rackets are nearly identical except for the paint jobs, were used for this analysis. This article summarizes the opinions of 10 expert reviewers across Italy and Spain.

In case you're interested, here is our more extensive list of Best Control Padel Rackets.

Similarities

Round format

All three rackets are round-shaped rackets. Control players prefer round-format rackets because this shape provides a wide sweet spot with a linear response. Additionally, the low balance of round rackets delivers agility, so players can arrive at the ball with enough time, which is required for precision shots.

Premium finishings

All of these rackets are premium and thus come with luxury racket finishings and features that we won't list here, but you are welcome to explore further in the individual reviews (links below).

Materials

Each racket is constructed with a tubular carbon fiber frame, EVA core, and a carbon fiber surface. These are the highest quality materials used in padel racket construction and they will provide long-term rigidity and durability. To learn more about how these materials affect the racket’s play, explore more at our Padel Glossary.

Spin surfaces

While a few years ago, spin surfaces were a feature worth noting, today they are the norm. All of these rackets offer them, but some function better than others.

Pricing

These are premium rackets, and their prices are not low. The Bullpadel Vertex 03 CTR is currently retailing for €350, the Adidas Adipower CTRL 3.2 for €350, and the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.2 for €380. Jump on over to our discounts page, to find up-to-date discounts on these.

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Differences

Power

The Adipower CTRL 3.2 has more weight in its head, so it is more powerful. As a result, it suits players seeking a versatile racket that doesn’t sacrifice much power to increase control.

Touch

The Bullpadel Vertex 03 CTR and Adipower CTRL 3.2 are medium-hard, so they will offer less ball output and more control than the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.2.

Maneuverability

Our reviewers highlight the Bullpadel Vertex 03 CTR as being highly maneuverable - this racket will leave you feeling faster on the court.

Spin

If you’re looking for strong grip on your volleys, viboras and kick smashes, this should be an easy decision. Go with the Adipower CTRL 3.2. Its Spin Blade Mold system is one of the strongest in the industry - compare with Varlion's SLICE system and Starvie's Full Plane Effect.

In case it isn’t clear, the Spin Blade Octagonal system used on the Metalbone line is different - the reliefs are less pronounced and grip the ball less.

Balance and weight management

The Adipower CTRL 3.2 does not offer balance and weight management.

Though, it should be said that it does have a €20 more expensive brother, the Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.2, which offers, arguably, the strongest balance and weight management system in the industry.

We find the Bullpadel Multiweight system satisfactory at best. Bullpadel was one of the first to offer weight and balance customization. It was a great solution for the time.

Years later, however, it has remained the same, while other companies have developed more user-friendly and more functional weight and balance customization technology. Now it looks like Custom Weight system is nearing the end of its useful lifetime. It requires gluing metal weights to the top of the frame, which fall off easily at the wrong time and are annoying to remove at the right time. We look forward to their updating this soon.

The Metalbone system is fine, but because the weights are located in the neck of the racket, it is hard to make large changes to the racket's balance. Ironically, Ale Galan removes all the screws to make the balance as high as possible and achieve more power with his signature diamond-shaped Adidas Metalbone 3.2 and Adidas Metalbone HRD 3.2 .

Vibration absorption

All of these rackets have some form of vibration reduction system, but their performance varies. These rackets have medium to medium-hard touch and prioritize performance over comfort.

The Vertex 03 CTR offers the Hesacore grip that many players have strong opinions on one way or the other. It also offers a silicon strap in the neck of the racket to aid in vibration-reduction.

Our reviewers found the Metalbone rackets particularly uncomfortable.

Handles

Adidas handles are notoriously short at around 10.5cm, so if you’re looking for a comfortable place to rest your non-dominant hand, we suggest you consider other models, such as the Bullpadel Vertex 03 CTR.

In conclusion

Each of these rackets has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. We hope the following takeaways will help you make up your mind if you’re still struggling to determine which one complements your game best.

If you're a conservative player --> the Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.2, with its medium touch, will help with ball output around the court and offers the largest sweet spot of the three.

If you want control with a touch of power --> the Adipower CTRL 3.2 is the most versatile racket of the three. If you opt for the Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.2, you can turn your racket into a power-oriented 27 centimeter round racket by adjusting the Multiweight screws.

If you're looking for maneuverability with a medium, medium-hard touch --> the Bullpadel Vertex 03 CTR will provide you a fast, precise partner on the court.

Why trust us?

Padel FYI is the Metacritic for padel rackets. To help you find the best padel racket, I have cataloged 360 reviews of 106 of the most popular padel rackets to create the most comprehensive padel racket database.

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