Top control format padel rackets of 2023: comfort, versatility, and performance
The reviewer begins with the control format rackets, highlighting a diverse selection to suit different preferences in hardness and play style. The first standout is the Nox ML10 Pro Cup Luxury, featuring 3K carbon faces and an HR3 core. This combination delivers a medium-soft feel, a generous sweet spot, and excellent maneuverability. The racket is praised for its comfort and suitability for players with elbow issues, while still offering some offensive capability thanks to the rebound effect of the HR3 foam.
Next, the Babolat Counter Veron is noted for its Black EVA core and Carbon Flex faces. It provides a medium-soft touch with a slightly longer handle and a medium balance. The reviewer appreciates its versatility and control, especially at high speeds, making it a reliable option for both defensive and offensive play.
For those seeking a firmer response, the StarVie Metheora Dual 2023 is recommended. This model uses a double layer of 3K carbon on the faces and a dual-density core, resulting in a medium-hard feel. While it requires more effort from the baseline, it excels in fast exchanges and offers notable power for a control-format racket. The pronounced 3D rough surface also enhances spin potential.
The Adidas Adipower CTRL 3.2 is highlighted for its 15K carbon face and High Memory core, providing a medium to medium-hard, dry touch. It offers outstanding control and a slightly more forgiving defensive game compared to the Metheora, while still delivering solid attack performance.
Another value option is the Homa Tournament Pro, which impressed the reviewer with its sweet spot, standard handling, and excellent control. Its price point (around €150) makes it a top pick for those seeking quality on a budget. However, the 2024 version shifts to a hybrid format.
Rounding out the control category is the Nox ML10 LTD (Lamperti edition), featuring 18K carbon faces and the familiar HR3 core. With a medium hardness and a combination of sandy and 3D rough textures, it offers enhanced control at high speeds and less rebound than the Pro Cup Luxury, making it a versatile all-rounder.
Best hybrid format padel rackets: balance between power and control
Transitioning to the hybrid format, the reviewer selects rackets that blend the characteristics of round and diamond shapes. The Nox AT10 18K 2023 is the first mention, offering a medium to medium-hard feel with a compact, centered sweet spot. Its 25.6 cm balance and rapid response make it a strong choice for players who can adapt to its sweet spot location.
The Nox AT2 LTD 2023 is described as a firmer variant, with a HR3 Black EVA core for increased hardness and power. Both Nox models feature a mix of sandy and 3D rough textures, but the AT2 LTD stands out for those seeking extra punch while retaining the positive attributes of the AT10.
The Head Speed Pro is praised for its large sweet spot, carbon and fiberglass faces, and Power Foam core. It delivers strong ball output and power, though the reviewer notes its higher balance and lack of surface roughness. Choosing a lighter weight is advised to avoid a head-heavy feel.
For a softer touch, the Siux ST2 is highlighted. With 15K carbon faces, EVA Soft EHR core, and a balance around 26.7–26.8 cm, it offers excellent ball exit and a lively rebound, making it the most powerful among medium-soft hybrids.
Finally, the Canyon Soft 1.0 from Drop Shot is recognized for its 24K rectangular carbon faces and Eva Soft core. Despite the soft foam, it feels more medium-hard with a dry touch. The integrated head protector, slightly longer handle, and thinner grip diameter add to its appeal. With a 26 cm balance, it provides superb control in both defense and attack, making it a standout for those seeking a manageable, all-around hybrid racket.
Top diamond format padel rackets: power-focused options with surprising control
In the diamond format category, the reviewer acknowledges the challenge of narrowing down the options. The Bullpadel Vertex Comfort is the first choice, offering a medium-soft feel, comfortable handling, and a blend of carbon and fiberglass (Fibrix) faces with a Multieva core. It is especially suitable for defensive and control-oriented play, with good ball output and manageable attack performance.
The Bullpadel Vertex 3 is described as the “big sister” to the Comfort, featuring 12K carbon faces, Multieva core, and a 25.7 cm balance. It has a medium hardness and a drier touch, with a sandy rough surface and customizable weight system. Its versatility makes it a reliable choice for both attack and defense.
The Nox AT Attack 2023 stands out for its 18K carbon faces, HR3 core, and a 25.7 cm balance. Despite the diamond shape, it is easy to handle and offers strong ball output and rebound, making it suitable for aggressive play without sacrificing defensive stability.
Among the surprises of the year, the Adidas Metalbone Carbon is noted for its 6K carbon faces and EVA Soft Performance core. It delivers a medium-soft feel and unexpectedly good attack performance, though the shorter handle is a minor drawback. Its maneuverability and versatility make it an appealing option for a wide range of players.
The reviewer also includes two equally valid options for those seeking a firmer, more technical racket: the Bullpadel Hack 03 (with 18K Tricarbon faces and Multieva core) and the Adidas Metalbone HRD 2023 (with 21K aluminized carbon faces and EVA High Memory core). Both offer a medium-hard feel, but the Hack 03 is drier and less forgiving, while the Metalbone HRD provides more help from the core and is slightly more technical.
Most powerful and hardest padel rackets for offensive players
For players prioritizing power and hardness, the reviewer presents a selection of rackets designed for aggressive, high-speed play. The Babolat Technical Viper 2023 is described as feeling harder than its predecessor, with 12K carbon faces, X-EVA core, and a 26.3 cm balance. It offers a dry, medium-hard touch and excellent power, with a slightly longer handle for added leverage.
The Oxdog Ultimate Pro is compared favorably to the Technical Viper, featuring HES carbon faces and Oxdog’s proprietary core. It provides more ball output and rebound at high speeds, resulting in even greater power. The 26.2–26.3 cm balance and adjustable weights make it a potent yet manageable option, with a sandpaper-like rough surface for enhanced spin.
For value-conscious players, the Kuikma Power Hard delivers a truly hard touch and high power at a lower price point. With 12K carbon faces, Black EVA core, a weight around 375g, and a high balance, it is best suited for strong, offensive players who can handle its demanding nature.
Two of the most technical and demanding rackets close out this category. The Babolat Technical Viper LeBron Edition 2023 is the hardest tested by the reviewer, with 12K carbon faces, single-density core, and a longer handle. It requires advanced technique and a consistently high playing rhythm, but rewards skilled players with top-tier power.
Lastly, the StarVie Triton Pro features double 3K carbon layers, Pro 50 core, and a highly textured surface. With a 27 cm balance, it is ideal for offensive players who favor overhead shots and smashes. The sweet spot is smaller and higher on the face, making it a technical choice but one that delivers exceptional power for those who can master it.
Summary of the reviewer’s top picks and ratings for 2023
Throughout the video, the reviewer provides clear preferences and informal ratings for each format. Here is a summary of the top picks in each category:
- Control format: Nox ML10 Pro Cup Luxury, Babolat Counter Veron, StarVie Metheora Dual 2023, Adidas Adipower CTRL 3.2, Homa Tournament Pro, Nox ML10 LTD
- Hybrid format: Nox AT10 18K 2023, Nox AT2 LTD 2023, Head Speed Pro, Siux ST2, Canyon Soft 1.0
- Diamond format: Bullpadel Vertex Comfort, Bullpadel Vertex 3, Nox AT Attack 2023, Adidas Metalbone Carbon, Bullpadel Hack 03, Adidas Metalbone HRD 2023
- Power/hardness: Babolat Technical Viper 2023, Oxdog Ultimate Pro, Kuikma Power Hard, Babolat Technical Viper LeBron Edition 2023, StarVie Triton Pro
Each racket is selected for its unique blend of materials, balance, core type, and performance in its respective category. The reviewer’s insights offer a comprehensive guide for players seeking the best padel rackets of 2023, whether their priority is control, versatility, or maximum power.
