Wilson Defy Pro padel racket: first impressions and handling
The reviewer from El chini consejo shares his detailed impressions of the Wilson Defy Pro padel racket, focusing on its playability and feel during various shots. Right from the start, the creator notes that the racket performs well even when the ball isn’t struck perfectly, describing it as forgiving and surprisingly responsive. The weight distribution is one of the first standout features, with the balance clearly shifted towards the head, which aids in overhead shots like bandejas and víboras. This head-heavy balance provides extra momentum, making it easier to generate power and depth, especially when accelerating through the ball.
While the Defy Pro is not as hyper-reactive as some models like the Combat, it still offers a lively response. The reviewer appreciates that it doesn’t feel stiff or dead, and the racket’s reactivity is described as balanced—enough to help with power, but not so much that it becomes difficult to control.
Performance in attack: smashes, víboras, and power shots
Testing the racket in attacking situations, the reviewer highlights how the high balance helps deliver powerful smashes and three-meter shots. Even in humid conditions, the Defy Pro allows for effective overheads, with the ball leaving the racket quickly and with minimal effort. The creator mentions that the rough 3D surface is particularly noticeable when adding spin to víboras and kick smashes, enhancing the ability to apply effects to the ball.
During smashes, the reviewer finds that the racket’s power is accessible, and the head-heavy design assists in driving the ball out of the court. However, he notes that the racket is not excessively head-heavy, striking a good balance that avoids making the racket unwieldy or difficult to direct. This equilibrium is especially appreciated during fast exchanges and when aiming for precision in attacking shots.
Sweet spot and impact feedback across the face
The reviewer pays close attention to the sweet spot and how the racket responds to impacts at different points on the face. Striking the ball in the ideal zone—around the three horizontal lines of the Wilson “W” logo—yields the best results, with a solid and lively response. When hitting higher up, near the top row of holes, the racket feels much stiffer and less forgiving, causing the ball to “die” off the face. Conversely, striking lower on the face provides a similar feel to the sweet spot, without significant penalty.
This nuanced feedback is attributed to the hole pattern and the overall structural rigidity of the racket. The reviewer notes that the smaller holes towards the bottom center and the stiffer construction help maintain performance across a larger area, though the very top of the face remains less responsive.
Comfort, grip, and strap design observations
Comfort and ergonomics are also discussed, with particular attention to the grip and wrist strap. The reviewer expresses a preference for straps that exit from the center of the handle, rather than the side, as found on the Defy Pro. While the included “rope-style” strap is secure and comfortable, its side exit can be slightly bothersome for players who frequently switch hands or grips. The reviewer shares his own workaround, modifying the strap to better suit his playing style, but acknowledges this is a minor issue and a matter of personal preference.
Build quality, durability, and finish compared to previous Wilson models
Quality and durability are key concerns, especially for players familiar with earlier Wilson rackets. The reviewer points out that previous models like the Wilson Bela Team suffered from rapid paint chipping and finish degradation. In contrast, the Defy Pro shows noticeable improvement: after two weeks of intensive use, only minor wear is visible, mainly around the edges of the holes—a common occurrence across many brands. The reviewer is impressed by the consistency in weight across multiple units, with only a 2g variance, indicating strong quality control in production.
While some minor scuffing of the rough surface is expected, the overall impression is that the Defy Pro is built to a higher standard than earlier Wilson offerings, with better paint adhesion and a more robust finish.
Strengths and weaknesses: what stands out and what could improve
Summing up the experience, the reviewer lists the main positives and negatives:
- Strengths:
- Excellent 3D rough surface for spin and control
- Easy to adapt to, even for players new to the model
- Polivalent performance: despite its diamond shape and attacking orientation, it defends well and is versatile in different situations
- Improved build quality and finish compared to previous Wilson rackets
- Weaknesses:
- High price point (around 330€ retail, even after discounts it remains above 290€)
- Wrist strap exits from the side of the handle, which may not suit all players
- Some minor surface wear is still possible, though less severe than before
Ratings for power, control, and overall experience
The reviewer provides clear ratings for the Wilson Defy Pro:
- Power: 9/10 (not the absolute most powerful, but among the top performers)
- Control: 8.5/10 (very manageable, especially for a diamond-shaped racket)
- Overall experience: 8.5/10 (well-balanced, enjoyable, and suitable for advanced play)
Recommended player profile and final impressions
The Wilson Defy Pro is recommended primarily for intermediate to advanced players. The reviewer suggests that beginners or those just starting out may find the head-heavy balance and smaller sweet spot challenging, and might be better served by a racket with a more central balance and a larger, more forgiving hitting area. However, for players with developed technique and a preference for power and spin, the Defy Pro offers a compelling mix of performance and adaptability.
In summary, the reviewer finds the Wilson Defy Pro to be a standout option in Wilson’s lineup, with significant improvements in quality and playability. Its combination of power, spin potential, and improved durability make it a strong choice for competitive and experienced padel players seeking a high-performance racket.
