Alkemia tenebris 2024 review: power, control, and a forgiving sweet spot

If you’re searching for a padel racket that delivers impressive power without sacrificing control, the alkemia tenebris 2024 might catch your attention. This review explores how its construction, feel, and performance set it apart from other power rackets, especially for players who value a forgiving sweet spot and customizable features. Read on to discover if this model matches your playing style and expectations.

Video created by: @ProbandoPalas

Technical specifications and construction details of the alkemia tenebris 2024

The alkemia tenebris 2024 is positioned by the channel as a power-oriented padel racket manufactured in Spain. Its design features a teardrop shape, which aims to balance aggressive play with a manageable sweet spot. The reviewer highlights several technical aspects that set this model apart in the power racket segment:

  • Weight (tested unit): 358g (with overgrip), selectable from 350g upwards
  • Balance: High, measured at 268 mm
  • Face material: Two layers of high-hardness 3K carbon fiber
  • Core: Black EVA PRO React, a proprietary, highly reactive foam developed by Alkemia
  • Surface: 3D rough finish for enhanced spin
  • Grip: Standard length with a sliding wrist cord
  • Heart: Traditional design

The ability to select the racket’s weight is a notable feature, allowing players to tailor the tenebris 2024 to their physical preferences and playing style. The combination of a high balance and a medium-hard touch is engineered to maximize power without sacrificing too much control.

Feel and handling from the baseline

On-court testing by the reviewer reveals that the alkemia tenebris 2024 delivers a distinctly rigid feel, closer to the hard end of the spectrum but not excessively so. The sensation is compared to the Babolat Technical Viper (standard and Lebrón editions), placing the tenebris somewhere between these two in terms of hardness. Despite its power orientation, the racket remains surprisingly agile and does not feel cumbersome during quick exchanges at the back of the court.

The sweet spot is described as well-optimized for a teardrop-shaped, attack-focused racket. It is noticeably larger and more forgiving than many other power rackets, which often have a more limited effective hitting area. This makes the tenebris 2024 accessible even for players who do not always strike the ball perfectly.

However, the reviewer notes that the ball output at low speeds is modest. Players will need to extend their swing to generate depth, as the racket does not provide much free power on slow or defensive shots. The Black EVA PRO React core is not overly reactive at low speeds, but it does reward a fast, committed swing with a crisp, direct response.

Performance in volleys and net play

At the net, the tenebris 2024’s high balance and medium-hard touch come into their own. The reviewer finds that volleys feel solid and that the racket transmits significant weight to the ball, especially when accelerating through the shot. The racket’s maneuverability, particularly in the tested lighter configuration, is praised for allowing quick changes of direction and effective blocking.

In offensive volleys, both flat and sliced, the ball leaves the racket with notable speed and control. The dry, crisp feel ensures that the ball does not float excessively, even when the grip is relaxed. The 3D rough surface, while not extremely pronounced, still provides a useful level of spin, especially on cut volleys. The reviewer does mention that a slightly rougher finish could enhance spin further, but overall, the racket performs well in this area.

For drop shots and delicate touches, the tenebris 2024 maintains control and predictability. The sweet spot’s optimization means that even off-center hits behave consistently, and the hard touch helps prevent the ball from rebounding too much, keeping soft shots close to the net.

Overhead shots, smashes, and aerial play

The tenebris 2024 stands out in aerial situations, particularly when the player accelerates the swing. On smashes and viboras, the racket’s rigidity and high balance allow for excellent energy transfer, resulting in powerful, penetrating shots. The reviewer emphasizes that the racket feels progressively more responsive as the swing speed increases, rewarding aggressive play with both power and control.

For overhead shots like the bandeja, the reviewer notes that players may need to lengthen their swing to achieve depth, as the racket does not provide much free power at medium speeds. However, this characteristic also grants a high degree of control, preventing the ball from sailing long. The tenebris 2024 is described as particularly effective for players who can generate their own speed and who appreciate a racket that “copies” the hand’s movement without adding unwanted rebound.

Choosing a lighter weight version is recommended for those who want to maximize maneuverability and ease of movement in fast aerial exchanges, especially during rapid smashes or quick net battles.

Comparisons with other power rackets and key qualitative evaluations

Throughout the review, the creator draws comparisons to other well-known power rackets, particularly the Babolat Technical Viper. The tenebris 2024 is positioned as slightly less harsh than the Viper Lebrón, but stiffer than the standard Viper, offering a balance between control and explosiveness. Its sweet spot is highlighted as one of the best among 2024’s power rackets, making it more forgiving than many competitors in this segment.

  • Sweet spot: Above average for a power racket, forgiving and consistent
  • Ball output: Modest at low speeds, excellent at high speeds
  • Spin potential: Good, thanks to the 3D surface, though not extreme
  • Control: High, especially on volleys and aerial shots
  • Maneuverability: Very good, particularly in lighter weight configurations
  • Power: Strong, especially when accelerating through the ball

The ability to select the racket’s weight is also noted as a significant advantage, allowing players to fine-tune the balance between power and maneuverability to their preference.

Who should consider the alkemia tenebris 2024?

The reviewer concludes that the alkemia tenebris 2024 is an excellent choice for players seeking a power racket with a hard, dry feel that remains manageable and predictable. It is especially well-suited for aggressive players who generate their own speed and want a racket that rewards fast swings with both control and explosiveness. The optimized sweet spot and customizable weight make it accessible to a broader range of players than many other power rackets.

While it may not be the best option for those seeking maximum ball output at low speeds or extreme spin, its combination of Spanish craftsmanship, innovative core technology, and thoughtful design make it a standout in the 2024 power racket category.

Article written by

Practica Padel Team

Practica Padel Team

Specialists in curating insights from padel coaches, professional players, and trusted reviewers. Our goal is to make expert knowledge easy to understand and accessible for every player.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the key features of the alkemia tenebris 2024 padel racket?

The alkemia tenebris 2024 features a teardrop shape, high balance, two layers of 3K carbon fiber, a Black EVA PRO React core, and a 3D rough surface for spin. Its standout qualities include customizable weight, a forgiving sweet spot, and a design focused on power with good control.

How does the alkemia tenebris 2024 compare to other power rackets like the Babolat Technical Viper?

The tenebris 2024 is less harsh than the Viper Lebrón but stiffer than the standard Viper, offering a balanced blend of control and explosiveness. Its sweet spot is larger and more forgiving than most power rackets, making it more accessible for a wider range of players.

Who is the alkemia tenebris 2024 best suited for?

This racket is ideal for aggressive players who can generate their own speed and want a hard, dry feel with both power and control. Its forgiving sweet spot and customizable weight also make it suitable for intermediate to advanced players seeking a power racket that is not overly demanding.

What tips can help players get the most from the alkemia tenebris 2024?

To maximize performance, use a fast, committed swing, especially on smashes and volleys. Choosing a lighter weight version can enhance maneuverability for quick exchanges. Players should be prepared to generate their own power, as the racket’s ball output at low speeds is modest.

Does the alkemia tenebris 2024 offer good spin potential?

Yes, the 3D rough surface provides good spin, particularly on cut volleys and slices. While the texture is not extremely pronounced, it still adds noticeable spin to shots. Players seeking extreme spin might prefer a rougher surface, but overall, spin performance is solid.

How does the customizable weight feature benefit players?

Being able to select the racket’s weight allows players to tailor the balance between power and maneuverability to their preferences. Lighter configurations improve handling and speed, while heavier options can add stability and power, making the racket adaptable to different playing styles.

Is the alkemia tenebris 2024 a good value for its price and features?

Given its Spanish craftsmanship, innovative core technology, and standout sweet spot, the tenebris 2024 offers strong value in the power racket category. Its combination of power, control, and customization makes it a compelling choice for players seeking a high-performance racket.