Key innovations and design changes in the Adidas Cross It Light 2024
The reviewer introduces the Adidas Cross It Light 2024, the signature padel racket of Marta Ortega, highlighting its significant departures from previous Adidas models. This new line, named “Cross It,” aims to break away from the long-standing Adipower series, offering three distinct rackets: Cross It Light, Cross It Control, and the standard Cross It. Each model is tailored for different playing styles, but the Light version is specifically designed to meet Marta Ortega’s preferences for balance, maneuverability, and control.
Several technical innovations distinguish the Cross It Light:
- Extended handle: The handle is approximately 1 cm longer, allowing for better two-handed shots and a slightly higher balance point.
- Dynamic Air Flow heart: The heart of the racket is thinner and more aerodynamic, reducing weight and improving maneuverability without sacrificing impact feel.
- Spin Blade Mold: The surface texture has been updated to a hexagonal pattern, offering a more modern look and a different approach to spin generation.
- Variable hole diameter: Smaller holes in the center and larger ones near the edge increase durability and maintain a centered sweet spot.
- Flat edge design: The edge is now flat rather than triangular, visually enlarging the hitting surface and enhancing the sense of a bigger sweet spot.
These changes collectively aim to provide a racket that feels quick, balanced, and forgiving, while still allowing for offensive play when needed.
Technical specifications and material choices
The channel provides a detailed breakdown of the Cross It Light’s specifications, emphasizing its lightweight construction and premium materials:
- Weight range: 345g to 360g (tested model: 355g)
- Balance point: Approximately 26.5 cm (medium-high)
- Face material: 24K carbon fiber
- Core: EVA Soft Energy (as indicated by the blue cap)
The combination of a low weight and a slightly higher balance is intended to deliver maneuverability without sacrificing stability or control. The use of 24K carbon fiber ensures a crisp, responsive feel, while the EVA Soft Energy core provides a medium-soft touch with a dry, slightly firmer sensation on contact.
Performance from the back of the court: comfort and control
In defensive situations, the reviewer notes that the Cross It Light stands out for its comfort and ease of use. The racket’s medium-high balance is offset by its low weight, making it easy to maneuver even in fast exchanges. The sweet spot is described as larger than standard, and the overall feel is medium-soft but with a dry, crisp response.
One key observation is that the ball output at low speeds is slightly reduced compared to the previous Adipower Light model. The Cross It Light delivers decent ball exit, but its true strength emerges at medium to high speeds, where the face resists deformation and provides more velocity and control. This makes it especially suitable for players who value precision and stability over effortless power in defense.
However, the reviewer does mention that the Cross It Light is marginally less maneuverable than the previous Adipower Light, particularly in challenging defensive situations, despite its low weight.
Mid-court and overheads: acceleration and spin potential
When moving into the mid-court, especially for víbora and bandeja shots, the Cross It Light impresses with its ability to accelerate quickly. The longer handle and higher balance allow players to generate more speed with less effort, making it easier to add depth and weight to overheads. The updated hexagonal Spin Blade Mold surface provides good grip for spin, though the reviewer finds it slightly less aggressive than the previous year’s model, which featured a more pronounced texture.
For players who hit with a lot of slice or spin, the new surface offers a more controlled effect, avoiding excessive rebound or unpredictable ball trajectories. The only notable drawback is that the slightly higher balance and longer handle can lead to increased arm fatigue over long sessions, even though the racket remains lightweight overall.
Net play and volleys: standout control and sweet spot
The reviewer highlights the volley as the area where the Cross It Light truly excels. The racket’s dry, crisp touch allows players to feel the ball clearly, and the generous sweet spot ensures consistent contact. Both at low and high speeds, the Cross It Light delivers excellent control, enabling precise placement and quick reactions at the net.
While the racket is slightly less maneuverable than its predecessor, it still moves well compared to other rackets in its weight class. The reviewer particularly appreciates the ability to generate depth with minimal effort and to remain offensive in fast exchanges, provided the face is not overly flattened during contact. For players who prioritize volleying and quick net play, the Cross It Light offers some of the best sensations in its category.
Smash and power shots: limitations and strengths
Testing the Cross It Light in cold conditions (8–9°C in Madrid), the reviewer finds that it performs better than expected for a medium-soft, lightweight racket. While not designed as a pure power racket, it offers standard power output, especially when hitting with proper technique and without flattening the face excessively. However, players seeking extra help in the smash or those with less-developed technique may find it lacking in raw power, as the low weight and medium-soft core require more acceleration from the player.
For three-meter smashes, the Cross It Light responds adequately, but it is not the ideal choice for those who rely heavily on power shots. Its strengths remain in control, precision, and comfort rather than brute force.
Summary of on-court sensations and best use cases
To provide a clear overview, the reviewer ranks the Cross It Light’s performance by court zone:
- 1. Volley/net play: Best sensations, outstanding control, and sweet spot.
- 2. Mid-court (víbora and bandeja): Very good acceleration, easy depth, and reliable spin.
- 3. Defense/back of the court: Good comfort and sweet spot, but slightly less maneuverable in tough situations.
- 4. Smash/power shots: Decent for its category, but not a standout for pure power.
The reviewer recommends the Adidas Cross It Light 2024 for players who prioritize maneuverability, control, and comfort, particularly those who spend significant time at the net or value quick transitions. Compared to the previous Adipower Light, the Cross It Light is a touch more offensive and slightly heavier in the head, but it maintains excellent playability and introduces modern design and technology upgrades.
With a current price around €300, the Cross It Light is positioned as a premium option for intermediate to advanced players seeking a versatile, control-oriented racket with a modern feel.
