Understanding padel racket hardness and its impact on play
The reviewer from the4Set emphasizes that hardness is one of the most critical factors when choosing a padel racket. The rigidity or flexibility of a racket’s materials—primarily the rubber and the fibers—directly affects both comfort and performance. A softer racket, with more flexible materials, offers greater ball output on low-intensity shots, making it easier to generate speed. However, during high-intensity play, this flexibility can limit the power transmitted to the ball. In contrast, a hard racket, built with stiffer materials, provides a more faithful energy transfer, resulting in less ball output but greater control and power for advanced players.
The reviewer notes that neither soft nor hard rackets are inherently better—it all depends on the player’s style and needs. However, for those seeking the best hard rackets of 2025, the channel presents a carefully ranked selection, tested under varying conditions in Madrid to account for how temperature can affect racket feel.
How to identify a hard padel racket without playing
For players unable to test rackets on court, the reviewer suggests two simple methods to assess hardness. First, listen to the sound when tapping the racket face: hard rackets produce a sharper, metallic sound with less echo, while soft rackets sound deeper and more drum-like. Second, try flexing the racket face by hand—a hard racket will feel rigid and resist pressure, whereas a soft one will flex more easily. Environmental factors also play a role: heat softens rackets, while cold makes them feel harder.
Adidas Multiweight Control: the softest among the hard
The first racket in the ranking is the Adidas Multiweight Control by Alex Ruiz. While it is the hardest Adidas model, it is the softest in this hard racket ranking. The reviewer highlights its use of Adidas hard rubber, customizable weight and balance via screws, and a notably short 11 cm handle, which may not suit everyone. Despite these quirks, the racket offers a generous sweet spot and excellent control, making it a strong choice for players seeking a hard feel without sacrificing comfort.
- Brand: Adidas
- Model: Multiweight Control
- Handle length: 11 cm
- Customizable weight and balance
- Price: €360
The reviewer notes that the Multiweight Control is slightly harder than the Metalbone, despite both using the same rubber, and prefers the orange design from previous seasons.
Nox Future Hybrid: a balanced transition to harder rackets
Next in the ranking is the Nox Future Hybrid, formerly used by Tenorio and Lebrón. Manufactured in Paraguay with Nox’s hardest EV50 rubber, this hybrid-format racket impressed the reviewer during intensive training at the Nox Academy. Its standout feature is the blend of power and control, making it ideal for players transitioning from soft to hard rackets. However, the reviewer found the roughness barely noticeable and the handle somewhat short.
- Brand: Nox
- Model: Future Hybrid
- Core: EV50 (Nox’s hardest rubber)
- Format: Hybrid
The Future Hybrid offers a comfortable yet firm playing experience, serving as an accessible entry point into the world of hard rackets.
Bullpadel Vertex: lightweight feel with double-density core
The Bullpadel Vertex stands out for its double-density core—hard-soft-hard—which is the opposite of what many other brands use. The reviewer’s test racket weighed just 358g (after removing the installed Hesacore grip), making it exceptionally light and easy to maneuver. While this lightness aids quick movement, it can reduce overall power, especially for physically strong players.
- Brand: Bullpadel
- Model: Vertex
- Weight: 358g (without Hesacore)
- Core: Double-density (hard-soft-hard)
- Face: 12K carbon
The racket’s drier feel and subtle roughness provide excellent control, but the reviewer notes that the ball may slip on volleys with new balls. For lighter, less physical players who still want a hard racket, the Vertex is a compelling option.
Head Speed Pro: the most demanding in weight and balance
Moving up the ranking, the Head Speed Pro is unique for combining carbon and glass fiber with Head’s Power Foam core. It is the heaviest and most challenging racket in the list, with weights reaching up to 380g and a 27 cm balance. The reviewer warns that this model is best suited for physically strong players, as its high weight and balance can be difficult to handle.
- Brand: Head
- Model: Speed Pro
- Weight: Up to 380g
- Balance: 27 cm
- Core: Power Foam
- Face: Carbon and glass fiber mix
The Speed Pro lacks surface roughness but features a strategic hole pattern for increased rigidity and power. There is also a lighter Motion version, used by Ari Sánchez, which may appeal to those seeking similar performance with less weight.
Wilson Blade V3: high technical demand and minimal ball output
Taking the bronze in hardness, the Wilson Blade V3 is described as the most technically demanding racket in the ranking. With a weight range of 355–375g and a 27 cm balance, it uses Wilson’s hardest carbon and rubber. The reviewer found it sluggish and challenging to maneuver, with very low ball output and a small sweet spot. Precision is essential—mistimed shots are heavily penalized.
- Brand: Wilson
- Model: Blade V3
- Weight: 355–375g
- Balance: 27 cm
- Core: Hardest Wilson rubber
- Face: Hardest Wilson carbon
Despite its difficulties, the Blade V3 excels in overhead power and aesthetics. However, its wide grip may be uncomfortable for players with smaller hands.
Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón: reviewer’s favorite for balanced hardness
The silver medal and the reviewer’s personal favorite goes to the Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón (2025 version). This model has evolved to offer a slightly softer feel than its predecessor, which the reviewer found too hard and potentially linked to Lebrón’s injury issues. The current version strikes an ideal balance: hard enough for control and power, but comfortable after a brief break-in period. The 13 cm grip and high balance make it maneuverable, especially when configured with two overgrips as Lebrón does.
- Brand: Babolat
- Model: Viper Juan Lebrón (2025)
- Grip length: 13 cm
- High balance
The reviewer notes minimal ball output, rewarding precise technique and offering exceptional control. The only drawback is the subtle roughness, which could be improved for better spin potential.
StarVie Triton Pro: the hardest and most powerful racket in 2025
At the top of the list is the StarVie Triton Pro, rated by the reviewer as the hardest and most powerful racket of 2025. With a 28 cm balance, the hardest carbon, and the Eva Pro 50 core, it is extremely demanding and offers minimal ball output. This model is best suited for advanced players with strong technique and physicality, as defensive play can be challenging. However, for attacking and overhead shots, the Triton Pro truly shines.
- Brand: StarVie
- Model: Triton Pro
- Balance: 28 cm
- Core: Eva Pro 50 (hardest StarVie rubber)
- Grip length: 13 cm (thin, round cap)
The reviewer appreciates the thin, round grip but notes that the roughness could be more pronounced, especially compared to other StarVie models like the Kenta.
Ranking summary: the4Set’s top 7 hard padel rackets for 2025
The reviewer’s ranking, from least to most hard, is as follows:
- Adidas Multiweight Control
- Nox Future Hybrid
- Bullpadel Vertex
- Head Speed Pro
- Wilson Blade V3
- Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón (reviewer’s favorite)
- StarVie Triton Pro (hardest and most powerful)
Each racket offers a unique approach to hardness, with differences in balance, grip, materials, and feel. The reviewer encourages players to consider their own technique and physicality when choosing among these top hard rackets for 2025.
