Design updates and technologies in the Bullpadel Vertex 04 Hybrid
The creator highlights a meaningful refresh to Bullpadel’s top hybrid: a more engineered heart, new air channels, and a modular weight system. The handle carries the brand’s classic lanyard and a CustomWeight butt-cap, which reroutes the cord to the side and allows swapping the plug for heavier ones. A Hesacore grip comes included (the reviewer removed it for testing), and vibration is filtered through VibraDrive inside the fist.
In the bridge, Bullpadel keeps the double diagonal reinforcement but replaces the old Air React Channel with the larger Air Power cavities to improve maneuverability. The frame also introduces CurvActiv, a carved-in reinforcement that, according to the brand, increases torsional resistance and overall stiffness. Up top, Bullpadel drops the traditional metal protector and instead adds CustomWeight ports directly in the frame for fine-tuning head weight.
Faces combine Xtend Carbon 12K with the familiar Multieva core, delivering a medium hardness with a distinctly dry impact. The surface uses a sandy roughness to aid spin.
Measured specs, balance, and face materials of this model
- Weight range: 365–375 g
- Tested weight: 360 g (without Hesacore)
- Balance: approx. 25.6–25.7 cm (without Hesacore; slightly lower with it)
- Shape: hybrid
- Face material: Xtend Carbon 12K
- Core: Multieva (medium, dry touch)
- Surface: sandy roughness
- Handle: standard size with Hesacore included
- Vibration damping: VibraDrive in the fist
- Tuning: CustomWeight butt-cap and frame ports
- Air channels: new Air Power (larger for better maneuverability)
- Frame reinforcement: CurvActiv to boost rigidity
- Price mentioned: €244 at the time of the review
Defensive play: agile handling with a dry, controlled touch
From the back, the reviewer describes a medium-hard feel with a sweet spot of standard size that sits in the upper-middle of the head. It’s easier to find than on the Vertex Control, which felt more concentrated. Thanks to the new channels and balance, the racket moves quickly through tight spaces, helping salvage difficult balls with last-second adjustments.
At medium-low pace, the Multieva’s dry response means limited ball output; the racket asks for a longer stroke and more accompaniment to clear the net with depth. At higher pace, if you strike very flat and “crush” the face, some energy is absorbed and peak speed can feel a touch short of expectations. However, when swinging fast without over-hitting, the speed is good and the impact feel is excellent. Above all, control stands out: the frame transmits the force you apply with precision, which inspires confidence on difficult recoveries.
Bandeja and vibora: fast acceleration with safe depth
Here the Vertex 04 Hybrid plays to its strengths. It accelerates quickly overhead, making the bandeja and víbora compact and repeatable. Off-center hits high on the face reveal a drier response and less help, but the reviewer notes it happened less often than with other medium-hard options.
At slower tempos you still need to accompany the ball, yet in fast exchanges the racket delivers useful offensive speed without overshooting. The low rebound gives confidence to swing harder, knowing it won’t catapult long. You’ll create pressure consistently, even if the frame doesn’t add “free” pace.
Volley performance: precise placement but limited passive rebound
The channel places the volley among the best sensations with this model. It’s light to maneuver, arrives early to contacts, and supports quick direction changes. Fatigue is low, which helps maintain form over long points.
On pure blocks, reduced inherent bounce can leave some balls short when you only stick the racket out. Everything else skews positive: targeting is sharp at both low and high pace, and the dry touch rewards compact, assertive technique. If your style is ultra-flat and very aggressive at net, expect slightly less raw speed than with more reactive cores—but more control over length.
Smash and overheads: standard power that rewards clean technique
Power is described as standard for a medium-hard racket. Flat finishes demand good mechanics; the dry feel doesn’t gift extra juice. For the “x3” (three-meter) spin finish, the frame takes spin well and can send the ball out provided you strike cleanly. The balance and hybrid format help you accelerate fast over the head, so quick, urgent smashes are well supported. Overall, it’s technique dependent: the better your timing and swing, the more it gives back.
Who will enjoy it most, and who should look elsewhere
The reviewer says it adapts to many players from just below medium level and up, but he recommends it most for medium–high level users. It suits players who already generate pace, enjoy a controlled attacking game, and want confidence to hit hard without sailing long.
If you rely on the racket for extra rebound in defense, or you struggle to accelerate the ball in attack, there are friendlier options with more built-in output and free power.
How it compares to the standard Vertex 04 and others
Compared directly with the standard Vertex 04, the Hybrid felt a touch more rigid to the reviewer, though both share materials and overall hardness. He also felt the standard Vertex 04 offers a bit more power in the finish. Versus an option like the Nox AT Attack, the Vertex 04 Hybrid provides less help in pure power but more control when hitting hard—especially valuable for attacking with safe margins.
Key takeaways from the channel’s padel racket review
- Standout control across speeds; inspires confidence to hit hard without overshooting.
- Low ball output at medium–low pace; asks to accompany and extend the stroke.
- Sweet spot standard size, placed upper-middle; more forgiving than expected for a medium-hard build.
- Maneuverability is a real asset in defense and quick overhead transitions.
- Volley excellence in placement and stability; passive blocks can fall short.
- Power is standard and technique dependent; spin finishes work well when struck cleanly.
- Area ranking by the reviewer: 1) bandeja/ víbora, 2) volley, 3) defense, 4) smash.
