Bullpadel Xplo vs Hack 04: Di Nenno’s control-first power choice

Two of Bullpadel’s 2025 flagships take very different paths on court: the Xplo is built to give a defensive game extra bite, while the Hack 04 favors speed, spin and heavier shots. This head-to-head breaks down specs and feel to help you pick the right frame for your style.

Video created by: @the4Set

Why Bullpadel built the Xplo to complement Di Nenno

The channel frames the Bullpadel Xplo 2025 as a strategic shift: instead of doubling down on Martín Di Nenno’s elite defense, Bullpadel set out to complement it with added punch. The result is a diamond-shaped model the brand calls its “most powerful” ever. The creator, however, questions that label on court and finds a racket with notable control traits hidden beneath its power-first silhouette.

Build and specs of the Bullpadel Xplo 2025

The Xplo arrives with premium materials and a few design choices that directly impact its feel, balance and spin potential.

  • Weight: official range 365–375 g (with Hesacore)
  • Measured weight: 358 g without Hesacore grip (~10 g)
  • Balance: 26.0 cm without Hesacore; approx. 25.5 cm with it
  • Face material: 12K carbon
  • Core: Multieva (firmer outer layer, softer inner)
  • Shape: diamond
  • Built-ins: vibration dampeners in 4 holes

The reviewer highlights a dry, comfortable impact that reminded him of the Neuron. Two drawbacks stood out: a wrist strap anchored at the edge of the butt cap (noticeable in hand and forces a consistent grip) and a near-cosmetic 3D roughness. Combined with a glossy finish and a hole pattern without central perforations, the face feels slick and makes it hard to generate spin—especially with new balls.

Build and specs of the Bullpadel Hack 04 2025

Paquito Navarro’s new Bullpadel Hack 04 targets “speed” in Bullpadel’s range, and its spec sheet supports that different intent.

  • Measured weight: 364 g without Hesacore
  • Balance: 27.0 cm without Hesacore
  • Face material: 18K carbon
  • Core: Multieva
  • Handle length: 12 cm
  • Face finish: matte with a more effective 3D texture
  • Built-ins: vibration dampeners in 4 holes

The Hack 04 also places the wrist strap in the same low, edge-mounted location, which the creator again found intrusive. Aesthetics aside, its more perforated face and matte finish clearly grip the ball better than the Xplo.

How Bullpadel ranks power and control in 2025

The brand assigns its own power/control scores, which the channel cites to contextualize expectations:

  • Xplo: 100 (power) / 90 (control)
  • Hack 04: 100 / 90
  • Vertex: 100 / 90
  • Neuron (Chingotto): 95 / 95

The creator notes these numbers suggest similar performance, yet the rackets play quite differently on court.

Defense and control: Xplo’s agility and larger sweet spot

In the back of the court, the Xplo was the clear favorite. At 358 g with a 26 cm balance, it moves easier than its diamond profile suggests, outmaneuvering the Hack 04 for quick reactions and recovery. The feel is firm without being harsh, delivering the control the reviewer wanted in blocks, digs and resets.

He also found the Xplo’s sweet spot larger than the Hack’s. That, paired with the lower balance, gives it a forgiving, stable response. For a player like Di Nenno, the choice starts to make sense.

Spin and face behavior: matte Hack vs. glossy Xplo

This is where the two models diverge most. The Xplo’s glossy face, mild roughness and lack of central holes make the ball feel like it slips. The reviewer struggled to lift and shape lobs or add kick, noting it as the Xplo’s main weakness and a top priority for improvement.

By contrast, the Hack 04’s matte finish and more open drilling pattern grip the ball noticeably better. That advantage shows up in topspin volleys, underspin defense and especially in controlling trajectory under pressure.

Volleys and bandejas: Hack 04 hits heavier, Xplo prepares faster

At the net, the Hack 04 wins. Although it’s harder to accelerate, it produces more weight on the ball and holds up at high swing speeds. The Xplo feels like it has a power ceiling—quick off the mark but topping out earlier, “like a car that accelerates fast but maxes at 180 km/h.”

On the bandeja, the two are effectively tied. The Xplo’s easy preparation is a plus for timing, while the Hack 04 generates more spin and penetration once contact is made. If the rally demands outright ball heaviness, the Hack has the edge; if it demands quick setup, the Xplo feels more natural.

Power testing: similar smash distance, different users shine

In the creator’s smash tests, distances were practically identical between the two rackets. He would lean Xplo because it’s easier for him to handle, but he believes a stronger, more physical player will likely extract more from the Hack 04 thanks to its higher balance and stiffer, 18K face.

Who should pick each model, based on the review

The channel’s bottom line splits by player profile:

  • Bullpadel Xplo 2025: for defensive-first players who want to complement their game with added punch. Priorities: light swing weight, large sweet spot, firm/dry comfort. Expect limited spin and a noticeable wrist strap placement.
  • Bullpadel Hack 04 2025: for offensive players with good strength who prefer a higher balance and a dry, connected impact. It’s heavier through the shot, grippier on spin, and more stable at top speed.

As for the “most powerful in Bullpadel’s history” claim on the Xplo, the creator disagrees in practice: it behaves more like a control-leaning diamond whose power depends on the player behind it rather than raw specs alone.

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 main differences between the Bullpadel Xplo 2025 and Hack 04 2025?

Xplo uses 12K carbon with a glossy face and fewer central holes, measured 358 g with a 26 cm balance, and feels quicker with a larger sweet spot. Hack 04 uses 18K carbon, a matte, grippier texture, more perforations, measured 364 g with a 27 cm balance, and hits heavier, especially at high swing speeds.

Which players will benefit most from the Xplo and which from the Hack 04?

Choose Xplo if you’re a defensive-first player seeking easy maneuverability, a larger sweet spot, and firm, comfortable control to complement your game. Pick Hack 04 if you’re an offensive player with good strength who prefers a higher balance, stronger ball weight, and more reliable spin and stability at top speed.

How do these rackets generate spin, and which is better for topspin and underspin control?

Hack 04’s matte finish and more open drilling grip the ball better, aiding topspin volleys, underspin defense, and precise trajectories. Xplo’s glossy face, lighter 3D texture, and lack of central holes feel slick, limiting grip—especially with new balls. If spin is a priority, Hack 04 is the safer, more consistent choice.

What do the weights and balances mean in real play?

Xplo’s measured 358 g and 26 cm balance (about 25.5 cm with Hesacore) make it fast to maneuver, ideal for blocks, digs, and quick resets. Hack 04’s 364 g and 27 cm balance feel heavier through contact, rewarding stronger players who can handle the swing weight to extract stability, spin, and ball heaviness.

Is the Xplo really Bullpadel’s most powerful model?

Despite Bullpadel’s 100/90 score, on court the Xplo plays like a control-leaning diamond with a noticeable power ceiling. Smash distances were similar to Hack 04, but the Hack often lets physical players access more top-end power thanks to its higher balance and 18K face. Xplo’s strength is easy acceleration, not brute force.

How do they compare on volleys, bandejas, and smashes?

At net, Hack 04 wins for heavier, more penetrating volleys at high speed. On the bandeja, it’s a draw: Xplo prepares faster, while Hack 04 adds spin and depth on contact. In smashes, overall distance proved similar; Xplo feels easier to handle, but stronger players will likely unlock more power from the Hack.

Are there any comfort or build quirks to consider before buying?

Both rackets have vibration dampeners in four holes and a dry, connected feel. The edge-mounted wrist strap is noticeable and can force a consistent grip on both. Xplo offers a larger sweet spot and forgiving response, while Hack 04’s 12 cm handle, higher balance, and grippier face trade maneuverability for stability and spin.