Detailed look at the bullpadel xplo’s construction and features
The reviewer begins by highlighting the bullpadel xplo as the brand’s latest padel racket, noting several design elements that set it apart. The racket features a rope-style wrist strap emerging from the side of the handle, and the cap can be swapped for heavier alternatives to adjust the overall weight. The standard grip comes with a Hesacore included, though the reviewer removed it for testing. Reinforcements are present in both the upper and lower heart areas, designed to improve rigidity and stability.
On the sides of the heart, the Air Power channels—also seen in the Vertex 4—enhance handling. The frame incorporates the Wave System, first introduced with the Bullpadel Neuron, which helps dissipate vibrations. The racket’s faces use Xtend 12K carbon and Multi-EVA rubber, identical to the Vertex 4, but with a new gloss finish that increases surface rigidity. The hole pattern leaves the central area solid, further stiffening the main hitting zone. A 3D roughness with small lines matches the hole pattern, aiming to improve spin. Bullpadel’s new Easy Vibe dampeners are also included to reduce vibrations, both at the top and bottom of the frame.
- Weight: 365–375g (tested unit: 361g with Hesacore removed and two overgrips)
- Balance: 26.3–26.4 cm (with modifications)
- Face material: Xtend 12K carbon fiber
- Core: Multi-EVA rubber
- Finish: Gloss with 3D roughness
- Shape: Diamond, with flatter edges to increase hitting surface and slightly raise balance
The reviewer notes the sweet spot is standard-sized but the overall feel is slightly harder than the Vertex, placing it in the medium-hard category. The racket supports Bullpadel’s Custom Weight system, allowing further head-weight adjustments.
Defensive play: control and demands at the back of the court
In defensive situations, the reviewer observes that the bullpadel xplo is less maneuverable than the Vertex, especially when quick reactions are needed. The balance, while not excessively high, is noticeably toward the tip, making rapid movements more challenging. The sweet spot feels standard, but there’s a clear difference between the central and upper hitting zones: the center is more comfortable and slightly softer, while the upper area (without holes) is drier and harder, providing a firmer response at higher speeds.
At low to medium pace, the racket requires the player to “accompany” the ball more, as the Multi-EVA rubber is less reactive than some competitors. This means less automatic ball output, but in return, the control is excellent—especially at higher speeds, where the lack of excessive bounce inspires confidence for firm, controlled shots. However, players must generate more of their own power, as the racket offers minimal assistance in this regard.
Mid-court performance: viper and tray shots
Moving into the mid-court, the reviewer finds the bullpadel xplo handles decently, without causing arm fatigue. The distinction between the central and upper face areas remains, and in viper and tray shots—where contact is often higher on the face—the racket feels drier and more rigid. At medium to low pace, players again need to extend their stroke for depth, but control remains strong.
Notably, at higher speeds, the xplo outperforms the Vertex 4, offering a faster, more powerful response. The reviewer appreciates the confidence this provides for offensive play, as the racket’s dry touch prevents balls from rebounding excessively. However, the glossy 3D finish is less effective for spin, particularly with new balls, making it harder to impart weight and direction. Players must execute a pronounced downward motion to avoid floaty shots.
Volleying: offensive potential and handling trade-offs
During volleys, the reviewer describes the handling as decent but slightly inferior to the Vertex. In fast exchanges, the tip can lag, causing the ball to float more than desired. The sweet spot is less forgiving outside its central zone; off-center blocks or slow balls tend to stay short, requiring players to accompany the shot more actively for depth.
At higher pace, the racket shines—control is strong, and it enables offensive play with good ball speed. The reviewer again notes that generating spin is more difficult than with the Vertex, especially with new balls and the shiny face. However, the higher balance naturally encourages a downward motion, which helps compensate. In flat, powerful volleys, the xplo outperforms the Vertex, making it a solid choice for players seeking more offensive capability without sacrificing control.
Power and finishing: comparison with hack and other models
In the finishing zone, the reviewer considers the bullpadel xplo possibly the most powerful Bullpadel racket to date, especially in light of recent changes to the 2025 Hack, which now leans more toward control. Compared to previous Hacks, the xplo is slightly less hard but offers similar power. The reviewer finds the power output “quite decent,” especially for players with medium to advanced technique. However, in three-meter smashes and spin shots, the glossy finish makes it harder to generate effect, and the best power comes from hitting with the upper, drier part of the face.
Against competitors like the Metalbone Hard or Adidas Technical Viper, the xplo delivers less outright power, but it still stands out within the Bullpadel lineup for its offensive potential.
Key qualitative evaluations from the reviewer
- Control: Excellent at both low and high pace, especially from the back and mid-court
- Power: Improved over the Vertex 4, competitive with the Hack, but less than some rival brands
- Handling: Decent, but slightly less agile than the Vertex, especially in quick defensive situations
- Sweet spot: Standard size, but with a notable difference between central and upper areas
- Spin: More difficult to generate with the glossy 3D finish, especially with new balls
- Comfort: Medium-hard feel; not overly demanding but requires active play at lower speeds
Who should consider the bullpadel xplo?
The reviewer concludes that the bullpadel xplo is a multipurpose diamond-shaped racket that successfully addresses the Vertex’s lack of power at higher speeds, while maintaining Bullpadel’s signature control and dry touch. It is recommended for players seeking a balance between offensive capability and precision, especially those upgrading from the Vertex or last year’s Hack. The xplo is not the most powerful racket on the market, but it offers a noticeable improvement within the Bullpadel range, particularly for players with a medium to advanced technical level who value control and confidence in fast-paced play.
