Technical specifications and build details of the Adidas Adipower Light 3.2 2023
The reviewer from Probando Palas begins by highlighting the Adidas Adipower Light 3.2 2023, the signature racket of Martita Ortega for the 2023 season. This model stands out for its lightweight construction and focus on control, making it a popular choice among players who value maneuverability and precision.
- Shape: Round
- Face material: 24K carbon fiber with pronounced 3D roughness
- Core: EVA soft (blue cap), offering a medium to slightly soft feel
- Weight: 345–360g (tested unit: 352g with protector and overgrip)
- Balance: 265 mm (medium, slightly higher than expected for a round racket)
- Grip length: 12 cm (standard)
- Butt cap: Octagonal, with subtly marked edges
- Lanyard: Standard, without knot
The combination of a round shape, medium-soft EVA core, and 24K carbon face with a marked rough finish gives the racket a unique blend of control, comfort, and spin potential. The reviewer notes the pronounced 3D roughness as a standout feature, aiding in spin generation, especially on volleys and slices.
First impressions and handling on court
From the first moments on court, the reviewer describes the Adipower Light 3.2 as exceptionally comfortable and easy to adapt to. The racket’s light weight and balanced feel make it highly maneuverable, allowing players to react quickly and position the racket with minimal effort. The reviewer refers to it as a “plug and play” racket, emphasizing how natural it feels even during the initial hits.
The sweet spot is described as generous, which helps maintain control and consistency even on off-center hits. The medium-soft touch provides a pleasant sensation, neither too stiff nor excessively soft, which contributes to its forgiving nature from the back of the court.
Performance from the baseline and in defense
In defensive situations, especially from the back of the court, the Adipower Light 3.2 excels in comfort and ease of use. Its lightweight build (352g) and medium balance allow for quick racket movement, making it easier to handle balls that stay close to the glass or require rapid response. The reviewer highlights how the racket’s balance is not extremely low, but well-calibrated to provide both stability and agility.
At medium pace, the racket offers a very “grateful” response, meaning it rewards the player with consistent ball output and control. The reviewer notes that even when increasing the pace, the racket maintains control thanks to its ample sweet spot. However, at higher speeds, there is a slight tendency for the ball to lift more than desired, but overall, the racket remains predictable and easy to manage.
Control and touch in volleys and net play
At the net, the Adipower Light 3.2 impresses with its distinctive sound and the sensation of control it delivers. The pronounced roughness on the face helps produce a “dry” ball exit, preventing the ball from floating excessively. The reviewer appreciates the racket’s ability to generate depth with little effort, attributing this in part to the rough surface and the core’s response.
When blocking or playing soft volleys, the racket is described as very comfortable and precise. For more offensive volleys, the reviewer observes that the Adipower Light 3.2 is not particularly progressive—meaning it does not provide a significant power boost when the player accelerates the swing. Instead, it excels in situations where control and placement are prioritized over raw power.
Overhead shots, smashes, and aerial play
During overhead shots such as the bandeja and vibora, the reviewer finds the Adipower Light 3.2 to be a highly controllable racket. It allows players to manage the point and place the ball with accuracy, making it ideal for those who prefer to construct points rather than rely on outright power. The rough surface again proves useful, helping to impart spin and keep the ball low after contact.
However, when it comes to smashes and power shots, the reviewer notes that the racket lacks the explosiveness found in more attack-oriented models. Players who rely on aggressive overheads or seek maximum power may find the Adipower Light 3.2 less suitable, as it requires significant effort to generate high ball speed. The reviewer emphasizes that this is a racket designed for control and touch, not for pure power.
Comfort, maneuverability, and overall feel during extended play
After several days of testing, the reviewer highlights the exceptional maneuverability and comfort of the Adipower Light 3.2. Its lightweight construction and round format make it easy to accelerate the arm and react quickly in fast-paced exchanges. The combination of the soft EVA core and balanced weight distribution ensures that the racket remains comfortable even during long sessions, with minimal strain on the arm.
The reviewer also points out the effectiveness of the rough surface, which, while not covering the entire face, provides ample grip for spin shots and helps keep volleys low and controlled. The overall build quality is praised, though there is a note that the paint in the logo area may wear off over time, which could affect the racket’s appearance but not its performance.
Strengths, weaknesses, and reviewer’s ratings
The channel summarizes the main strengths and weaknesses of the Adidas Adipower Light 3.2 based on their on-court experience:
- Strengths:
- Outstanding maneuverability and comfort
- Excellent control and touch, especially in defensive and net play
- Generous sweet spot and forgiving response
- Effective rough surface for spin and precise ball exit
- Weaknesses:
- Limited power and explosiveness on smashes
- Not highly progressive at high swing speeds
- Potential for paint wear in the logo area
Who should consider the Adidas Adipower Light 3.2 2023?
The reviewer concludes that the Adipower Light 3.2 is an excellent option for players seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and highly controllable padel racket. It is especially well-suited for those who prioritize defense, touch, and maneuverability over sheer power. While marketed as a women’s racket and endorsed by Martita Ortega, its performance characteristics make it a strong choice for any player—regardless of gender—who values finesse and precision in their game.
Players who demand maximum power or who frequently play an aggressive, smash-heavy style may find the Adipower Light 3.2 less ideal. However, for those who want a reliable, easy-to-handle racket that excels in control and comfort, it stands out as one of the top options in its category for 2023.
