Hybrid padel rackets with medium feel: top alternatives and comparisons
The creator from Probando Palas dives into the most common questions about hybrid-format padel rackets with a medium touch, focusing on options from Babolat, Nox, and other leading brands. The discussion covers alternatives for players seeking rackets similar to the Head Delta Pro, as well as recommendations for those looking to replace popular models like the Nox AT10 18K 2023 or upgrade to the latest releases such as the Wilson Blade Pro V3.
Alternatives for players seeking more hardness and all-carbon faces
One viewer, accustomed to the AT10 Attack 2023, requested a racket with a similar feel but slightly more hardness, an all-carbon construction, and a comparable sweet spot. The reviewer suggests avoiding the AT10 Tac 2024 and the G Force line, as both are either softer or incorporate fiberglass in the faces.
Instead, the standout recommendation is the Oxdog Ultimate Pro, praised for its balanced feel and effective performance at medium and high speeds. The Ultimate Pro offers a format and sensation reminiscent of the AT10, but with a bit more control at higher intensities. As an alternative, the Siux ST3 Pro is mentioned, though it is noted to be slightly harder and may not suit everyone’s preference for touch.
Hybrid rackets with medium or medium-soft touch for control and versatility
For players transitioning from rackets like the Bullpadel Hack 03 Control and seeking a hybrid format with a medium or medium-soft feel and a rough surface, the reviewer highlights two main options:
- Siux Revolution Pro 3 (Sanyo Gutiérrez): Offers roughness, a suitable hybrid format, and a medium-medium soft touch.
- Padel One Trilogy Pro 4: Known for its pronounced roughness and exceptional control, especially from the back of the court. The previous Trilogy Pro 3 was even named the best control racket of its year.
Additionally, the Palap Star line is recommended for those seeking competitive pricing and a hybrid format. The Control Star and Power Star models provide options for players prioritizing feel or power, respectively.
Babolat and Nox alternatives for Head Delta Pro users
For those happy with the Head Delta Pro but seeking alternatives from Babolat or Nox, the channel suggests:
- Babolat Technical Viper or Air Viper: Both feature the long cuff. The Air Viper has a slightly lower sweet spot, while the Technical Viper offers a more progressive response and a marginally better-optimized sweet spot, though with a slight reduction in power.
- Nox AT10 18K Attack 2023: Closest in feel to the Delta Pro 2022, with good ball output and handling. The 2024 version is not recommended due to a softer touch.
Comparing options for players wanting a harder touch than Delta Motion
Players moving from the Delta Motion and seeking a harder touch have several options. The Nox AT10 12K Attack 2024 and Siux ST3 Pro are both highlighted. The AT10 12K is closer in sweet spot to the Delta Motion, while the ST3 Pro offers a more progressive behavior, especially in aerial play, but with a slightly smaller sweet spot. The Babolat Technical Viper is also mentioned as a medium-hard touch racket, bordering on hard, suitable for those prioritizing power.
Multipurpose rackets with medium-high balance and moderate touch
For players seeking a multipurpose racket with a touch slightly less than the Air Viper and a medium-high balance, the reviewer recommends:
- Head Speed Motion: Offers medium-high balance and a touch similar to the Air Viper.
- Oxdog Ultimate Pro Light: Comparable to the Air Viper but slightly harder at the back of the court, with excellent handling and a drier feel.
Lightweight rackets with higher balance and increased hardness
Responding to a request for a racket under 365g, with a higher balance and more hardness than the Nox ML10 Bahia 2023, several alternatives are discussed:
- Varlion Metalbone 3.3 HRD: Offers increased space and hardness.
- Wilson Bela Pro V2.5: Slightly more rigid than its predecessor, with a medium-high balance and manageable weight.
- Nox AT10 12K 2024, Siux ST3 Pro, Head Speed Motion, Oxdog Ultimate Pro Light: All are versatile, manageable, and provide a range of power and control options.
The Ultimate Pro Light is noted for delivering more power without being overly demanding, while the Wilson Bela Pro V2.5 stands out for its optimized sweet spot and improved power over previous versions.
Key qualitative evaluations from the reviewer
- Oxdog Ultimate Pro: Balanced, medium touch, excellent control at high speeds.
- Siux ST3 Pro: Slightly harder, progressive in aerial play, good for power-focused players.
- Padel One Trilogy Pro 4: Exceptional control, pronounced roughness, medium-medium soft touch.
- Babolat Technical Viper: Medium-hard, progressive, optimized sweet spot, slightly less power than Delta Pro.
- Nox AT10 12K 2024: Wider sweet spot, medium-hard feel, versatile.
- Wilson Bela Pro V2.5: Improved rigidity and power, optimized sweet spot, manageable weight.
- Head Speed Motion: Medium-high balance, similar touch to Air Viper, manageable.
Final thoughts on choosing the right hybrid padel racket
The channel’s recommendations consistently emphasize the importance of matching racket characteristics—such as touch, sweet spot, balance, and materials—to individual playing style and preferences. Whether seeking more power, better control, or a specific feel, the hybrid rackets discussed offer a range of options for intermediate and advanced players. The Babolat Technical Viper, Nox AT10 12K, Oxdog Ultimate Pro, and Wilson Bela Pro V2.5 emerge as standout choices, each excelling in different aspects of performance and comfort.
