El Toro Vice Versa review: power and spin for advanced padel players

Discover what makes the Tactical Padel El Toro Vice Versa Cayetano Rocafort Edition a standout choice for advanced padel players. This review explores its unique features, on-court performance, and suitability for those who demand both power and spin in their game. Read on to see if this high-performance racket matches your playing style.

Video created by: @PADELTESTBYROBERTOCARDI

Key specifications of the Tactical Padel El Toro Vice Versa Cayetano Rocafort Edition

The reviewer from Padel Test by Roberto Cardi provides a detailed look at the Tactical Padel El Toro Vice Versa Cayetano Rocafort Edition 2024, highlighting its advanced construction and technical features. This hybrid-shaped racket is designed for experienced players seeking a blend of power, control, and maneuverability. The standout materials and structural choices set it apart in the high-performance segment.

  • Shape: Hybrid (teardrop/goccia)
  • Frame: 100% Carbon Kevlar, including the handle
  • Face material: 12K Flex Carbon
  • Core: Hybrid foam with 5 density levels (Quick Recovery Effect)
  • Balance: Medium-high, 26–27 cm (head-heavy)
  • Weight: 355–375g (tested model: 352g with plastic, 350g without)
  • Player level: Advanced/Expert
  • Sweet spot: Center-high, not overly generous

Visually, the racket features a striking black and white design, with refined finishes and a discreet protective bumper running around the upper edge. The Tactical Padel logo is embedded between the bridge and the handle, showcasing the attention to detail in its construction.

First impressions and build quality

The channel notes the excellent craftsmanship of the El Toro Vice Versa. The carbon Kevlar frame extends into the handle, providing a solid and unified feel. The 12K carbon face offers both durability and a crisp response on impact. The reviewer highlights the innovative five-density hybrid foam core, which is engineered for quick recovery and explosive power.

One subtle but appreciated feature is the integrated protector along the racket’s upper edge. It is nearly invisible to the eye but offers real-world protection without altering the racket’s aesthetics or balance.

On-court performance: power, control, and feel

During playtesting, the reviewer emphasizes the high power potential of the El Toro Vice Versa. The racket delivers a firm, dry impact, especially noticeable on volleys and overhead shots. Its head-heavy balance (26–27 cm) amplifies the force behind smashes and viboras, making it a formidable weapon for aggressive players.

However, this same balance means the racket is felt in the arm, particularly during high swings. The reviewer cautions that the El Toro Vice Versa is best suited for players with good technique and physical conditioning, as the weight distribution can be demanding over long matches.

Spin generation is another highlight. The reviewer describes the racket as “perfect” for slicing and spinning shots, with exceptional grip on the ball during viboras and bandejas. The sweet spot, while effective, is slightly smaller and positioned higher than average, rewarding precise ball striking but leaving less margin for error.

Performance in specific padel shots

The reviewer breaks down the racket’s behavior across a range of padel strokes:

  • Volleys: Explosive power and a crisp, dry feel; ideal for aggressive net play.
  • Vibora & bandeja: Outstanding spin and power, with the head-heavy balance aiding in forceful, spinning shots. The reviewer notes a “crazy” amount of spin and considers these strokes a strong suit for the racket.
  • Groundstrokes (forehand, backhand, lob): The racket excels in driving the ball with pace, acting like a “cannon” when hitting through the ball. Control is also good, but the smaller sweet spot means technical precision is required, especially on defensive lobs and low wall exits.
  • Low wall exits: The racket performs “very well” under pressure, provided the ball is struck cleanly. The quick recovery foam helps generate lift and depth without excessive effort.
  • High wall exits: The reviewer praises the racket’s ability to generate power and spin when arming and accelerating through the ball, again highlighting the need for good technique due to the demanding balance.
  • Smash (remate): Described as “pure poetry of power,” the racket delivers exceptional ball exit and force, especially when contact is made in the upper sweet spot. Even players without extraordinary arm strength can achieve impressive results.

Overall, the El Toro Vice Versa is characterized by its explosive power, excellent spin, and a demanding but rewarding feel for advanced players.

Suitability for different player profiles

The reviewer is clear in recommending the Tactical Padel El Toro Vice Versa Cayetano Rocafort Edition primarily for advanced, expert, and professional players. Its high balance, stiffer feel, and smaller sweet spot make it less suitable for intermediates or those with less physical strength. Players who value precision, strategy, and the ability to generate their own power will find this racket to be a strong ally on court.

For those with a “weaker arm” or who prefer a more forgiving, easier-to-handle racket, the reviewer advises looking elsewhere, as the El Toro Vice Versa’s characteristics could lead to fatigue or inconsistent performance.

Reviewer’s ratings and final verdict

The reviewer provides a clear set of ratings for the racket’s key attributes:

  • Power: Outstanding (“tanta roba”, meaning “a lot” or “off the charts”)
  • Spin: Excellent, especially on viboras and bandejas
  • Control: Good, but requires technical precision due to the smaller sweet spot
  • Sweet spot: Slightly small and high, demanding accurate ball contact
  • Comfort: Demanding, especially for less experienced or physically weaker players
  • Impact feel: 8/10 (firm, dry, responsive)

In summary, the Tactical Padel El Toro Vice Versa Cayetano Rocafort Edition 2024 stands out as one of the most powerful rackets tested by the channel. Its advanced materials, explosive shot-making, and technical demands make it a top choice for high-level players seeking to dominate with power and spin.

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 standout features of the El Toro Vice Versa racket?

The El Toro Vice Versa features a hybrid shape, 100% carbon Kevlar frame, 12K flex carbon face, and a five-density hybrid foam core. Its head-heavy balance and integrated upper-edge protector make it both powerful and durable, while the striking black and white design adds to its premium feel.

Who is the El Toro Vice Versa best suited for?

This racket is designed for advanced, expert, and professional padel players. Its demanding balance, smaller sweet spot, and stiffer feel require good technique and physical conditioning. It is not recommended for beginners or players seeking a forgiving, easy-to-handle racket.

How does the El Toro Vice Versa compare to other high-performance padel rackets?

The El Toro Vice Versa stands out for its explosive power and exceptional spin, especially on smashes and spinning shots. Its technical demands and smaller sweet spot set it apart from more forgiving rackets, making it ideal for players who prioritize precision and aggressive play.

What should players know about the racket’s sweet spot and balance?

The sweet spot is slightly small and positioned high on the face, rewarding precise ball contact but leaving less margin for error. The medium-high, head-heavy balance amplifies power but can be demanding on the arm, especially during long matches or high-intensity play.

What are some tips for getting the most out of the El Toro Vice Versa?

To maximize performance, players should focus on clean, precise ball striking and maintain good physical conditioning. The racket excels in aggressive net play, smashes, and spinning shots, so advanced technique and timing are key to unlocking its full potential.

How does the El Toro Vice Versa perform in generating spin and power?

The racket delivers outstanding spin, especially on viboras and bandejas, thanks to its carbon face and head-heavy balance. Its five-density foam core provides explosive power, making it a top choice for players who want to dominate with forceful, spinning shots.

Is the El Toro Vice Versa comfortable for long matches?

While the racket offers excellent performance, its demanding balance and stiffer feel can lead to fatigue during extended play, particularly for those without strong technique or physical strength. It is best suited for players accustomed to heavier, more technical rackets.