Testing a diverse lineup of padel rackets at Green Park Bari
The latest episode of “Racchette da Incubo” took place at Green Park in Bari, where three players—Luca, Sergio, and Giulio—put a range of padel rackets through their paces. Each player brought a unique playing style and experience level, providing a well-rounded perspective on how these rackets perform in real match situations. The channel’s host facilitated the session, observing and gathering feedback as the players rotated through several notable models.
Overview of rackets tested and player backgrounds
The session featured a variety of rackets from leading brands, including Siux Fenix Pro 4, Siux Electra Pro ST3, StarVie Triton Soft, Tactical Paddle El Toro 2.0, Oxdog Hyper Pro 2.0, Oxdog Ultimate Pro Plus, Technical Viper 2024, Tactical Katana Blue, and Icon T Carbon. Each participant had their own main racket preference, ranging from the Technical Viper 2023 to the Babola Lebron and Extreme Pro.
- Luca: Intermediate-advanced, usually plays with a heavy Extreme Pro
- Sergio: Intermediate, prefers the Babola Lebron
- Giulio: Intermediate-advanced, typically uses Technical Viper 2023
This diversity in player profiles allowed for a broad evaluation of each racket’s strengths and weaknesses.
Luca’s impressions: control, mobility, and finding the sweet spot
Luca’s playstyle is characterized by high mobility and a preference for rackets that offer both control and reliable spin. He felt most at home with the Tactical Paddle El Toro 2.0, praising its wide sweet spot and balanced power. According to Luca, the El Toro 2.0 is ideal for intermediate players, offering enough punch for smashes while remaining forgiving on off-center hits. He highlighted the racket’s ability to generate spin and its comfortable impact during both aggressive and defensive shots.
- Weight: Not specified, but described as well-balanced
- Sweet spot: Wide and accessible
- Spin: Excellent, especially on kick smashes and viboras
In contrast, Luca struggled with the Siux Electra Pro ST3, finding its response inconsistent—sometimes launching the ball unexpectedly, other times lacking power. The StarVie Triton Soft also proved challenging due to its lower sweet spot, which didn’t align with his usual impact point. However, he appreciated its crisp, connected feel and outstanding spin potential. The Siux Fenix Pro 4 impressed him with its high balance and power, though he noted it required more precise technique, especially from the back of the court.
Sergio’s feedback: power-focused play and racket adaptability
Sergio, who favors a more aggressive, smash-oriented approach, gravitated toward rackets that deliver raw power. The Siux Fenix Pro 4 stood out as his favorite, offering significant force on overheads and deep shots. He found the sweet spot sufficiently large and rated the racket’s overall performance as a 6 out of 10, especially appreciating its ability to facilitate forceful play at the net. However, he acknowledged that defensive play required more effort, as the Fenix Pro 4 does not “give away” easy returns.
- Weight: Not specified, but described as solid and not overly head-heavy
- Balance: High, favoring attacking shots
- Power: Excellent for aggressive players
Sergio also tested the StarVie Triton Soft and found it similar to his regular Triton Pro 2023, with perhaps a touch more forgiveness. The Siux Electra Pro ST3 did not convince him due to its unpredictable “on-off” response, while the Oxdog Ultimate Pro Plus impressed with its blend of power and manageable weight, though he cautioned that it demands careful control to avoid sending balls long. The Icon T Carbon left him indifferent, lacking the punch and feel he seeks in a racket.
Giulio’s analysis: measured play and preference for ball output
Giulio’s game is built around consistency and measured shot selection. He values rackets that help with ball output and offer a forgiving response. The Siux Electra Pro ST3 was a standout for him, providing the right combination of spin, maneuverability, and accessible sweet spot. Unlike the other testers, Giulio did not experience the “on-off” effect, likely due to his more controlled swing style.
- Preferred rackets: Siux Electra Pro ST3, Tactical Paddle El Toro 2.0
- Sweet spot: Medium to medium-large, well-suited to his technique
- Spin: Very good, especially on softer shots
He found the StarVie Triton Soft a bit too stiff and head-heavy for his taste, suggesting it is better suited for advanced players. The Siux Fenix Pro 4 also felt too demanding, requiring more technical skill and physicality than he prefers. Giulio appreciated the Tactical Katana Blue for its soft, trampoline-like response and excellent grip, making it ideal for defensive players or those seeking extra help with ball output. The Technical Viper 2024 impressed him with its improved comfort and slightly larger sweet spot compared to the 2023 version, though he noted it remains a power-oriented racket.
Key qualitative evaluations and player preferences
- Tactical Paddle El Toro 2.0: Praised for its balance, wide sweet spot, and spin; ideal for intermediate players (Luca and Giulio’s top pick)
- Siux Fenix Pro 4: Delivers strong power and high balance; best for aggressive, advanced players (Sergio’s favorite, Luca found it demanding)
- Siux Electra Pro ST3: Offers great spin and maneuverability; polarizing “on-off” feel depending on playstyle (Giulio liked it, others less so)
- StarVie Triton Soft: Stiff, with a low sweet spot and excellent spin; better for advanced players
- Oxdog Ultimate Pro Plus: Powerful and responsive, but requires skill to control (Sergio’s second choice)
- Tactical Katana Blue: Soft, with strong ball output and grip; suited for defensive or right-side players (Giulio appreciated its comfort)
- Technical Viper 2024: Improved comfort and grip over previous version; remains a power racket with a manageable sweet spot
Final thoughts on matching racket choice to playing style
The episode highlighted how crucial it is to match a padel racket’s characteristics to a player’s technique and tactical needs. While some rackets excelled in power and spin, they demanded more precision and strength, making them less suitable for intermediate or control-oriented players. Conversely, rackets with a softer touch and larger sweet spot offered greater forgiveness and comfort, especially for those who prioritize consistency and ball output. The reviewer’s approach of letting each player test multiple rackets provided valuable, real-world insights into how these models perform across different styles and skill levels.
