The rise of Tactical Padel in Italy: a unique journey
The reviewer from Padel MaDs opens with a personal story that marks the beginning of both his channel and the Tactical Padel phenomenon in Italy. The journey started with the Il Toro 1.0, a racket that immediately stood out for its use of Mercedes AMG carbon fiber. The initial purchase, made directly from Sweden, was not easy—factoring in currency exchange and shipping delays—but the anticipation and excitement set the tone for what would become a widespread trend among Italian padel enthusiasts. Today, the Il Toro 1.0 is often sold out, reflecting its popularity and the brand’s growing reputation.
This retrospective focuses on the Tactical Padel 22-23 collection, highlighting its impact on the Italian market and the reasons behind its success. The reviewer emphasizes that Tactical Padel’s approach to quality and exclusivity has resonated with players seeking something distinctive in both performance and design.
Key models from the Tactical Padel 22-23 collection
The collection began with the release of the Katana Black, an evolution of the earlier Katana model. This new version features a hand-woven 3K carbon fiber face and a polyethylene core. The Katana Black is described as an indulgent, easy-to-play racket with a responsive feel. The polyethylene core, known for its excellent vibration absorption, provides a unique sound on ball impact—described as one of the most satisfying in the game. However, the reviewer notes that while the sound is powerful, the actual shot requires activation from the player’s arm, making it a fun and forgiving choice with a large sweet spot and a balance point at 25 cm.
- Face material: 3K hand-woven carbon fiber
- Core: Polyethylene
- Balance: 25 cm
Following the Katana Black, the collection features three round-shaped rackets: Il Rey, Il Duca, and LF. Each model is designed with a specific player profile in mind, offering distinct materials and playing characteristics.
Material choices and their impact on playability
The Il Rey stands out for its extensive use of Kevlar in the frame, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced players, especially those with a tennis background. The Kevlar construction provides exceptional control and a solid feel, but the reviewer stresses that it requires a “well-educated arm” to fully benefit from its capabilities. The racket is described as expensive but rewarding for those who can handle its demands.
In contrast, Il Duca is built entirely from carbon fiber and features an EVA 30 medium-hard core. The combination of a flexible carbon face and the EVA core results in a more elastic response, offering “free power” and making it suitable for players who prefer less arm involvement. However, the reviewer cautions that too much force can send the ball out of control, so a balanced approach is recommended.
- Il Rey: Kevlar frame, advanced control
- Il Duca: Carbon fiber frame, EVA 30 medium-hard core, elastic response
- Balance (all round models): 25–25.5 cm
- Drilling pattern: 6 lines of holes for enhanced control
The LF model blends Kevlar and carbon in its construction, with a double layer of fiberglass on the face for added elasticity. This results in a racket that strikes a near-perfect balance between power and control, offering a sweet spot that is both forgiving and responsive. The reviewer highlights the LF’s versatility, noting that it is “extremely maneuverable” and suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
Il Toro series: versatility and performance for intermediates
The Il Toro 1.0 and Il Toro 2.0 are central to the Tactical Padel identity. The first version features a 3K Mercedes AMG carbon fiber face, five layers of rubber, and a frame reinforced with two layers of fiberglass for added elasticity. The reviewer praises its “perfect polyvalence,” making it an excellent choice for intermediate players transitioning to advanced levels. It is neither too hard nor too soft, providing a balanced experience that supports both power and control.
- Il Toro 1.0: 3K Mercedes AMG carbon fiber, five-layer core, fiberglass-reinforced frame
- Il Toro 2.0: 6K hand-woven carbon fiber, Kevlar-carbon frame, balance 26–26.5 cm
The Il Toro 2.0 takes the concept further, using 6K hand-woven carbon fiber and a hybrid Kevlar-carbon frame. With a slightly higher balance point, it delivers more power while maintaining excellent maneuverability. The reviewer describes it as the “most beautiful” racket in the collection, but also notes that it requires more technical skill and attention on court. The sweet spot is a bit smaller than in other models, but still manageable for experienced players.
Comparisons and recommendations from the reviewer
Throughout the video, the reviewer draws comparisons between the different models, emphasizing the importance of matching racket characteristics to player needs. For those seeking maximum power, the Il Toro 2.0 is recommended. Players who want elasticity and easy ball exit should consider the Katana Black or Il Duca. For those prioritizing versatility, the LF and Il Toro 1.0 offer the best balance of power and control.
- Il Toro 2.0: Best for power-oriented players
- Katana Black / Il Duca: Ideal for elasticity and easy ball exit
- LF / Il Toro 1.0: Top choices for versatility and all-around play
The reviewer’s personal favorites are the LF and Il Toro 1.0, citing their adaptability and suitability for intermediate players who want both performance and forgiveness. He notes that while no single racket excels in every category, Tactical Padel’s range allows players to find the right compromise for their style and progression.
Final thoughts on Tactical Padel’s approach and future outlook
The channel highlights Tactical Padel’s philosophy of prioritizing playability and quality across the entire range. The brand’s decision to avoid discounts in favor of maintaining high standards has contributed to its strong reputation. The reviewer concludes that every racket in the Tactical Padel lineup is “damn playable,” making the brand accessible to a broad audience while still catering to those seeking advanced features.
With the upcoming 23-24 collection promising further innovations, Tactical Padel’s momentum in Italy shows no signs of slowing down. The reviewer’s retrospective underscores the brand’s unique blend of craftsmanship, material innovation, and player-focused design—qualities that have made it a standout in the competitive world of padel gear.
