Design, materials, and customisation options of the Oxdog Ultimate Pro 2024
The reviewer immediately highlights the Oxdog Ultimate Pro 2024 as one of the most visually appealing rackets on the market, with a premium look that stands out. While not inexpensive, its build quality and thoughtful design justify the investment for many players. The racket features a familiar shape, reminiscent of popular models like the Babolat Viper series, but introduces its own unique elements such as straighter edges and the inclusion of Power Ribs technology. According to Oxdog, these structural ribs enhance power transfer, a claim the reviewer finds credible after on-court testing.
One of the most notable aspects is the racket’s high level of customisation. Out of the box, the Ultimate Pro weighs 365g with a balance point of 26 cm. However, players can easily adjust both weight and balance:
- Removable 8g weight in the handle – Removing this shifts the balance higher, increasing head-heaviness.
- Adhesive weights for the head – The package includes additional weights (8g, 6g, and 4g) that can be attached to the head, allowing for a total weight range from 357g to 373g depending on configuration.
This flexibility allows players to fine-tune the racket to their preferences, whether they seek more maneuverability or extra punch in their shots. The reviewer prefers the standard configuration, finding it well-balanced and versatile for a variety of playing styles.
Core, face, and grip: comfort and technical details
The medium-density core is a standout feature, offering a balanced feel that avoids extremes of softness or rigidity. This makes the Ultimate Pro suitable for a wide range of players, not just those seeking maximum aggression or pure defense. The face is mostly smooth with subtle relief, and while the Tour version features a more pronounced satin finish for enhanced spin, the Ultimate Pro’s surface requires more technical input to generate heavy spin.
The grip receives special praise for its squared, slightly rectangular profile, reminiscent of classic Head TK8 handles. This shape provides excellent comfort and control, especially for players with larger hands. The lightweight, simple wrist strap is also appreciated for its comfort and minimalism.
On-court performance: impact, sweet spot, and playability
Once on court, the reviewer notes that the Ultimate Pro delivers a medium impact feel—neither too soft nor too hard—making it accessible for intermediate and advanced players alike. The racket is inherently aggressive but remains forgiving, with a medium-small sweet spot. While not as large as some all-round rackets, it is more accommodating than many other aggressive, stiff models, providing a pleasant and controlled response on most shots.
The racket’s Silent Speed Technology is designed to reduce noise, theoretically conserving more energy for ball output. In practice, this results in a quieter racket that feels slightly stiffer at first due to the subdued sound, but the tactile feedback remains excellent. The reviewer finds the racket’s feedback and comfort to be above average, with a stable and reassuring feel during play.
Comparisons with other Oxdog and market models
The channel draws direct comparisons to the Babolat Technical Viper and Air Viper, noting that the Ultimate Pro combines the weight and balance of the Technical Viper with the shape of the Air Viper. This hybrid approach, paired with a medium core, results in a racket that is neither too demanding nor too soft, making it a strong contender for players seeking both control and power.
The reviewer also mentions the Ultimate Pro Plus (a stiffer, more power-oriented version) and the Ultimate Tour (with a softer core and enhanced spin capabilities). The Ultimate Pro is positioned as the most balanced option, offering a blend of playability, power, and technical performance.
Shot analysis: control, power, spin, and versatility
The Ultimate Pro excels in producing a full, powerful ball output, especially when activated with a confident stroke. The sweet spot, while not large, is forgiving enough for intermediate players, and the racket’s maneuverability is a major asset at the net and during volleys. The reviewer highlights the following shot characteristics:
- Control: Good, especially when played with proper technique. The racket rewards technical players but remains accessible.
- Power: Strong, particularly on volleys and smashes. The power increases further if additional head weight is added.
- Spin: Requires technical input; the smooth face does not automatically generate spin, but rewards players who can impart it themselves.
- Comfort: Above average, with a stable and reassuring feel even during aggressive play.
The reviewer finds the racket particularly effective on volleys and “vibora” shots, where its stability and lively core shine. Defensive play is also manageable, with the racket offering enough forgiveness to handle off-center hits, though it is best suited to players with a solid technical base.
Strengths, weaknesses, and ideal player profile
According to the channel, the main strengths of the Oxdog Ultimate Pro 2024 are its customisation options, balanced core, and excellent maneuverability. The grip and comfort are also standout features. The main limitation is its relatively technical nature when it comes to generating spin—the racket does not “give away” spin, requiring players to actively work for it. Additionally, while power is strong, those seeking maximum explosiveness may prefer the stiffer Pro Plus version.
This racket is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who value a blend of power, control, and customization, and who have the technique to take advantage of its nuanced performance characteristics.
Reviewer’s ratings for the Oxdog Ultimate Pro 2024
The reviewer provides clear ratings for each key aspect of the racket:
- Ball output: 8/10 – Concrete, lively response once activated
- Sweet spot: 7+/10 – Medium-small, but permissive for an aggressive racket
- Control: 7.5/10 – Good, especially with technical play
- Power: 7.75/10 – Strong, but not extreme; Pro Plus offers more
- Maneuverability: 7.5/10 – Excellent movement and handling
- Comfort: 7.5/10 – Slightly firm, but comfortable overall
- Feeling: 7.5/10 – Good feedback, though more sound would help
- Spin: 7/10 – Effective with technique, but not automatic
- Stability: 7.5/10 – Stable, especially with custom weights
- Baseline play: 7/10 – Technical, but rewarding for skilled players
- Wall exit: 8/10 – Energetic and forgiving
- Volleys: 8/10 – Immediate and satisfying response
- Flat smash: 7.75/10 – Powerful, but not extreme
- Kick smash: 8.5/10 – Excellent ball exit and spin when played correctly
Final thoughts on the Oxdog Ultimate Pro 2024 padel racket
The Oxdog Ultimate Pro 2024 stands out as a highly customisable, well-balanced racket that bridges the gap between aggressive performance and everyday playability. Its thoughtful engineering, comfortable grip, and adaptable weight system make it a compelling choice for players seeking a technical yet forgiving padel racket. While it requires a certain level of skill to fully exploit its spin potential, it rewards those who invest in their technique with a dynamic and satisfying playing experience.
