Padel Review: Bullpadel Vertex 04 delivers balanced aggression and standout spin

This review breaks down Bullpadel’s Vertex 04 padel racket, from its revamped frame and rough 12K carbon face to its stock balance and customization options. Discover how it performs across strokes—with crisp response and high spin potential for assertive players—where it comes up short, and how it stacks up on comfort, maneuverability, and value.

Video created by: @PadelReview

Design updates and build choices on Vertex 04

Bullpadel’s latest Vertex 04 arrives as the signature-style option for Juan Tello and now also used by Bea González, and the channel considers it clearly improved versus last year’s model. It keeps the aggressive diamond mold but introduces a stiffer, more stable chassis via the new Curvaktiv frame and the Air Power channel (evolution of Air React Channel). The faces use XT Carbon 12K with a rough Topspin finish, while the core is the updated MultiEVA. The package aims at offensive play with enhanced spin and a firmer, drier impact.

From the handle down, Bullpadel fits a stock Hesacore grip and the side-anchored strap, plus VibraDrive to dampen shocks. The reviewer notes the build feels “big” in hand, yet cleverly balanced to remain manageable during long sessions.

Measured specs, balance point and customization

  • Weight: 368 g (measured)
  • Balance: 25 cm (medium–low)
  • Shape: Diamond
  • Face material: XT Carbon 12K
  • Core: New MultiEVA
  • Surface: Rough Topspin finish
  • Frame: Curvaktiv + Air Power
  • Dampening: VibraDrive
  • Handle: Stock Hesacore, side strap
  • Customization: Optional CustomWeight plates at the top and inside the butt-cap
  • Price: €299 MSRP; around €270 street

The creator flags that the included Hesacore lowers the balance; removing it and adding head weights can quickly turn the Vertex 04 into a more explosive hitter.

Player profile and on-court temperament

According to the channel, this is a racket for left-side players with an advanced–intermediate or higher level who play decisively. It rewards short backswings, assertive contact and worked spin. If you hesitate or try to “baby” the ball, the response is less predictable. Beginners or indecisive hitters should look elsewhere in the Bullpadel range.

Back-court behavior: crisp hits over soft touch

From the baseline, the Vertex 04 shines on firm, straight strokes. The feel is rigid and dry—classic Bullpadel—and the ball exits cleanly when you hit through it. The reviewer consistently enjoyed the chiquita to take the net and noted strong traction on topspin and slice thanks to the rough faces.

Where it is less convincing is on “comfortable,” slower balls: those can unexpectedly take off long if you don’t commit to the shot or let the ball sit on the face. Paradoxically, in difficulty the racket sometimes behaved better because the channel struck more decisively. Overall, it’s a back-court tool that prefers tense, directional play rather than floaty, placed shots.

Net play: quick, firm volleys and confident blocks

At the net the Vertex 04 is in its element. Volleys are crisp, and the depth you can create with compact swings is notable. Blocks are stable, with the VibraDrive helping to keep the arm fresh. In fast exchanges, the frame can feel “large,” yet maneuverability remains solid given the 25 cm balance.

Touch volleys are the main caveat. When the creator tried to caress the ball, it would sometimes jump or run away. The guidance is clear: stay aggressive and keep the contact dry; the more you try to slow-play the net, the more the response becomes finicky.

Overheads: vibora and kick shine, flat smash lags

Over the head, the channel highlights excellent vibora and kick smashes. Spin grabs immediately and the ball jumps after the bounce. However, the flat smash is not a cannon in stock trim; with the balance at 25 cm there’s a bit less inertia than big hitters might want, so outright one-shot finishing is less automatic.

The solution, if you crave more punch, is straightforward: remove the Hesacore and add top weights. In the shop configuration, though, the Vertex 04 clearly prioritizes worked, decisive overheads over pure flat power.

Maneuverability, comfort and comparisons in the range

Despite 368 g, the racket feels more manageable than expected and notably less fatiguing than the current Hack the channel tested. Comfort is good for a stiff frame, with no arm soreness reported. Still, that lower swingweight is part of why flat power trails true “cannons” the reviewer cites—think Head Delta Pro, Head Extreme Pro, StarVie Triton Pro, Bullpadel Ionic Power, or Head Speed Pro X.

Crucially, the channel prefers this Vertex 04 to last year’s Vertex and, if choosing within Bullpadel’s flagships this season, would pick Vertex over Hack for its blend of aggression, control, and usability.

Price and overall value versus last year

With the MSRP at €299 and a typical street price around €270, the reviewer deems the value solid given the upgrades and on-court results. It’s an offensive racket that’s easier to live with across a full match than many diamond models, provided you play with conviction.

The channel’s ratings for Bullpadel Vertex 04

  • Back court: 7.5
  • Net: 8
  • Control: 7
  • Maneuverability: 7.5
  • Ball output: 7
  • Sweet spot: 7.5
  • Spin/effects: 8
  • Power: 7.5
  • “X3”: 8
  • Vibora: 9
  • Value for money (≈€270): 7

In short, this is a left-side, spin-friendly diamond that rewards decisive, worked strokes—better balanced and more complete than its predecessor, and a smart pick for aggressive players who don’t need a pure cannon to finish points.

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

Who is the Bullpadel Vertex 04 best suited for?

It suits advanced–intermediate or higher players, ideally on the left side, who hit decisively with short backswings and like to work the ball with spin. If you play aggressively and keep contact firm and dry, it rewards you. Beginners or indecisive hitters will find it less predictable and should look for a softer, friendlier option.

What are the key specs and technologies that define its feel?

It’s a diamond-shaped racket at 368 g with a medium–low 25 cm balance. The Curvaktiv frame and Air Power channel add stiffness and stability. Faces are XT Carbon 12K with a rough Topspin finish over a MultiEVA core. A stock Hesacore grip and VibraDrive dampening improve comfort, with optional CustomWeight plates for tuning.

How does the Vertex 04 perform from the back court and at the net?

From the baseline it delivers a rigid, dry impact with clean ball exit on firm, straight strokes, plus excellent traction for topspin, slice, and chiquitas. At the net, volleys are crisp and blocks feel stable. Touchy, caressed shots can fly, so staying assertive works best. Despite feeling “big,” maneuverability is solid for fast exchanges.

How does it handle overheads like vibora, kick, and flat smashes?

Vibora and kick smashes stand out; the rough surface grabs the ball and produces strong bounce. Flat smash power is decent but not a cannon in stock form, as the 25 cm balance gives slightly lower inertia. If you want more outright finishing power, shift the balance forward with head weights and a simpler grip.

Can I customize the balance or power, and how should I do it?

Yes. The CustomWeight system lets you add plates at the top for more inertia and punch, or inside the butt-cap to lower balance for quicker handling. The stock Hesacore reduces balance; removing it and adding head weights makes the racket more explosive. Start with small increments to maintain control and test on overheads.

How does it compare with Bullpadel Hack and the previous Vertex?

It’s clearly improved over last year’s Vertex, feeling better balanced and more complete. Compared with the current Hack, it’s more manageable and less fatiguing across a match while keeping strong offensive traits. If choosing between Bullpadel’s flagships, this model offers a cleaner blend of aggression, spin, and usability rather than pure, heavy flat power.

Is the price good value compared with other aggressive rackets?

At €299 MSRP and around €270 on the street, the value is solid given the upgraded frame, spin-friendly surface, and overall playability. It’s not as flat-powerful as true cannons like Head Delta Pro, Head Extreme Pro, StarVie Triton Pro, Bullpadel Ionic Power, or Head Speed Pro X, but it’s easier to handle throughout a match.