Design, build quality, and first impressions of the Quad Rhino
The reviewer immediately highlights the Quad Rhino as a visually striking racket, noting that black rackets tend to be popular, but this model stands out for more than just its looks. The Quad Rhino combines a sleek, dark aesthetic with subtle bronze serigraphs and a distinctive, almost oversized oval drop shape. Despite its appearance, the racket feels compact and well-balanced in hand, offering a reassuring sense of control without being small or unwieldy.
One of the first things to notice is the gommata (rubberized) paint finish on the face, which not only enhances grip on the ball but also contributes to spin generation. The finish is described as “almost diseducative” for tennis players, as it encourages more aggressive wrist action and spin. The overall build quality is impressive, with the racket being handmade in Portugal at Quad’s own factory, a detail that adds to its premium feel.
- Weight: 360g (dry weight, straight from the box)
- Balance: 26.2 cm
- Face material: 24K carbon fiber
- Core: Medium-hard, high-density core
- Shape: Oversized drop (goccia) with a long face
Each Quad racket comes with a basic protector in the box, and a unique identification code for warranty and traceability—an important feature for a racket in this price range.
Comfort, handle design, and anti-vibration system
The handle of the Quad Rhino is described as “tennis-like,” with a pronounced butt cap and ergonomic grip that will feel familiar to players transitioning from tennis. The handle measures 12.5 cm and is slightly thicker than average, providing a comfortable and secure hold. The wrist strap is standard, slightly longer than usual, but effective.
Quad’s proprietary anti-vibration system is a standout feature. The system uses heavier, denser rubber inserts—similar to ShockOut dampeners but with more mass—that can be positioned as desired. According to the reviewer, this results in virtually zero vibration, making the racket surprisingly comfortable even though it is not particularly flexible. The combination of the medium-hard core and the anti-vibration system delivers a solid, reassuring feel on every shot.
On-court performance: impact, power, and spin
Once on court, the reviewer notes that the Quad Rhino offers a unique impact sensation—something slightly above medium, with a connected, responsive touch. The rubberized paint holds the ball momentarily, creating the impression that the ball “stays inside” before being released with significant energy. This translates into excellent ball output and a lively response, even with minimal effort from the player.
The 24K carbon face might suggest a stiff, demanding racket, but the Rhino surprises with its ability to generate both power and ball speed with just a flick of the wrist. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the racket’s performance from the baseline, where it delivers a strong combination of control, ball output, and spin. The spin potential is described as “outstanding,” making it a top choice for players who rely on heavy topspin or slice.
Despite its relatively light weight and medium balance, the Rhino feels agile and easy to maneuver, without sacrificing stability or substance. The reviewer finds it difficult to criticize the racket’s dynamic performance, noting that it is both convincing and enjoyable to play with, especially for all-round players or those who value versatility.
Sweet spot, control, and suitability for different player types
The sweet spot on the Quad Rhino is described as regular and reassuring—slightly less than medium in size, but generous enough to inspire confidence. The racket responds well across the upper-middle area of the face, and the ball leaves the strings easily, making it forgiving for a wide range of shots.
From the back of the court, the Rhino excels in control and ball output, with a responsive impact that feels softer than expected thanks to the rubberized finish. The balance point provides a hint of head weight, but the overall feel remains balanced and all-round. The reviewer suggests that the Rhino is particularly well-suited for left-side players who want a complete, versatile racket, but it can also work for right-side players seeking a blend of control and power.
For those who prefer heavier, head-loaded rackets or a “hammer” feel, the reviewer recommends the Quad Shark instead, which offers more mass in the head and a different core construction. The Quad Lynx is also mentioned as a lighter, more affordable alternative with a similar finish but a softer, double-layer 3K carbon face.
Net play, volleys, and smash performance
At the net, the Quad Rhino continues to impress with its agility and energy return. Volleys are described as fast and effective, with the racket providing both spin and power on demand. The unique impact feel—where the ball seems to stay on the face a fraction longer—gives players extra confidence to work the ball with spin or finesse.
On smashes, the reviewer notes that while the Rhino delivers good power, its light weight means players may need to add a bit more arm speed to achieve maximum effect, especially on flat smashes. The Quad Shark is again mentioned as the better option for players who prioritize raw power and a heavier head. However, for kick smashes, the Rhino excels, offering easy access to spin and maintaining power even when the player is fatigued or not swinging at full strength.
Comparisons with Quad Shark and Quad Lynx models
The reviewer provides useful context by comparing the Rhino to its stablemates. The Quad Shark features a softer core and four layers of 3K carbon, resulting in a heavier, more powerful “hammer” feel with a higher balance point (around 27 cm). The Shark is better suited for aggressive left-side players who want maximum power and mass behind their shots.
The Quad Lynx, on the other hand, is lighter, with a double layer of 3K carbon and a balance similar to the Rhino. The Lynx is described as the most fun and accessible of the trio, especially for players who value easy ball output and maneuverability. It is also the most affordable, costing significantly less than the Rhino and Shark. The reviewer hints at a future review of the Quad Tiger, which is also in high demand among viewers.
Ratings and final verdict: how the Quad Rhino scores
The channel provides clear ratings for the Quad Rhino across several key categories. These scores reflect the reviewer’s on-court experience and are intended to help players understand the racket’s strengths and weaknesses:
- Ball output: 8/10 – Excellent ball release, especially for a light racket
- Sweet spot: 7.5/10 – Regular and reassuring, not huge but reliable
- Control: 8/10 – Very good control, especially from the baseline
- Power: 8.5/10 – Strong power for its weight, but don’t overswing
- Maneuverability: 7.5/10 – Moves very well, agile in hand
- Comfort: 8/10 – Virtually no vibration, comfortable impact
- Feel: 8/10 – Unique, slightly rubbery feel that may not suit everyone
- Spin: 9/10 – Outstanding spin potential, a defining feature
- Stability: 7/10 – Stable for its weight, but not a “tank”
- Baseline play: 7.5/10 – Reliable and supportive for technical players
- Wall returns: 8/10 – Good, though could use more head weight for some
- Volleys: 8/10 – Fast and effective, especially when controlled
- Flat smash: 7.5/10 – Lacks a bit of mass for maximum power
- Kick smash: 8.5/10 – Excellent for spin-based smashes
In summary, the Quad Rhino is a premium, handmade padel racket that stands out for its combination of spin, ball output, and comfort. It is best suited for technical players seeking an agile, versatile racket with a unique feel and outstanding spin potential. Those who prefer heavier, more head-loaded rackets may want to consider the Shark, while players looking for a lighter, more affordable option should look at the Lynx. The reviewer concludes that the Rhino is a complete, convincing choice for players who want performance without sacrificing comfort or maneuverability.
