adidas Metalbone 2026: every model compared

adidas numbers the Metalbone by year: version 3.5 is the 2026 one, often sold simply as "Metalbone 2026". The rackets are made by the Spanish licensee All for Padel. The range splits into three groups:

• Diamond, for power: Metalbone and Metalbone HRD+ (both 345 to 360 grams plus extra weights, 16K carbon face), plus the cheaper Metalbone Carbon and Metalbone Team (each 360 to 375 grams).
• Round, for control: Metalbone CTRL (345 to 360 grams plus extra weights, 16K carbon), Metalbone Carbon CTRL (360 to 375 grams) and Metalbone Team Light (345 to 360 grams, fibreglass).
• Special models: the limited Pro EDT and Reserve EDT for advanced players and the Metalbone Superlight, 315 to 330 grams, for juniors.

Shape matters more than the name. Why a diamond gives you more punch on the smash and a round racket forgives more is explained in my article round, teardrop or diamond.

The two flagship models come out of the same mould: diamond shape, high balance, 38 millimetres thick, a rough face of aluminised 16K carbon. The difference is in the core.

• Metalbone 2026: a "Soft Performance EVA" core, a softer, lower-density foam. The ball comes off the face quickly even at moderate swing speed and the racket feels more comfortable. This is the Metalbone for most players who want power but don't hit every ball flat out.
• Metalbone HRD+ 2026: a "High Memory EVA" core, adidas's hardest foam, plus an octagonal frame structure for extra stiffness. On slow shots the HRD+ feels dead; on fast swings and smashes it comes into its own and stays more controlled. It's the racket Galán uses on tour.

My rule of thumb: if you're wondering whether you hit hard enough for the HRD+, take the standard Metalbone. A racket that's too stiff costs you control at the net and puts more strain on your elbow.

The Metalbone's trademark is its "Weight & Balance" system. There are threaded points around the throat of the racket where you screw in small weights, adding up to 11.2 grams. The Metalbone, HRD+, CTRL and Pro EDT have it; the cheaper Carbon and Team models don't.

In practice: heavier screws at the top move the balance towards the head and give you more power overhead. Without screws the racket is lighter and quicker in the hand, for fast volleys for example. According to a comparison by Padel Market, Galán plays with the heaviest screws at the top and leaves the rest out.

For club players: start without extra weight and only add some if you feel you lack punch on the smash. You'll feel every gram at the head in your forearm after 90 minutes. If you want to change the handle size, a second overgrip is the better fix: padel grip and overgrip explained.

• Metalbone CTRL: round shape, 16K carbon, soft core and the weight system. The sweet spot sits lower and is larger, so it forgives off-centre hits. Good for players who build points from the back but still want a flagship racket. Retailers rate it for intermediate to advanced players.
• Metalbone Carbon and Carbon CTRL: diamond and round respectively, a simpler carbon face (usually listed as 6K), 360 to 375 grams, no screws. They cost far less than the flagships and play similarly, just a little less crisp.
• Metalbone Team and Team Light: a fibreglass face, which is softer and adds ball speed on its own. The Team is a diamond at 360 to 375 grams; the Team Light is round and lighter at 345 to 360 grams. These are the entry models of the range.

Check the year when you buy: last year's models (3.4) are often much cheaper, and the differences between two years are usually small.

• You've played for a year or two and want more power: Metalbone Team Light or Carbon CTRL. Round forgives more.
• You play tournaments regularly and love the smash: the standard Metalbone 2026.
• You hit very hard with a clean swing: Metalbone HRD+.
• You want control but top-end build quality: Metalbone CTRL.

A few models available from Tennis-Point, with prices from 4 November 2026:

• adidas Metalbone 2026*, around €190.
• adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2026*, around €227.
• adidas Metalbone Carbon 2026*, around €140.
• adidas Metalbone Team 2026*, around €144.

To see how the Metalbone stacks up against other brands, check the 9 best padel rackets of 2026 and the best rackets for intermediate players. Everything else you need on court is in my padel equipment overview.

Links marked * are partner links to Tennis-Point. If you buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.