Adidas Metalbone 3.2 Padel rackets 2023 review

We review the latest release in the Adidas Metalbone 3.2 family. Are these top-level rackets worthy of the hype? Find out what style and level of play they suit best, in our expert opinion.

Summary: our verdict
We've been longing to get our hands on these, because we're big fans of the 2022 Metalbone rackets and couldn't wait to see how the Adidas techies and pro players would improve them. To cut to the chase - they have excelled themselves! For ambitious and advanced padel players, these rackets absolutely justify their price point. 
The Metalbone range is all about feel and comfort compared to the Adipower rackets due to the weight (345-360g versus 360-375g for the Adipowers).
For aggressive players who like to dominate from the net and take every opportunity to throw themselves into a smash, the Metalbone Hard 3.2 is one of the most powerful rackets we've ever had the pleasure of playing with.
For precision players whose mission is to control the game in more subtle ways, the Metalbone Control 3.2 delivers power with stunning accuracy and focus.
For advanced players with all-round technique and a sophisticated game, the Metalbone 3.2 gives an amazing balance of control and power.
For all three rackets, the customisable weight system means you can set up your racket to suit your game... and even adjust it if you want to refine your play for different matches and opponents.
We're in no doubt: the Metalbone 3.2 rackets are for padel athletes who are serious about playing to the best of their ability... and winning!
Read on for our detailed review of the Metalbone 3.2 2023 family...

Metalbone Control 3.2

Player appeal:

Level

This is a racket for serious players. You'll get the most from it if you're an expert player or an intermediate with ambition to level up your game.

Style of play

This is a racket for players who like a precision feel and plenty of comfort. With the softer core, the ball stays on the racket a little longer, so your shots are fluent and well controlled. You might say it's the thinking player's racket!
We love the round head and big sweet spot, which gives you even better precision. It's handle-heavy with even balance - all contributing to that feeling of control in your play. But of course you can adjust the weights to balance it exactly how you want it. We found it very well balanced with the six weights in place.

Comparison with similar rackets

Choose the Metalbone Control 3.2 if you like to play a precise game and place your shots accurately. If you're an aggressive player that favours smashes and forward play, the Metalbone Hard 3.2 will suit you better. If you are a consistent player who wants a good blend of power and control, the Metalbone 3.2 model is your best choice.

Decision points

Advantages: Excellent comfort and control, even balance and ability to adjust with the variable weights.
Disadvantages: Premium price point - but worth it for ambitious players. Slightly less power than the Metalbone Hard due to the softer core, but still packs an impressive punch.

Metalbone Hard 3.2

Player appeal:

Level

This is a racket for serious players. You'll get the most from it if you're an expert player or an intermediate with ambition to level up your game. It's ideal for players who play hard and fast and like to dominate the court aggressively.

Style of play

We can't think of many padel rackets that feel more powerful - when we went for a smash we felt like it was as hard and fast as it could possibly be. A great feeling! Inevitably the harder core means there's a bit less comfort, but we still enjoyed every shot. The sweet spot is high on the diamond-shaped head and that firm core sent the ball whistling across the court. For ultimate power, take all the weights off, so it's even more head heavy. If you like to play a high pressure, aggressive game, you will love this racket.

Comparison with similar rackets

If you're an aggressive player that favours smashes and forward play, the Metalbone Hard 3.2 could be your dream racket. It's Paul's choice for that reason! Choose the Metalbone Control 3.2 if you like to play a more precise game and place your shots accurately. If you are a consistent player who wants a good blend of power and control, the Metalbone 3.2 model is your best choice.

Decision points

Advantages: Insane power, the most powerful of the Metalbone rackets, for exhilarating smashes. High balance that you can push even higher by removing the variable weights.
Disadvantages: Premium price point, but 100% worth it for ambitious players. Gives you less precision and comfort - it takes more of your energy to activate all the power, but it's deeply satisfying when you do.

Metalbone 3.2

Player appeal:

Level

This is a racket for serious players. You'll get the most from it if you're an expert player or an intermediate with ambition to level up your game. It's ideal for players who combine power and precision and like to make the most of both in their play.

Style of play

This racket feels good in gameplay - it gives you precision without sacrificing power. If you have a consistent repertoire of shots and are equally comfortable playing all over the court, this racket will deliver all the shots you need.
The soft core allows you to place the ball precisely but the high sweetspot and head balance weigh in to make sure it's delivered powerfully. Because of the textured surface, you can control and direct your spin with excellent results, in our experience!
This is the racket that World Number 1, Ale Galan, will be using on the World Tour and we can see why. It offers loads of potential for every kind of shot, and with the adjustable weights, sophisticated players can enjoy trying out different subtleties of balance to set it up to suit their game.

Comparison with similar rackets

If you're a consistent player with command of all your shots and you want a pro-level blend of power and control, the Metalbone 3.2 model is your best choice, If you're an aggressive player that favours smashes and forward play, the Metalbone Hard 3.2 could be your dream racket. Choose the Metalbone Control 3.2 if you like to play a more precise game and place your shots accurately.

Decision points

Advantages: Exceptional all-rounder for high level players. Comfort, control and power in a brilliant blend, Adjustable weights for a sophisticated set-up to your game.
Disadvantages: Premium price point, but worth it for ambitious players, A tiny compromise on power compared to the Metalbone Hard 3.2, but if you're not only about the big smashes, you'll get plenty of velocity from this racket, and conserve some energy into the bargain.

Why not check out Paul's review of the Adidas Metalbone 3.2:

26 January 2023