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Royal Padel Anniversary 2023 racket

Royal Padel's Aniversario or Anniversary range commemorates over 30 years of their padel excellence. So are the latest 2023 drops woth celebrating? The pdhsports.com padel crew have recommendations for you in our detailed review and comparison.

Summary: our verdict
There's no doubt about the technology expertise behind Royal Padel's 2023 Anniversary designs. Managing Director for Spain, Patricio Tarradas, has championed the use of fibretech in these competition standard rackets and the handling is excellent.
As in all Royal Padel's rackets, the Anniversary collection provides unusual comfort in play and handling, even in the harder and more powerful models. The shock absorption makes them all a pleasure to use, and if you suffer with tennis elbow, shoulder or joint pain, you'll feel the difference. But there's no compromise in the quality and ambition of these rackets - they are pro-level padel kit. 
The Hybrid 33 is a harder, more powerful racket that offers good control with excellent shock absorption for a more aggressive padel player.
For amazing comfort, easy handling and well-focused power from a classic Royal Padel model, the Poly 33 is a great choice.
For advanced players who want a lightweight racket that's capable of agile and sophisticated play, the Light 33 gives excellent comfort and precision with impressive pace. 
Read on for our detailed review of the Royal Padel Anniversary 2023 family...

Anniversary Hybrid 33

Racket build and features:

- Overszied round head
- Mixed poly, EVA, fibretech and carbon tissue core
- Improved shock absorption
- New 3D hex weave surafce for durability and grip

Player appeal:

Level
This racket is built to handle the demands of top level padel players, but would also suit improving intermediates
Style of play
The Hybrid 33 is the most powerful racket in our Anniverdary line-up, but we'd still describe it as a reasonably controlled racket. However, the core is toughened up with extra EVA compared to the Poly 33, and we could definitely feel a difference, with more power and a little less precision. That said, it's a cleanly designed and well-focused racket that makes it easy to place the ball with confidence. We're fans of the 3D hex weave face, which gives grip without clinging to the ball.
The harder-hitting players in the pdhsports.com padel crew liked the heavier feel of this racket and were impressed with the shock absorption even on explosive shots. It encourages you to put more power into your play, beacuse you don't have to pay for it with excessive vibratio and jarring. If you play hard and heavy but are mindful or old or new injuries, this padel racket could be the empowering solution you need. 
Comparison with similar rackets
The lighter rackets in the Anniversary range are slightly more manoeuvrable and have even better shock absorption, though you won't achieve quite as much power. Choose the Poly 33 to dial the control up a little or the Light 33 for even more response and ease of play from a lighter racket. 
Decision points
Advantages: A harder, more powerful racket that offers good control and excellent shock absorption for a more aggressive game. 
Disadvantages: There's a small compromise on agility and precision in favour of power.

Anniversary Poly 33

Racket build and features:

- Oversized round head
- Lightweight carbon fibre frame
- Mixed poly, fibretech and carbon tissue core
- Reduced hitting vibrations
- New 3D hex weave surface for durability and grip

Player appeal:

Level
An expert level padel racket that's also a good choice for improving intermediates - the Poly 33 will keep pace with your evolving game.
Style of play
This is another Royal Padel racket that hits the sweet spot in so many ways. We're not surprised the Royal Padel's MD Patricio Tarradas described it as the epitome of classic Royal Padel design and performance. It's well balanced with a great blend of power, control and shock absorption. You only need a light touch to send a winning shot accurately into any corner of the court.
But this racket is no slacker at the net. We all enjoyed blasting balls at high speed with the Poly 33, because it's no easy on the arm. The core seems to absorb impact in one direction, sparing your arm, as it zings the ball off the racket surface. We speculated that the aluminised, 3D hex weave racket face in combination with the precision blend of materials in the core create the magic that make this possible. 
Comparison with similar rackets
The Hybrid 33 may be a better choice for big-hitting players who need Royal Padel's legendary shock absorption and comfort. If you are nimble and light around the court, the Light 33 will give you a touch more agility. 
Decision points
Advantages: Amazing comfort, easy handling, racket surface channels your power for accurate and high-impact shots and spin.
Disadvantages: You may find this racket a little soft and light if you base your game on smash and volley power

Anniversary Light 33

Racket build and features:

- Oversized round head
- Ultra-lightweight carbon fibre frame
- Mixed poly, fibretech and carbon tissue core
- Reduced hitting vibration
- New 3D hex weave surface for durability and grip

Player appeal:

Level
An  expert level padel racket that will also suit commiteed intermediates. The Light 33 could suit players of a smaller build or anyone who likes a lightweight racket that has the refinement to compete at a high level.
Style of play
Take the Anniversary Poly 33 and strip some weight from the racket - the Light 33 is what you get. Don't be deceived by the reduction, this racket is a high achiever that packs a lot of punch, It's said to be Spain's most popular racket for women players and we can see why. It will suit any player who likes a highly agile, manoeuvrable racket that can step up to powerful shots when required. 
Like the Poly 33, this racket is extremely easy on the arm. It would be overstating to say that playing fast, competitive rallies with the Light 33 is an effortless experience, but it's not far off the truth! We really enjoyed the light touch and precision feel in the full range of shots. The 3D hex weave racket face provides excellent grip but never clings to the ball, so there's a real feeling of pace. It's like a hot hatch - nippy and agile with a brilliant turn of speed. 
Comparison with similar rackets
The Light 33 is for you if you want to play a nimble and fluent game and prefer a lightweight, comfort racket. Go for the Poly 33 if you like a slightly heavier racket. The Hybrid 33 produces more power while absorbing shock for offensive players who throw strength into every shot. 
Decision points
Advantages: Excellent comfort, agility and precision with impresive pace and surprising power.
Disadvantages: More heavily built and power-led players may lack the light touch needed to get the best from this racket. 

7 February 2023

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