The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 2026 is a control racket that doesn't feel boring. The round shape and generous sweet spot give a lot of confidence, while the 6K carbon adds enough firmness to put pressure on with volleys and bandejas.
Above all, this is a strong choice for the intermediate and advanced player who likes to build points, but still wants enough power to finish them off. Within the Metalbone family, this is the accessible control version.
Our verdict in brief
Short verdict: a reliable and comfortable control racket with a generous sweet spot, strong manoeuvrability and enough power for players who build the point deliberately.
The Carbon CTRL is easier to play than the harder Metalbone models of Ale Galán. The racket demands less perfect timing and gives more margin in defence. Still, the feel remains firm enough to accelerate with purpose. That makes this not a soft beginner's racket, but a complete model for players who put control first.
Pol Hernández and the Metalbone Carbon CTRL
Among others, Spanish pro Pol Hernández plays with the Metalbone Carbon CTRL. That is an interesting combination, because his choice shows that control at professional level doesn't mean you only defend. It is precisely about reacting quickly, placing the ball cleanly and accelerating at the right moment.
The Carbon CTRL suits that type of game. The racket is easy to steer in fast rallies and stays stable when the opponent raises the tempo. So you don't have to choose the hardest model in the Metalbone line to be able to play aggressively.
The character of the racket
The round shape puts the sweet spot in the centre of the face. That gives more margin when you don't hit the ball perfectly during a fast defence or reflex volley. The balance feels even, so the racket doesn't pull heavily at the top and is quick to position.
The 6K carbon face gives a medium and solid touch. The Soft Performance EVA core keeps the feel more comfortable than in the harder HRD+ version. That combination makes the racket direct enough for accurate placement, without every small mistake being punished immediately.
Playing feel on court
In defence lies its greatest quality. The racket moves quickly and the generous sweet spot gives confidence on low balls and short reactions. You can return the ball with purpose without the face feeling unsettled.
At the net the stability stands out most. On block volleys the racket stays calm, and with an active volley you can clearly raise the tempo. The round shape makes the Carbon CTRL easier to steer than a head-heavy diamond model.
On the bandeja and víbora the 6K carbon gives enough firmness to combine direction and pace. The Spin Blade structure supports contact on slice, but the amount of spin naturally still depends on your technique.
On the smash the racket delivers enough power to finish the point. It is not a pure power diamond, but that doesn't mean you are limited in attack. With good preparation and acceleration, there is enough speed in it, while in the next rally you benefit from the control again.
Never received a negative reaction
What is perhaps the strongest proof for us is the reactions of players. We have never received a negative reaction about this racket. Customers especially appreciate the combination of control, comfort and the fact that the racket feels logical from the first rally.
That doesn't mean every racket suits everyone. A player who only wants the hardest and most explosive smash will probably prefer the Metalbone HRD+ 3.5. But within the target group of controlling and all-round players, the Carbon CTRL is an exceptionally safe choice.
Our star rating
The Carbon CTRL scores especially high on control, sweet spot, defence and manoeuvrability. The four stars for power show that you can accelerate enough, even though that is not its main role.
Who is this racket for?
- you value control and a generous sweet spot
- you are looking for a manoeuvrable racket for defence and fast volleys
- you want a medium and comfortable feel
- you want enough power without choosing a head-heavy racket
- you play at intermediate or advanced level
- you are deliberately looking for the hardest and most explosive Metalbone model
- you like a distinctly high balance
- you only want to play with a very stiff and dry racket
This racket is played by both men and women. Weight, balance, technique and preference are much more important here than gender.
Frequently asked questions about the Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5
Is the Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 suitable for intermediate players?
Yes. The racket is accessible enough for a strong intermediate player and at the same time offers enough stability for advanced players.
Is this a soft or hard racket?
The feel is medium. The 6K carbon layer gives firmness, while the Soft Performance EVA core keeps the contact comfortable.
Does this racket have a generous sweet spot?
Yes. The round shape provides a generous, centrally placed sweet spot.
Can you generate enough power with it?
Yes. The Carbon CTRL gets four stars for power and offers enough speed for bandejas, volleys and smashes.
Which professional player uses this racket?
Among others, Pol Hernández plays with the Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL.
What is the best alternative?
The Metalbone 3.5 is a better fit if you are looking for more attacking power. The HRD+ 3.5 is the choice for maximum stiffness and explosiveness.
Our honest conclusion
The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 2026 is one of the safest choices for players who want to combine control, manoeuvrability and comfort. The racket gives a lot of confidence in defence and remains strong enough to put pressure on at the net yourself.
The fact that we have never received a negative reaction about this racket matches our own impression. It is not an extreme model, but rather an exceptionally complete choice that many different players can get on well with.
Sporting regards,
Team Holland Padel
