The Adidas Metalbone is arguably the most famous padel racket line in the world. Top player Ale Galán has been playing with it for years, and with each new generation, Adidas redefines the standard for power and technology. We have now arrived at the 3.5 series (2026), the successor to the popular 3.4. In this guide, we compare all models side by side so you know exactly which Metalbone suits your game.
Table of Contents
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Why choose the Adidas Metalbone series?
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What has changed from 3.4 to 3.5?
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Adidas Metalbone 3.5 – Power with Comfort
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Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 – Maximum Control
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Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 3.5 – Power and Adaptability
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Adidas Metalbone Carbon 3.5 – Power and Precision
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Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 – Control with Carbonfeel
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Still in stock: the 3.4 models
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Which model is suitable for whom?
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Practical tips for your purchase
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Conclusion: your perfect Metalbone
Why choose the Adidas Metalbone series?
The Adidas Metalbone line is one of the most iconic collections in the padel world. The brand is known for a unique mix of power, technology, and versatility. What makes the series so strong is that there is a variant for every playing style: from pure power (the regular and HRD+ models) to maximum control (the CTRL variants) and the carbon versions that fall in between.
Whether you are an attacker who wants to finish every smash or a tactical player who relies on placement, within the Metalbone series, you will find a racket that suits you.
View the full Adidas Metalbone collection here
What has changed from 3.4 to 3.5?
The transition from Metalbone 3.4 to 3.5 is mainly about refinement. Adidas has not completely revamped the racket but has further sharpened the strengths of the 3.4. The result is a series that feels even more stable and offers slightly more comfort, without compromising on the characteristic power.
- Stability: the 3.5 feels calmer in hand during hard shots and block volleys.
- Sweet spot: slightly more forgiving on most models than on the 3.4.
- Ball feel: more refined, with a more direct response to the ball.
- Comfort: thanks to the new material composition, the racket is slightly more arm-friendly.
If you previously played with a 3.4 CTRL, a Carbon, or another 3.4 model, then the corresponding 3.5 variant is the logical successor.
Adidas Metalbone 3.5 – Power with Comfort
The regular Metalbone 3.5 is the flagship of the series and the racket Ale Galán uses. It combines a diamond shape with a high balance point for significant power but feels smoother and more forgiving than you would expect from a pure power padel racket, thanks to its material mix.
You will notice during play that the shots are explosive, but you are not immediately penalized if you don't hit the ball perfectly. Ideal for advanced players who want power but also value comfort and control.
Features:
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Shape: Diamond → lots of power
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Balance: High → power from the top
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Material: Carbon → direct ball feel
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Sweet spot: Well distributed, forgiving for a power racket
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Playing style: Attacking advanced players who appreciate comfort
Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 – Maximum Control
The CTRL 3.5 is the control padel racket of the series and the direct successor to the popular CTRL 3.4. Thanks to its rounder shape and better-distributed balance point, this racket offers great control and stability. Perfect for defense, net play, and all-round play.
Players notice that this racket is forgiving and feels comfortable, even during long rallies. An excellent choice if you base your game on placement and precision rather than brute force, or if you want to prevent injuries.
Features:
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Shape: Round → great control
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Balance: Lower and even → agile and stable
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Sweet spot: Large and forgiving
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Playing style: Defensive, tactical, and all-round
Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 3.5 – Power and Adaptability
The HRD+ 3.5 is made for pure attackers who want to get everything out of their shots. With harder foam and a diamond-shaped blade, this racket delivers maximum power. Thanks to the adjustable weight system, you can customize the balance to your preference.
This makes it a racket for technically strong players who want to fine-tune their equipment in detail to their game.
Features:
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Shape: Diamond → maximum power
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Balance: High and adjustable
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Material: Carbon with hard EVA foam → stiff and explosive
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Sweet spot: Compact, requires precision
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Playing style: Advanced and competitive attackers
Adidas Metalbone Carbon 3.5 – Power and Precision
The Carbon 3.5 is the racket for attacking players who seek dominance in smashes and powerful volleys. Thanks to its diamond shape and high balance point, you feel a lot of weight in your shots. The carbon construction provides a stiff, direct ball feel that combines power and precision.
This model remains relatively agile, ideal for fast rallies and net play, without sacrificing power.
Features:
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Shape: Diamond → maximum power
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Balance: High → power from the top
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Material: Carbon → stiff and direct
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Sweet spot: Compact, rewards precision
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Playing style: Attackers who want to combine power and control
Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 – Control with Carbonfeel
The Carbon CTRL 3.5 is a rounder variant with carbon construction, designed for players who want control and precision but still want to play powerfully enough. The combination of a large sweet spot and a balanced sweet spot makes this racket ideal for defense, net play, and tactical play.
The carbon construction provides a more direct ball feel than the standard CTRL, while maintaining comfort and control.
Features:
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Shape: Round → great control and precision
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Balance: Balanced → agile and stable
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Material: Carbon → comfortable but direct
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Sweet spot: Large, forgiving
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Playing style: All-rounders and defensive players with a carbon preference
Still in stock: the 3.4 models
Prefer the previous generation? A number of 3.4 models are still available, often at an attractive price. The 3.4 still performs at a top level and is a smart choice if you're looking for a proven racket without paying the newest price.
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Adidas Metalbone 3.4 Ale Galán 2025 → power with comfort, last season's top model
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Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 3.4 2025 → maximum and adaptable power
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Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2024 → competitively priced power padel racket.
Which model is suitable for whom?
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Metalbone 3.5 → advanced attackers who want power with comfort.
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CTRL 3.5 → defensive and all-round players who value control.
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HRD+ 3.5 → technically strong players looking for maximum and adaptable power.
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Carbon 3.5 → attackers who want to combine power and precision.
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Carbon CTRL 3.5 → all-rounders who want control with a direct carbon feel.
Practical tips for your purchase
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Are you looking for explosive power? Choose the Carbon 3.5 or HRD+ 3.5.
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Do you want power with comfort? Then the 3.5 is your choice.
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Do you primarily want control and precision? Then the CTRL 3.5 or Carbon CTRL 3.5 suits you better.
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Still in doubt? Visit one of our test days and play the models yourself; you'll immediately feel the difference.
Conclusion: your perfect Metalbone
Within the Adidas Metalbone 2026 series, every player will find a suitable racket. The Carbon and HRD+ stand for pure power, the 3.5 for all-round comfort, and the CTRL models for control. Whether you are an attacker or a tactician, there is always a Metalbone that suits your game and elevates it to a higher level.