Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Design and Appearance
3. New Materials and Technology
4. Weight and Balance Explained
5. Playing Feel on the Court
6. For Which Type of Player
7. Also Suitable for Women
8. Star Rating Comparison
9. Conclusion
1. Introduction
The comparison between the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.4 and the new Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 is interesting for players who want to combine control with smart power.
The CTRL models have a round shape and a lower balance than the standard Metalbone. This means the focus is more on precision and maneuverability. However, there is a clear difference between these two generations. And yes, weight and weight distribution play a big role here.
2. Design and Appearance
The Metalbone CTRL 3.4 has a recognizable robust appearance with a solid frame. It feels immediately stable in the hand and exudes control.
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 looks more modern and slightly more refined. The finish is sleeker and the carbon feels more compact. When you pick it up, you immediately notice that Adidas has worked on detail and balance.
Visually, the differences are subtle, but in terms of feel, you immediately notice that the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 feels a bit more technical.
3. New Materials and Technology
Both rackets feature the well-known Weight and Balance System, which allows you to adjust the weight. That makes this series unique.
The CTRL 3.4 is constructed with aluminized carbon in the head and an EVA Soft Performance core. This provides a comfortable impact with sufficient power when you accelerate.
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 has an updated carbon structure with a higher density. The carbon feels stiffer and more direct. This results in more precise ball output and more control during volleys and placed shots.
Additionally, the core of the 3.5 has been refined, allowing energy to be returned more efficiently upon impact. The result is a cleaner ball feel and more precision in short-game plays.
The frame of the 3.5 feels slightly more stable during hard shots. Especially in fast rallies at the net, you notice that it vibrates less.
4. Weight and Balance Explained
This is where the real difference lies.
The CTRL models are inherently lower in balance than the regular Metalbone. This means they are more maneuverable and easier to control.
Both rackets weigh approximately between 345 and 360 grams depending on the configuration. The Weight and Balance System allows you to add extra weight.
Many players choose to move the weight towards the top. This also applies to a CTRL model. By doing this, you increase the swing weight and get more power without losing the round shape. The racket remains control-oriented but gets that little extra punch on overhead shots.
The CTRL 3.4 feels slightly more neutral and lighter in hand as standard.
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 feels slightly more stable and a bit more massive on impact, even without extra weights.
In practice, this means that the 3.5 plays a bit more mature and solid, while the 3.4 feels a little more playful and easier.
5. Playing Feel on the Court
Metalbone CTRL 3.4
Comfortable and forgiving. Ideal for long rallies and defensive play. The round shape provides a large sweet spot, giving you a lot of control.
Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5
Tighter and more precise. You feel more direct contact with the ball. Especially during volleys and bandejas, you notice the extra stability. The ball stays on the racket for a shorter time, and you can place it more easily.
In defensive play at the back, the 3.4 feels a bit softer.
In attacking control play at the net, the 3.5 feels more powerful and stable.
6. For Which Type of Player
Metalbone CTRL 3.4
Perfect for advanced players who want control with comfort. Also ideal if arm-friendliness is important to you.
Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5
For players who want maximum precision and a slightly more direct feel. If you combine control with aggressive placement and sometimes move the weight to the top for extra power, then this one suits you better.
7. Also Suitable for Women
Although the Metalbone series is often seen as a powerful racket for enthusiastic men, we increasingly see women also playing with these models.
Due to their round shape and lower balance, the CTRL models are very controllable. Many female players consciously choose a more stable racket that helps them with volleys and placement instead of pure power.
In addition, thanks to the Weight and Balance System, you can precisely tune the racket to your preference. If you prefer to play a bit lighter and more agile, you remove some weight. If you want more power in your overhead, you place the weight higher in the head.
So it's not a matter of men's or women's racket, but of playing style and preference. Both ambitious men and enthusiastic women can easily play with the CTRL 3.4 or 3.5.
8. Star Rating Comparison
| Feature | CTRL 3.4 | CTRL 3.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Maneuverability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Forgiveness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Adjustable Weight | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
9. Conclusion
The Metalbone CTRL 3.4 is a fantastic control racket that combines comfort and precision. It feels accessible and playful, without losing power.
Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.5 is the more refined successor. Stiffer carbon, more stable frame, and a slightly more direct ball feel. For players who want to take their game to the next level and seek a bit more control at high speed, this is the logical choice.
If you like playing with a round shape but want to decide where the weight is, both models are excellent options. The choice mainly depends on the feel you are looking for.