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PADEL CHAPTER Score combines product specifications and editorial assessment. Scores are updated when new information becomes available.

Adidas

Cross It CTRL 2026

The Adidas Cross It CTRL 2026 is a round control shape with a Carbon Aluminized 15K face and the firmer High Memory EVA core. Control 9 with a direct, precise response for experienced control players.

Round360–375gMedium balance
7.0
Good
Control focused racket for competitive players
Performance potential7.7
Playability7.0
CharacterControl

The PADEL CHAPTER score is our overall editorial assessment. The pillars provide additional context. Read how we assess products →

Adidas Cross It CTRL 2026 padel racket
Score Breakdown
Power7.0
Control9.0
Maneuverability7.0
Sweet spot7.0
Defense8.0
Comfort6.0
CharacterPlaying character

Control focused • Stable • Explosive

Specifications
Weight360–375g
BalanceMedium balance
ShapeRound
CoreHigh Memory EVA
FrameCarbon Aluminized 15K
Profile38mm

The Adidas Cross It CTRL 2026 is the firmer control variant in the Cross It line: a round shape with even balance, a Carbon Aluminized 15K face and a High Memory EVA core. Control 9/10 with a direct, crisp response for experienced players who prioritise precision over comfort. The core is the distinguishing element. High Memory EVA is the same hard, quick-returning core Adidas uses in its power models; in a round control shape, it provides a more precise but more demanding playing feel than the soft EVA Soft Performance in the Carbon CTRL. Comfort is therefore rated 6/10: off-centre contact is clearly felt. The benefit of that stiffness is more direct ball output: power 7/10 and smash 7/10 are higher than the softer Carbon CTRL, while defence remains strong at 8/10. This is a control racket that can counter too. Within the line, the Carbon CTRL is the more accessible, comfortable choice, while this CTRL model targets players who want a harder, more precise round shape. The blue-and-bronze version is separate from its playing character.

The Adidas Cross It CTRL 2026 weighs 360–375g, with a round shape and even balance. Profile 38mm, length 455mm. Face: Carbon Aluminized 15K. Core: High Memory EVA. Recommended price ~€350, in the blue-and-bronze version.

Within the Cross It line, this is the harder control shape. While the Carbon CTRL has a soft EVA Soft Performance core, the CTRL uses High Memory EVA: the same quick-returning core Adidas uses in its power models, here in a round control mould.

Cross It control cores 2026:

ModelFaceCoreContact feel
CTRLCarbon Aluminized 15KHigh Memory EVAFirm, direct
Carbon CTRLCarbon Aluminized 18KEVA Soft PerformanceSoft, cushioned
Team CTRLFibreglassEVA Soft PerformanceSoft, entry-level

Technologies:

  • Dynamic Air Flow, open holes in the bridge that reduce air resistance
  • 11 Thirteen, eleven central holes with a smaller diameter than the other thirteen for stiffness
  • Extra Power Grip, a longer handle that moves more mass towards the head
  • Spin Blade Mold, surface relief for spin potential
  • Smart Holes Curve, a hole layout designed for an even sweet spot

Control 9 is the key score. The round shape and even balance keep the centre of mass central, while the Carbon Aluminized 15K face provides crisp, direct feedback. For placement and direction, this is a precise racket.

Comfort is rated 6/10. This is the direct result of the High Memory EVA core: firm, with little cushioning. Off-centre contact is clearly felt. It is a deliberate choice that distinguishes the racket from the softer Carbon CTRL and requires consistent technique.

The benefit of that stiffness lies in ball output. Power is rated 7/10 and smash 7/10, higher than the softer control variants in the line. The firmer core returns faster, producing a more direct ball on blocks and counters. Defence remains strong at 8/10 thanks to the low head weight.

Sweet spot is rated 7/10 and forgiveness 7/10. Lower than the Carbon CTRL: the harder core penalises off-centre contact more clearly. Spin is rated 7/10 through the Spin Blade Mold texture.

For experienced players through to experts who want a round control shape with a direct, hard response. The firmer High Memory EVA core requires consistent technique; players seeking a softer feel are better served by the Cross It Carbon CTRL.

Both are round and control-focused. The CTRL has a High Memory EVA core (firmer, more direct, more ball output), while the Carbon CTRL has an EVA Soft Performance core (softer, more comfortable). The CTRL is more precise but more demanding; the Carbon CTRL is more accessible.

The source image had a different filename, but the face reads CROSS IT CTRL in the blue-and-bronze version. Based on the official Adidas specifications (Carbon Aluminized 15K, High Memory EVA), the racket was identified as the Cross It CTRL 2026 and its slug was adjusted accordingly.

Less so than the Carbon CTRL. The High Memory EVA core is firm and provides direct feedback on off-centre contact. Players seeking a soft, cushioned contact feel should choose the Cross It Carbon CTRL or a fibreglass model.

Advantages & considerations

Advantages

Control 9 with a direct, precise response

High Memory EVA core provides more ball output than soft control cores

Defence 8: strong in defensive positions and counters

Carbon Aluminized 15K face for a crisp contact feel

Considerations

Comfort 6: a firmer core, off-centre contact is clearly felt

Less accessible than the softer Cross It Carbon CTRL

Even balance gives average smash capability for the price

What will you notice on court?

What you will notice as a player

You place the ball very precisely; controlling rallies, playing cross-court and finding the corners feels predictable.

The racket helps in defense: a calm swing sends balls off the glass deep again.

In long matches you feel more in your arm; the core offers little cushioning, so the load builds up.

No pronounced weakness, but no single shot where the racket particularly stands out either.

Which shots are affected most?

SituationWhat will you notice?
DefensePlenty of help: the low balance and generous sweet spot return balls off the glass calmly and deep.
VolleyCrisp and agile: aiming feels effortless and late adjustments remain possible.
BandejaVery easy to control: the ball stays low and predictable, ideal for controlling the court.
ViboraEnough bite for a quick brushing shot with some acceleration of your own.
SmashEnough power, but you still need to put considerable effort into the swing.
BlockStable: the racket is ready in time and returns the ball with control.
Off-center ballReasonably forgiving: outside the sweet spot you lose some speed, while accuracy is largely maintained.
What type of player does this racket suit?

Well suited to

Control playersTechnical playersPlayers with a fast swing

Less suited to

Comfort seekersPlayers who play for enjoymentPlayers who want plenty of help from their racket
Does this racket meet your needs?

This racket is likely to suit you if you…

want more control and placement

want more precision and a direct feel

are often a little late on fast balls

want an agile, fast racket

This racket may disappoint if you…

have a sensitive arm

want plenty of comfort and cushioning

You will probably appreciate this racket if you…

  • •value control and placement more than maximum power;
  • •play often at the net and like quick hands;
  • •want a racket that helps in defense;

You may run into limitations if you…

  • •are sensitive to arm or elbow discomfort;
  • •want a pronounced specialist rather than an all-round racket;

Personal advice

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Adidas Cross It CTRL 2026 Review | PADEL CHAPTER