Adidas
Metalbone 3.5 2026
The Adidas Metalbone 3.5 2026 is the fifth generation of Galan's diamond, with Carbon Aluminized 16K and adjustable weight. Power 9 with sweet spot and defence 8 for the attacking all-rounder.
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Top 15% of 267 reviewed rackets
Explosive • Control focused • Forgiving
Alejandro Galán released the Metalbone 3.5 in 2026, the fifth model in the Metalbone series. With Carbon Aluminized 16K (an upgrade from the 3.3 and 3.4), an EVA Soft Performance core (like the 3.3) and a Weight & Balance System of +11.2g, it combines the forgiveness of the 3.3 with a higher carbon specification.
The Adidas Metalbone 3.5 weighs 345–360g, diamond shape, high balance. Profile 38mm. Face: Carbon Aluminized 16K. Core: EVA Soft Performance. Frame: Octagonal Carbon Structure.
Metalbone evolution 2023–2026:
| Model | Carbon | Core | Sweet spot | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metalbone 3.3 | 12K Aluminized | EVA Soft Performance | 8/10 | ~8.1 |
| Metalbone 3.4 2025 | 15K Aluminized | EVA High Memory | 7/10 | ~7.8 |
| Metalbone 3.5 2026 | 16K Aluminized | EVA Soft Performance | 8/10 | 8.5 |
The 3.4 broke the trend by introducing EVA High Memory (harder, more power, smaller sweet spot). The 3.5 returns to Soft Performance but upgrades to 16K carbon: softer contact with more carbon response.
Technologies:
- Carbon Aluminized 16K, 16.000 fibres per bundle with an aluminium oxide coating; the sharpest response in the Metalbone line
- EVA Soft Performance, the more forgiving core (vs. High Memory); a larger sweet spot, better comfort
- Weight & Balance System +11.2g, adjustable weights for personal balance preferences
- Power Groove, a groove structure for improved energy transfer on overhead shots
- Octagonal Carbon Structure, an octagonal frame cross-section for stability at impact
- Smart Holes Curve, a curved hole pattern for aerodynamics
Power 9, sweet spot 8, forgiveness 8, the Metalbone 3.5 is the best-rounded attacking diamond Adidas has released so far. The return to EVA Soft Performance (after the hard-EVA 3.4) restores the sweet spot advantage that characterised the Metalbone line from the 3.3.
Carbon Aluminized 16K is the highest carbon specification in the Metalbone line. Two extra fibres per bundle versus the 3.4's 15K, in practice a barely perceptible upgrade in shot response, but the combination with Soft Performance gives the 3.5 a character closer to the popular 3.3 than the 3.4 ever was.
Weight & Balance System (+11.2g) is adjustable: by repositioning weights, players can adapt the effective balance. This makes the 3.5 adaptable for players alternating between baseline and net play.
Manoeuvrability is rated 8/10, good for a diamond in this weight class. The 345g base weight is lower than the Xplo (365g) or Vertex (365g), making it more manageable in quick exchanges.
The 3.5 uses Carbon Aluminized 16K (vs. the 3.4's comparable but slightly different aluminized carbon) and has Power Groove technology. Both have the Weight & Balance System. The 3.5 has EVA Soft Performance (like the 3.3), while the 3.4 has a slightly different core composition. In practice, the 3.5 is the most complete Metalbone so far.
Comparing the sale price of the 3.3 (€180–€210) with the RRP of the 3.5 (€380): the 3.3 offers excellent value. But the 3.5 has 16K carbon (vs. 2-to-1 on the 3.3) and Power Groove. If you want the latest specifications: 3.5. If you are budget-conscious and want a similar character: the 3.3 is a notably good alternative.
Advantages
Carbon Aluminized 16K, higher carbon specification than the 3.3 (2-to-1) and comparable to 3.4, a sharper response
EVA Soft Performance core (like 3.3), more forgiving than EVA High Memory variants
Weight & Balance System +11.2g, adjustable balance for personal playing preferences
Power Groove technology for better energy transfer on overhead shots
Considerations
RRP €380, the most expensive Metalbone so far, a significant premium investment
Diamond shape requires overhead technique, not suitable for beginners
High balance, limited defensive potential compared with teardrop alternatives
What you will notice as a player
The smash gets plenty of easy power; you do not need a full follow-through to put the ball away.
The racket helps in defense: a calm swing sends balls off the glass deep again.
The sweet spot offers forgiveness: slightly imperfect contact loses little accuracy.
No pronounced weakness, but no single shot where the racket particularly stands out either.
Which shots are affected most?
| Situation | What will you notice? |
|---|---|
| Defense | Plenty of help: the low balance and generous sweet spot return balls off the glass calmly and deep. |
| Volley | Comfortable and stable; aiming is easy and you keep the ball low. |
| Bandeja | Very easy to control: the ball stays low and predictable, ideal for controlling the court. |
| Vibora | Very explosive: plenty of speed and bite, a natural shot for this racket. |
| Smash | Its strongest point: maximum power with little effort, sending the ball away like a rocket. |
| Block | Stable: the racket is ready in time and returns the ball with control. |
| Off-center ball | Forgiving: just outside the sweet spot you lose little and the ball stays on course. |
Well suited to
This racket is likely to suit you if you…
want more power and strength in your smash
like to play an attacking, explosive game
want plenty of help from your racket
want more precision and a direct feel
This racket may disappoint if you…
want a light and agile racket
You will probably appreciate this racket if you…
- •want to finish points with power from the back of the court;
- •value an explosive smash and vibora more than comfort;
- •want a racket that helps in defense;
- •want a forgiving racket with a generous sweet spot;
You may run into limitations if you…
- •want a pronounced specialist rather than an all-round racket;
Similar rackets
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Adidas
Metalbone 3.4 2025
Diamond · 345–360g · High
€240
Adidas
Metalbone 3.3
Diamond · 345–368g · High
€180
Bullpadel
Vertex 05
Diamond · 365–375g · Medium-high
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Same series
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Indicatieve marktprijs
€300 ·