Adidas
Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026
The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 is a round control shape with a 6K carbon face, Octagonal Structure and medium balance. Control 9 and comfort 8 for experienced control players.
The PADEL CHAPTER score is our overall editorial assessment. The pillars provide additional context. Read how we assess products →
Top 15% of 267 reviewed rackets
Control focused • Comfortable • Forgiving
The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 is the round control shape in the Metalbone line: a carbon face, medium balance (260mm) and tubular Octagonal Structure frame. Control 9/10 and comfort 8/10 make it a racket for experienced players seeking the Metalbone frame without the aggressive attacking balance of the diamond models. The 6K carbon face is the defining feature. A 6K weave is more flexible and softer than high-K or aluminized carbon, providing a comfortable, predictable contact feel (comfort 8/10) without the hardness that control players often want to avoid. PadelVerdict measured control of 8.8 and a sweet spot of 8.2: the round mould keeps the hitting area large. The Octagonal Structure, the tubular carbon frame defining the Metalbone line, provides stiffness and reduced torsion. With medium balance and a round profile, the racket remains manoeuvrable (8/10) and strong in defence (8/10). Power 7/10 and smash 7/10 keep it in the control category: this is not a racket for finishing points from the back line. Within the Metalbone line, it is the more accessible carbon control variant alongside the Metalbone CTRL 2026, which adds a 16K Aluminized Carbon face and Weight & Balance System.
The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 weighs 360–375g, round shape, medium balance (260mm). Profile 38mm, playing surface around 485 cm². Face: Carbon 6K. Core: low-density EVA Soft Performance. Frame: Octagonal carbon. RRP ~€250.
Within the Metalbone line, this is the round, accessible carbon control variant. It shares the Octagonal Structure frame with the flagships, but uses a more comfortable 6K carbon face instead of the stiffer aluminized carbon of the Metalbone CTRL 2026.
Metalbone control rackets 2026:
| Model | Face | Balance | Adjustment system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metalbone CTRL 2026 | 16K Aluminized Carbon | Low | Weight & Balance System |
| Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 | 6K Carbon | Medium | None |
Technologies:
- Octagonal Structure, a tubular carbon frame for stiffness and reduced torsion
- Low Poly, geometry that gives the frame extra stiffness
- EPG (Extra Power Grip), a longer grip that shifts more mass towards the head
- Spin Blade Decal, rough surface texture for spin potential
- Smart Holes Curve, a hole layout focused on an even sweet spot
Control 9 is the key score. The round mould with medium balance keeps the centre of gravity central, making placement and direction predictable. PadelVerdict measured control of 8.8 and a sweet spot of 8.2 in an independent test: the hitting area remains large and consistent.
The 6K carbon face determines contact feel. A 6K weave is more flexible and softer than high-K or aluminized carbon, providing comfort 8/10 without the hardness control players often avoid. Forgiveness is rated 8/10: off-centre contact is penalised mildly.
The Octagonal Structure, the tubular carbon frame defining the Metalbone line, provides stiffness and reduced torsion. With medium balance and a round profile, the racket remains manoeuvrable (8/10) and strong in defence (8/10). Spin is rated 7/10 through the Spin Blade Decal texture.
Power is rated 7/10 and smash 7/10. Medium balance and the control focus keep the racket away from attacking finishing work. The Extra Power Grip does shift some mass towards the head, but this remains a point-building and placement racket. Players seeking a more direct response or adjustable balance should look at the Metalbone CTRL 2026.
For experienced players through to experts who prioritise control and consistency over power. The round shape, medium balance and comfortable 6K carbon face make it an accessible control racket within the Metalbone line.
The Metalbone CTRL 2026 has a 16K Aluminized Carbon face and Weight & Balance System for adjustable balance. The Carbon CTRL 2026 uses a more comfortable 6K carbon face without an adjustment system. The CTRL is more direct and customisable; the Carbon CTRL is softer and more accessible.
A 6K carbon face. PadelVerdict measured this in an independent test; some retailers list 16K aluminized, but that is the material of its sister variant, the Metalbone CTRL 2026. PADEL CHAPTER follows the independent test: 6K carbon, which provides a softer and more comfortable contact feel.
The Carbon CTRL 3.4 had a teardrop shape with a Carbon Aluminized face. The 2026 version is round with a 6K carbon face and Octagonal Structure frame. The 2026 is more manoeuvrable and comfortable; the 3.4 is more direct and slightly firmer.
Advantages
Control 9: a strong placement and point-building profile
6K carbon face: more comfortable and predictable than high-K or aluminized carbon
Octagonal Structure carbon frame for stiffness and reduced torsion
Round mould with medium balance: manoeuvrability 8 and defence 8
Considerations
Power 7 and smash 7: not intended for attacking finishes
No Weight & Balance System: less customisation than the Metalbone CTRL 2026
6K carbon gives a less direct response than an Aluminized face
What you will notice as a player
At the net you react very quickly: blocks and fast volleys feel almost effortless.
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.
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 | Crisp and agile: aiming feels effortless and late adjustments remain possible. |
| Bandeja | Very easy to control: the ball stays low and predictable, ideal for controlling the court. |
| Vibora | Enough bite for a quick brushing shot with some acceleration of your own. |
| Smash | Solid rather than explosive: depth and speed need your own follow-through. |
| Block | A strong point: the racket is ready very quickly 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
Less suited to
This racket is likely to suit you if you…
want more control and placement
want more comfort and cushioning
have a sensitive arm and need cushioning
want plenty of help from your racket
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;
- •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;
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Indicatieve marktprijs
€160 ·