Adidas
Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.4
The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.4 is a round control racket in the Metalbone line: low balance, Carbon Aluminized face and EVA Soft. Control and defence 8.5 for experienced control players.
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Top 15% of 267 reviewed rackets
Control focused • Comfortable • Forgiving
The Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.4 is the premium control variant in the Metalbone family. Round shape, low balance, Carbon Aluminized face with EVA Soft core. The opposite playing profile to the attacking Metalbone 3.5: here the emphasis is on control, sweet spot and forgiveness.
At a weight of 355–375 grams, with a round shape and low balance, the Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.4 remains manoeuvrable in defensive situations and short net reactions. The 38 mm profile combines a Carbon Aluminized hitting surface with an EVA Soft core: a direct response without making the racket feel unnecessarily hard.
Technologies:
- Carbon Aluminized hitting surface for a clear, controlled ball response
- EVA Soft core for comfort and cushioning during longer sessions
- Smart Holes Curve for a consistent response across the hitting surface
- Spin Blade Decal for extra grip on spinning shots
The strength of this racket lies in composure and predictability. The round shape and low balance make it easy to bring the racket into position early for defensive lobs, blocks and volleys. The large sweet spot keeps less central contact usable too, helping you retain confidence during longer rallies.
The Carbon Aluminized hitting surface gives placement shots a clear, direct response. At the same time, the EVA Soft core keeps contact comfortable enough for players who train frequently or are sensitive to vibrations. Power is not the main goal: for hard, flat finishes, you need to provide your own technique and acceleration. On bandejas, volleys and controlled viboras, the profile comes into its own.
The Carbon CTRL has a higher carbon specification in the face (Carbon Aluminized) than the base version. In practice, this gives a slightly sharper shot response, better energy transfer and greater durability. The playing profile is comparable: control-oriented, low balance and round. Choose primarily based on your desired feel at ball contact.
No. This is a control racket for experienced through to expert players. Beginners are better off with a lighter, rounder racket at a lower price. The Carbon CTRL requires technical consistency to make full use of its control qualities.
Advantages
Control 8.5: clearly higher than the base CTRL 3.4 (8.0). The Carbon Aluminized face is measurably more precise
Sweet spot 8.5 and forgiveness 8.5: large and forgiving, even on off-centre contact
Comfort 8.5: the EVA Soft core significantly reduces vibrations (relevant for longer sessions and players familiar with elbow sensitivity)
The premium model in the Metalbone CTRL line: greater precision, better absorption, a larger sweet spot than the base version
Considerations
Less power (7.5) than the attacking Metalbone variants: a deliberate choice for control players
The low balance and control profile are less suitable for players primarily seeking maximum attacking power
The round shape provides less overhead power than the Metalbone diamond variants
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.
The smash gets no easy power; depth and speed must come from your own follow-through.
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…
are often a little late on fast balls
want an agile, fast racket
want more comfort and cushioning
want plenty of help from your racket
This racket may disappoint if you…
like to play an attacking, explosive game
want maximum smash power
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 to finish points mainly using power from the face;
- •want a pronounced specialist rather than an all-round racket;
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Indicatieve marktprijs
€248 ·