Adidas
Metalbone CTRL 2026
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 is a round control shape with a 16K Aluminized Carbon face and Weight & Balance System. Control 9 and manoeuvrability 9 for experienced control players.
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Top 15% of 267 reviewed rackets
Control focused • Agile • Stable
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 is the premium round control shape in the Metalbone line: a 16K Aluminized Carbon face, low balance and adjustable Weight & Balance System. Control 9/10 and manoeuvrability 9/10 make it a racket for experienced players prioritising placement and consistency over power. The 16K Aluminized Carbon face gives a more direct, firmer response than the 6K carbon of its sister variant, Carbon CTRL. This makes the racket sharper and more precise in execution, but also less soft: comfort is rated 7/10. Records control as the leading quality in the profile and manoeuvrability that stands out at 9/10. The Weight & Balance System is the distinguishing feature: plates and rings shift weight by around 11 grams, allowing balance and feel to be tuned to your game. The low base balance keeps the racket manoeuvrable (9/10) and strong in defence (8/10), with the Octagonal Structure providing a stiff, torsion-resistant frame. Power 7/10 and smash 7/10 keep it in the control category. Within the line, this is the more direct, customisable control variant; players seeking a softer and more accessible carbon control racket should look at the Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026.
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 weighs 345–360g, round shape, low balance. Profile 38mm. Face: Carbon Aluminized 16K. Core: low-density EVA Soft Performance. Frame: Octagonal carbon. RRP ~€300. Also listed by retailers as Metalbone CTRL 3.5 2026.
Within the Metalbone line, this is the premium round control shape: it shares the Octagonal Structure frame with the flagships and adds the adjustable Weight & Balance System. The 16K Aluminized Carbon face positions it above the 6K carbon Carbon 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:
- Weight & Balance System, an adjustable weight and balance system of around +11g using plates and rings
- Octagonal Structure, a tubular carbon frame for stiffness and reduced torsion
- Spin Blade Octagonal, rough surface texture for spin potential
- Low Poly, geometry that gives the frame extra stiffness
- EPG (Extra Power Grip), a longer grip that shifts more mass towards the head
Control 9 and manoeuvrability 9 are the key scores. The round shape with low balance keeps the centre of gravity near the hand, making placement predictable and the racket quick to recover at the net. Records control as the leading quality in the profile and manoeuvrability that stands out at 9/10.
The 16K Aluminized Carbon face gives a more direct, firmer response than the 6K carbon of the Carbon CTRL. This makes execution sharper and more precise, but also less soft: comfort is rated 7/10. The sweet spot remains large at 8/10 thanks to the round mould, and forgiveness is rated 8/10.
The Weight & Balance System distinguishes this model. Plates and rings shift weight by around 11 grams, allowing balance and feel to be tuned to your game: more neutral for manoeuvrability or slightly more head-heavy for more mass in the shot. The Octagonal Structure keeps the frame stiff and torsion-resistant.
Power is rated 7/10 and smash 7/10. Low balance and the control focus keep the racket away from attacking finishing work; spin is rated 7/10 through the Spin Blade texture. This is a control racket that wins points through placement and consistency rather than power.
For experienced through to expert players who prioritise control and consistency over power. The round shape, low balance and 16K Aluminized Carbon face provide a direct, precise control racket that also remains strong in defence.
Using plates and rings in the grip, you can adjust weight and balance by around 11 grams. This lets you tune the racket to your game: more neutral for manoeuvrability or slightly more head-heavy for more mass in the shot.
The Metalbone CTRL 2026 has a direct 16K Aluminized Carbon face and Weight & Balance System. The Carbon CTRL 2026 uses a more comfortable 6K carbon face without an adjustment system. Choose the CTRL for directness and customisation, the Carbon CTRL for a softer contact feel.
The CTRL 3.4 had a teardrop shape with a Fiberglass Carbon face. The 2026 version is round, upgrades to a 16K Aluminized Carbon face and adds the Weight & Balance System. The 2026 is more direct, more manoeuvrable and customisable.
Advantages
Control 9 and manoeuvrability 9: a strong placement and point-building profile
16K Aluminized Carbon face: a direct, sharp response
Weight & Balance System: balance and weight adjustable by around +11g
Octagonal Structure carbon frame for stiffness and reduced torsion
Considerations
Comfort 7: the aluminized face is firmer than a 6K carbon face
Power 7 and smash 7: not intended for attacking finishes
Premium price segment among control rackets
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 | Very explosive: plenty of speed and bite, a natural shot for this racket. |
| 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
This racket is likely to suit you if you…
are often a little late on fast balls
want an agile, fast racket
want more control and placement
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 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
€290 ·