Adidas
Metalbone CTRL 3.4
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.4 is a round control racket with low balance, Fiberglass Carbon and a large sweet spot. Control 9.0, playability 8.2 and surprisingly high power.
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Top 15% of 267 reviewed rackets
Control focused • Agile • Stable
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.4 is a round control variant in the Metalbone line. The low balance, large sweet spot and EVA core prioritise control and consistency, while the racket generates surprisingly high power on a full swing.
The Metalbone CTRL 3.4 weighs 355–375g, has a round shape and low balance. The profile is 38 mm, with a Fiberglass Carbon hitting surface and an EVA core.
CTRL 3.4 vs. Carbon CTRL:
| Feature | CTRL 3.4 | Carbon CTRL 3.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Face material | Fiberglass Carbon | Carbon Aluminized |
| Core | EVA | EVA Soft |
Both rackets are round, have low balance and focus on control. The Carbon CTRL uses a different hitting surface and core construction, which translates into a more direct feel at ball contact. Choose between them based on your desired feel and the current price on the product page.
Technologies:
- Fiberglass Carbon face, combines carbon stiffness with fiberglass absorption, suitable for control-oriented play
- Smart Holes Curve, an aerodynamic hole pattern
- Spin Blade Decal, an edge profile for topspin
Forgiveness is a strong quality of the CTRL 3.4. The round shape with low balance provides a large effective playing area: off-centre contact is penalised noticeably less. This suits players who play regularly and have good command of their technique.
Control is the pronounced quality of this racket. The Fiberglass Carbon face provides predictable contact on placement shots, while the sweet spot offers enough room to keep playing calmly in defence too. Players seeking an even more direct carbon feel can compare the Carbon CTRL with this model.
The low balance deliberately favours control, but with an active swing the CTRL 3.4 provides surprisingly high power. Players primarily seeking maximum explosiveness on overheads are usually better suited to an attacking Metalbone variant.
Manoeuvrability is strong for a racket weighing 355–375 grams. Its round shape and low balance make it feel less head-heavy than a diamond-shaped racket of comparable weight.
The Carbon CTRL has Carbon Aluminized as its hitting surface, while the CTRL 3.4 uses Fiberglass Carbon. The playing profile is comparable: both are round, have low balance and are control-oriented. The Carbon CTRL gives a sharper shot response; choose based on your desired feel and budget.
Not ideal. A round, low-balance racket in the Metalbone line still requires some playing experience. Beginners are better off with a cheaper and lighter racket. The CTRL 3.4 best suits players with at least one year of court experience who deliberately choose control.
Advantages
Round shape with low balance: stable and easy to handle alongside attacking diamond variants
Control 9.0: focused on precise placement and building points
Playability 8.2: predictable feel in defence and the transition to the net
Surprisingly high power when you actively accelerate the racket through the ball
A good choice for players transitioning from all-round to control-oriented play
Considerations
The low balance requires an active swing to release maximum power
Sweet spot 8.0 still requires sound basic technique on hard-hit balls
Players primarily seeking an explosive smash may be better suited to a more attacking profile
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 | It works, but speed and bite must mostly come from your own technique. |
| 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 control and placement
have a sensitive arm and need 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;
- •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
€271 ·