Adidas
Metalbone HRD+ 2026
The Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2026 is the most offensive Metalbone: a diamond shape, 278mm high balance, Carbon Aluminized 16K and a stiff core. Power 10 and smash 10 for experts seeking maximum overhead power.
The PADEL CHAPTER score is our overall editorial assessment. The pillars provide additional context. Read how we assess products →
Explosive • Control focused • Forgiving
The Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2026 is the most offensive Metalbone ever: HRD EVA stiffness 78, Carbon Aluminized 16K and 278mm high balance. Power 10. Alejandro Galán's professional weapon.
The Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2026 weighs 356–370g, with a diamond shape and high balance (278mm). Profile 38mm. Face: 16K Carbon Aluminized. Core: HRD EVA (stiffness 78). Frame: Carbon.
Adidas Metalbone line 2026:
| Model | Face | Core stiffness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metalbone HRD+ 2026 | 16K Aluminized Carbon | HRD EVA 78 | ~€390 |
| Metalbone Carbon 2026 | 12K Carbon | Std EVA | ~€299 |
| Metalbone Evo 2025 | 12K Carbon | EVA | ~€249 |
"HRD" stands for Hard Response Design, Adidas' hardest EVA formulation. Stiffness 78 is significantly higher than standard EVA (typically 45–55) or Hard EVA (60–65). This is not a comfort racket.
"+" compared with the standard Metalbone: an extra aluminized coating on the 16K carbon face. The + is literally an addition to an already extreme construction.
Technologies:
- 16K Carbon Aluminized, 16K carbon with an aluminium coating for maximum surface stiffness
- HRD EVA, Hard Response Design, stiffness 78, maximum energy transfer
- INNEGRA X, a hybrid fibre in the frame for fracture resistance under extreme shots
- Metalbone Channel, U-shaped frame construction for aerodynamics
Power 10 is the highest attacking score: the Metalbone HRD+ 2026 delivers the most direct overhead feel of all rackets in Adidas' lineup. HRD EVA stiffness 78 with 16K Aluminized Carbon gives almost no energy absorption in the core; every joule from the swing goes into the ball.
Comfort is 6/10. This is the direct result of stiffness 78. Vibrations on off-center contact are fully felt. Players sensitive to hard contact or vibrations are better off choosing a softer construction.
Forgiveness is 6/10. High balance 278mm, diamond geometry and the stiffest core in its segment. This is an expert racket that requires consistent technique. In the right player's hands it is impressive; with inconsistent technique it becomes frustrating.
The price of ~€390 places it above all other rackets in this overview. For that amount, a player gets absolute top specifications. The question is whether the performance improvement over ~€290–€329 alternatives (Coello Pro 2026, Hack 04 2026) is noticeable for non-professional players.
INNEGRA X in the frame is a thoughtful addition: the combination of extreme stiffness and INNEGRA fracture resistance reduces the risk of frame damage under hard use.
HRD stands for High Recovery Density, an EVA variant with stiffness 78 (vs. ~65–70 for standard High Memory EVA). HRD returns to its original shape faster, giving maximum energy transfer per shot. The trade-off: less cushioning and higher shock loads on off-center contact.
Not necessarily; they suit different players. The HRD+ has a stiffness 78 core for maximum power, but a smaller sweet spot (7 vs. 8) and less comfort (6 vs. 7). The 3.5 has EVA Soft Performance for a larger sweet spot and more comfort. For pure attackers: HRD+. For versatile attackers: 3.5.
Advantages
HRD EVA (stiffness 78), the hardest and most reactive core in the Metalbone line, with maximum energy transfer
Carbon Aluminized 16K, the same premium face as the Metalbone 3.5, with a uniform response across the whole surface
Weight & Balance System +11.2g, adjustable for a personalised balance between power and control
Alejandro Galán signature, professional-circuit specifications of the current #1
Considerations
Stiffness 78 is the highest in the segment; comfort 6, with significant shock loads on off-center contact
RRP €390, the most expensive Adidas racket in the range
Sweetspot 7 and forgiveness 6 demand consistent technique; unforgiving of errors
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.
A balanced racket that responds predictably in most situations.
Off-center contact is penalized: hitting just outside the sweet spot loses power and control.
In long matches you feel more in your arm; the core offers little cushioning, so the load builds up.
Small timing errors show sooner: the ball leaves the face directly, so clean contact matters.
The racket offers little help in defense; returning balls off the glass takes considerable effort.
Which shots are affected most?
| Situation | What will you notice? |
|---|---|
| Defense | Little help: you must guide balls off the glass and keep them deep yourself. |
| 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 | The forward weight makes quick blocks more demanding than with an agile racket. |
| Off-center ball | Unforgiving: outside the sweet spot, both speed and accuracy drop noticeably. |
Well suited to
Less 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 more precision and a direct feel
This racket may disappoint if you…
have a sensitive arm
often have to play from defense
want plenty of comfort and cushioning
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 balanced racket that handles every shot;
You may run into limitations if you…
- •do not consistently hit the sweet spot yet: the small margin penalizes errors heavily;
- •are sensitive to arm or elbow discomfort;
- •defend often and want help from the face;
- •value quick hands at the net more than power;
Similar rackets
Rackets with a similar playing character for the same type of player.
Same series
Other rackets from the same product line.
Lower-priced alternative
A similar playing character at a lower price.
Step up
A similar playing character in a higher price range.
Personal advice
Not sure whether this racket suits you?
Answer 5 questions about your level, playing style and budget to get a personal recommendation in less than 2 minutes.
More on PADEL CHAPTER
Indicatieve marktprijs
€250 ·