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PADEL CHAPTER Score combines product specifications and editorial assessment. Scores are updated when new information becomes available.

Adidas

Metalbone Team Light 3.5

The Adidas Metalbone Team Light 3.5 is the lightest Metalbone: diamond, high balance, 330-350g. Comfort 8 and sweetspot 8 for attackers seeking Metalbone feel with more manoeuvrability.

Diamond330–350gHigh balance
7.6
Good
Agile all-round racket for experienced players
Performance potential7.5
Playability8.0
CharacterAttacking

The PADEL CHAPTER score is our overall editorial assessment. The pillars provide additional context. Read how we assess products →

Adidas Metalbone Team Light 3.5 padel racket
Score Breakdown
Power7.5
Control7.5
Maneuverability9.0
Sweet spot8.0
Defense7.0
Comfort8.0
CharacterPlaying character

Agile • Comfortable • Forgiving

Specifications
Weight330–350g
BalanceHigh balance
ShapeDiamond
CoreEVA
FrameCarbon Aluminized
Profile38mm

The Adidas Metalbone Team Light 3.5 is the lightest version in the Metalbone family. Same diamond shape and high balance as the flagship, but 330–350g makes it significantly more agile. For attackers seeking Metalbone character without the 3.5 weight.

The Metalbone Team Light 3.5 weighs 330–350g, diamond shape, high balance. Profile 38mm. Face: Carbon Aluminized. Core: EVA.

Metalbone Team Light vs. the line:

ModelWeightCarbonSweetspotOverall
Metalbone Team Light 3.5330–350gAluminized8/107.9
Metalbone Team 3.5345–365gAluminized7.5/107.7
Metalbone 3.5 2026345–360gAluminized 16K8/108.5

The difference from the flagship is weight and carbon specification: 3.5 has 16K (more fibres per bundle); Team Light uses a lighter carbon layer to reduce weight.

Technologies:

  • Carbon Aluminized face, gives the diamond the sharper shot response characteristic of Metalbone
  • Smart Holes Curve, curved hole pattern for an aerodynamic profile
  • Power Groove, groove structure for better overhead energy transfer
  • Spin Blade Decal, edge profile for extra topspin production

Manoeuvrability 9/10 is this model's standout. At 330g, net manoeuvres respond significantly faster than a 360g diamond. For players frequently exchanging at the net or repositioning quickly, this is a concrete advantage.

Sweetspot 8/10 is good for a diamond in this weight class. Lower weight combined with a carbon face gives a solid response; less explosive than the flagship's 16K carbon, but consistent and forgiving for a diamond.

Power is 7.5/10. Lower weight costs some shot impact on overheads. Players seeking maximum power are better off with Metalbone 3.5 or Team 3.5. For those prioritising pace and speed, the compromise is acceptable.

Metalbone 3.5 2026 has a Carbon Aluminized 16K face and adjustable Weight & Balance System (+11.2g); Team Light has a lighter carbon specification and weighs 330–350g versus 345–360g for the flagship. The 3.5 delivers more power; Team Light more manoeuvrability. The price difference is significant: €175 vs. €300.

Not ideal. Diamond shape with high balance demands good overhead technique. Beginners are better off with a teardrop or round racket. Team Light is intended for experienced players transitioning to attacking play.

Team Light weighs 330–350g; Team 3.5 is heavier (345–365g). Team Light is more agile; Team 3.5 delivers more shot power. Choose Team Light for speed and reactions; Team 3.5 for more power without moving to the flagship.

Advantages & considerations

Advantages

Manoeuvrability 9/10: lightest Metalbone model, quick response in net exchanges

Metalbone character in a more accessible format: high balance and diamond shape without the full weight

Solid sweetspot (8/10) for a diamond racket in this price segment

Lower entry price than Metalbone flagship: better value position

Considerations

Less power than heavier Metalbone 3.5 and 3.4 variants

Diamond shape demands good overhead technique; unsuitable for beginners or defenders

Lower carbon specification than 3.5 flagship (no 16K Aluminized)

What will you notice on court?

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.

The sweet spot offers forgiveness: slightly imperfect contact loses little accuracy.

Comfortable in long matches: the racket cushions contact well, with little feedback in your arm.

No pronounced weakness, but no single shot where the racket particularly stands out either.

Which shots are affected most?

SituationWhat will you notice?
DefenseReasonable: a calm swing returns most balls off the glass.
VolleyComfortable and stable; aiming is easy and you keep the ball low.
BandejaVery easy to control: the ball stays low and predictable, ideal for controlling the court.
ViboraEnough bite for a quick brushing shot with some acceleration of your own.
SmashIts strongest point: maximum power with little effort, sending the ball away like a rocket.
BlockStable: the racket is ready in time and returns the ball with control.
Off-center ballForgiving: just outside the sweet spot you lose little and the ball stays on course.
What type of player does this racket suit?

Well suited to

Comfort seekersPlayers who play for enjoymentPlayers who want plenty of help from their racketAttacking players
Does this racket meet your needs?

This racket is likely to suit you if you…

want more comfort and cushioning

have a sensitive arm and need cushioning

want plenty of help from your racket

want more power and strength in your smash

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 forgiving racket with a generous sweet spot;

You may run into limitations if you…

  • •want a pronounced specialist rather than an all-round racket;

Personal advice

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Adidas Metalbone Team Light 3.5 review | PADEL CHAPTER