Black Crown
Gladius
The Black Crown Gladius 2026 combines a teardrop shape with 18K carbon and a medium EVA core. Based on the initial specifications, this appears to be a balanced racket for players seeking control and 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 Black Crown Gladius 2026 is presented as a teardrop racket with 18K carbon in the face and a medium EVA core. Its weight of 363 grams and carbon fiber frame suggest a stable construction that seems suited to regular players. With limited information available, this is an initial, cautious impression.
The Gladius 2026 has a teardrop shape, a classic choice that places the center of gravity slightly higher than a round racket. Its specified weight is 363 grams, towards the more stable end of the range. The face uses 18K carbon, a material promising direct ball contact. The core contains Medium Black EVA, a rubber core intended to sit between soft and hard. The frame is made from carbon fiber, which should give the construction strength. These specifications point to a racket trying to combine control and power: the teardrop shape and carbon face lean towards attacking play, while the medium core and weight should provide stability.
What you will notice as a player
The racket helps in defense: a calm swing sends balls off the glass deep again.
A balanced racket that responds predictably in most situations.
Small timing errors show sooner: the ball leaves the face directly, so clean contact matters.
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 | Comfortable and stable; aiming is easy and you keep the ball low. |
| Bandeja | Easy to control: the ball stays reasonably low and predictable. |
| Vibora | Very explosive: plenty of speed and bite, a natural shot for this racket. |
| Smash | Enough power, but you still need to put considerable effort into the swing. |
| Block | Stable: the racket is ready in time and returns the ball with control. |
| Off-center ball | Reasonably forgiving: outside the sweet spot you lose some speed, while accuracy is largely maintained. |
This racket suits a broad range of players.
Well suited to
This racket is likely to suit you if you…
want more precision and a direct feel
You will probably appreciate this racket if you…
- •want a racket that helps in defense;
- •want a balanced racket that handles every shot;
You may run into limitations if you…
- •prefer softer, more forgiving contact;
- •want a pronounced specialist rather than an all-round racket;
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
€180 ·