Drop Shot
Ionic
A round racket with a soft EVA core and 12K carbon surface. Initial playing experiences suggest the Ionic 2023 mainly offers control and stability.
The PADEL CHAPTER score is our overall editorial assessment. The pillars provide additional context. Read how we assess products →

Highest score in the Ionic line
Control focused • Forgiving • Forgiving
The Drop Shot Ionic 2023 is a round racket weighing 360-370 grams with medium balance and a soft EVA core, combined with a 12K carbon surface. Specifications and limited independent sources suggest a racket mainly focused on control and precision, with relatively high rebound. This is a preliminary first impression; a full verdict will follow extensive testing of our own on court.
The Ionic 2023 has a round shape and weighs between 360 and 370 grams, with medium balance distributing weight fairly centrally. The profile is 38 mm thick, sitting between thinner control rackets and thicker power rackets. The face consists of 12K carbon fiber with a textured surface, while the frame is also made from carbon fiber. The core is EVA Soft, generally indicating a softer, more comfortable feel at ball contact. With a recommended price of 200 euros, Drop Shot positions this racket in the mid-range, where a solid material mix can usually be expected without the very latest technologies. The combination of round shape, medium weight and soft core suggests on paper a racket for players prioritising control and feel, with enough mass for stability at varying speeds.
What you will notice as a player
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 | Enough bite for a quick brushing shot with some acceleration of your own. |
| Smash | Solid rather than explosive: depth and speed need your own follow-through. |
| Block | Stable: the racket is ready in time 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…
want more comfort and cushioning
want plenty of help from your racket
have a sensitive arm and need cushioning
want more control and placement
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;
Similar rackets
Rackets with a similar playing character for the same type of player.
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
€200 ·


