Adidas Metalbone Carbon 2023

Introduction

The Adidas Metalbone Carbon 2023 is a heavy, diamond-shaped padel racket built for advanced attacking players who want maximum power.

Shape & Balance

The diamond shape puts most of the weight in the head, which boosts power but makes the racket feel head-heavy. You'll notice this during slow swings and volleys. It requires a strong wrist and good timing to keep it stable.

Off-center hits are less forgiving because of the high balance. You need to be ready to swing fast and follow through completely.

Grip

The handle is standard for Adidas and fits comfortably in the hand. The grip isn't overly thick, so you can feel the racket well. Over a long match, the heavy head can tire your forearm, but the medium-soft feel helps reduce some vibration.

Power & Control

With power at 8.4 and control at 8.2, this racket is more power-oriented but still gives you decent accuracy. You can place shots well when you're set, but in defensive situations, control drops because the racket's weight makes quick adjustments harder.

The rebound rating of 9.5/10 means the face is very bouncy, so you get extra speed on shots without extra effort. But that also means touch shots need a soft hand.

Comfort & Speed

The EVA Soft core provides a cushioned feel, so it's not harsh on impact. That said, the weight and diamond balance make it less comfortable for players who don't have solid technique. Vibration is manageable, but you'll feel off-center hits.

Speed is the racket's weak point. Maneuverability at 7.9/10 is workable, but this is a slow-swinging racket. You won't win fast exchanges at the net easily.

Materials & Durability

The frame is carbon fiber and the faces are 6K carbon, which are both durable materials. They should hold up well against regular play and impacts. The EVA Soft core is designed to maintain its properties over time, so the feel shouldn't degrade quickly.

One thing to note: the weight is high, so if you drop it, the impact could do more damage than a lighter racket. Still, this build quality is typical for a premium Adidas model.

Analysis

This racket plays as its numbers suggest. The power score of 8.4/10 is noticeable — you get real punch on smashes and hard shots. Control is almost as high at 8.2/10, so you're not just swinging blindly. The rebound rating of 9.5/10 means the ball flies off the face quickly, which helps in fast exchanges but can feel lively if you're not used to it.

Maneuverability scores 7.9/10, which is solid but not great. For a racket this heavy (360-375g), it moves okay, but you need good technique to handle it in tight defensive spots. The sweet spot is rated 8/10 — decent size, but not forgiving. Mishits near the edges will lose pace and control.

The core is EVA Soft, so the feel is medium-soft. That helps a bit with the stiffness of a diamond shape, but it's still a demanding racket. If you're a beginner or have a slower swing, you'll struggle to get it moving and may find the power hard to control.

Where this racket shines is for players who already have solid mechanics and want to end points. If you're more of a control player or prefer a balanced game, look at something lighter or rounder. This is a specialist tool, not an all-rounder.