Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.3 2024

Introduction

The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.3 2024 is a round, control-focused racket for advanced players who value precision over raw power.

Shape & Balance

The round shape puts the balance toward the head, but not extreme, so you get a stable feel. Swing it naturally, and you'll notice the racket is head-heavy, which helps with control but can feel heavier on long rallies.

Grip

The grip feels standard, not too thick, and the handle is comfortable in your hand. Over a three-set match, fatigue might set in if you're not used to heavier rackets, but the grip doesn't cause blisters or hot spots.

Power & Control

With power at 7.8, you won't hit massive smashes without effort, but it's enough for most players. Control at 8.5 is where this racket shines—accurate shots, good depth, and placement.

You trade a bit of power for that control, so if you want to win with placement and touch, this works. If you rely on brute force, you might find yourself adding more arm to get pace.

Comfort & Speed

The medium feel and foam core give decent comfort, but the weight can be a factor; your arm might get tired after long sessions. Maneuverability at 8.5 means it's quick for a round shape, so you can react fast in defense and at the net.

If you're strong enough, the racket moves well, but less powerful players may find it a bit sluggish. Overall, comfort is good but not top-tier for heavy users.

Materials & Durability

The frame is carbon fiber, which is strong and should hold up. The faces are aluminized carbon, which adds some stiffness but also resistance to damage.

The core is EVA Soft Performance, which is soft to help with feel and rebound, but might compress over time if you hit hard frequently. That's normal for soft cores.

Analysis

This round racket gives you a big, forgiving sweet spot, so off-center hits don't punish you like on a diamond shape. The control rating of 8.5 feels real: you place the ball where you want, and the soft Eva core helps with touch at the net.

Power is solid at 7.8 but not the main event. You'll need to generate your own pace on smashes, but the rebound of 9.5 means the racket does some work for you, so shots off the glass stay lively.

Maneuverability is high, which makes it quick in defense and at the net. The weight range is up to 360 grams, so if you're not used to a heavy racket, it might feel slow until you adapt.

If you're a beginner or like to hit hard without thinking, this might not be your first choice. Players with good technique who value control will get the most out of it.