Adidas Metalbone Team 2023

Introduction

The Adidas Metalbone Team 2023 is a diamond-shaped, medium-soft racket for intermediate to advanced players who want power with control.

Shape & Balance

The Diamond shape places the balance point high, toward the racket head. You'll feel the weight in your hand, which adds power to every swing.

That head-heavy balance means you need a full swing to get the most out of it; it won't do the work for you. On the bright side, it gives you extra momentum on smashes and flat drives.

Grip

The grip is standard Adidas – comfortable, with a tacky feel that gives you a secure hold even when your hands get sweaty. You don't have to squeeze too tight, which reduces arm fatigue.

Over a long match, the head weight will tire your arm quicker than a balanced racket, but the soft core helps absorb some impact. It's not a racket you'd pick for a marathon rally session.

Power & Control

With power at 7.9, you get solid pop on your shots without having to smash everything. The racket does the heavy lifting on flat shots and smashes, so you can focus on placement.

Control at 7.8 is just a notch below – you can still hit angles and keep the ball in court, but you'll need to be precise with your timing. It's a fine balance for an attacking player, but don't expect pinpoint accuracy on every shot.

Comfort & Speed

Comfort is good for a diamond – the medium-soft feel and Soft EVA core absorb vibration, so your arm won't sting on off-center hits. That said, the head weight adds strain on the elbow over time, so if you have a history of injury, be cautious.

Maneuverability at 8 is high for this category, so it feels quicker than you'd think. You can bring it around for a backhand block or a quick volley, but it's not lightning-fast. You'll need some wrist strength to whip it into position on reaction shots.

Materials & Durability

The frame is carbon fiber, which is solid and should handle the rigors of regular play without flexing or cracking. Faces are fiberglass, which keeps the weight down and gives a softer touch.

The core is EVA Soft Performance, which is durable and holds its properties over time. Overall, it's built to last for a few seasons of weekly play, but as with any racket, avoid hitting the frame on the ground.

Analysis

The Metalbone Team 2023 plays like a true diamond: head-heavy, power-oriented, but with a surprisingly forgiving feel thanks to the Soft EVA core. The power score of 7.9 translates to easy depth on flat shots, while the control 7.8 means you can still place the ball with decent accuracy.

The rebound of 8.3 is the standout – the ball jumps off the face, which helps on defensive shots and overheads. Maneuverability at 8 is high for a diamond, so it doesn't feel as clumsy as you might expect. But it's still a demanding racket; if your technique isn't solid, the head weight will punish you.

This racket suits players who already have a solid swing and want extra pop without losing all touch. If you're a beginner or have a slower swing, the head-heaviness will be tough to control, and you'll likely struggle with timing.

You give up a bit of control for that power boost, and the medium-soft feel takes some edge off hard hits. The sweet spot is generous for a diamond, which helps, but it won't forgive mishits like a round racket would. If you prefer a balanced, all-round racket, look elsewhere.