Akkeron Athenea A22 RC

Introduction

The Akkeron Athenea A22 RC is a soft, round racket built for control players who love long rallies and hate errors.

Shape & Balance

The round shape puts the balance toward the head, which actually helps with stability and precision. You get a deliberate, controlled swing that's ideal for placement and consistent ball delivery.

This shape also enhances the sweet spot area, making it more forgiving than a diamond racket. Expect a smoother, more predictable feel on every shot.

Grip

The grip feels comfortable right out of the box, with a soft surface that's easy on the hands. Over a long match, the moderate grip size reduces slipping, so you maintain control even when you sweat.

Fatigue is a factor because of the racket's heavy weight, but the soft feel helps absorb shock, so your arm doesn't take the brunt.

Power & Control

With a power score of 5.4, this racket clearly prioritizes control over smacking winners. You'll need to generate pace yourself, rather than relying on racket stiffness or aerodynamics.

Control at 7.1 is solid but not top-tier — it gives you consistent placement for defensive rallies, but you'll still need clean technique to keep the ball deep. The softness reduces response, so firm shots feel less snappy than a harder racket.

Comfort & Speed

The soft EVA UltraSoft core soaks up vibration, making this one of the cushier rackets in its class. Your elbow and shoulder will thank you after a long session.

Despite the heavy weight, the racket moves quickly — 9.9 out of 10 for maneuverability — making it effortless to respond to fast balls and defend from awkward positions. The head-heavy balance could add strain, but the soft feel balances it out reasonably.

Materials & Durability

The frame and faces both use a 70% carbon, 30% glass mix, which is a durable combo for a control racket. Carbon gives structure and stiffness, while glass helps absorb impact and adds flexibility. This should hold up well over time.

That said, the glass content lowers overall stiffness, which is consistent with the racket's soft feel but might not suit players who prefer a rock-hard response on off-center hits.

Analysis

This racket feels surprisingly fast in hand, with a 9.9/10 maneuverability score that makes it easy to whip around for quick volleys and defensive shots. The EVA UltraSoft core gives a plush, dampened response, so every ball comes off the face with a soft, controlled feel.

Power is low — 5.4/10 — which makes sense for a round racket. You won't hit many winners from the back, but you'll place the ball precisely and frustrate opponents with deep, consistent shots. The rebound rating of 9.6 is very high, which means the racket does a lot of the work for you on defensive strokes — you just need to get into position.

The sweet spot is generous at 8.3/10, so off-center hits don't punish you much. This is forgiving, which helps players who are still developing their strike point. But if you're looking for a weapon to smash wide-open balls, this will leave you wanting.

Despite its soft feel, this is not a beginners' racket in my view. The heavy weight (355–375 grams) demands solid technique and decent wrist strength, so novices may find it tiring. Mid-level and advanced players who value control over brute force will get the most out of it.