Editorial assessment · 2025 model
The Metalbone CTRL 3.4 belongs on your shortlist if lobs, placement and controlled overheads matter most to your game. The round head gives you a central contact area, and removable weights let you experiment with the setup. Its lively response will suit some players better than others. If you are used to a firm racket that needs a fuller swing, spend time on short blocks and volleys before deciding. The CTRL name alone does not guarantee better control for you.
Where to buy
In stock at Padel Market
Free delivery · 1-2 days
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BesteRacket's on-court review found it easy to block low balls and place returns close to the net. A Reddit tester also liked lobs, volleys and controlled overheads, but felt their smashes lacked the punch of their previous racket. Other owners have reported the opposite problem on short strokes: the ball left the face faster than they expected.
Shortlist the CTRL if those first qualities match your game, then check whether you can take pace off the ball when needed. Try a soft block against a firm volley and a low return from the glass. Those shots will tell you more about your fit than the word “control” on the product name.
The 2025 weight system puts removable hardware around the sides and top of the frame. Change one setup at a time and keep a note of which pieces you fitted. Compare your defensive preparation as well as overheads; extra head weight may feel useful on a clean swing and less useful when you are late.
Check that a discounted or used racket includes the listed weights and adjustment tool. If you have no interest in this system, compare the fixed-weight Carbon CTRL 3.4. That version also changes the face material, so treat it as a different racket when you try it.
Consider an alternative if: You dislike a springy response on short blocks, or you want a fixed setup with fewer parts to manage.
Adidas
A fixed-weight Metalbone for players who like a higher contact area and an extended handle. Worth a look for attacking play, but check your defensive timing before moving from a round racket.
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Open the racket chooserResearched 2026-09-06 · Last updated 2026-09-06 · How we assess gear
