Adidas is a dominant force in the world of padel, and its Metalbone series is a standout line designed for serious players. The 2025 lineup includes some of the most powerful, precise, and technologically advanced Adidas padel rackets available.
But which one is right for your game?
In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the differences between three top models:
- Adidas Metalbone HRD 3.4 (Full Review Here)
- Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.4 (Full Review Here)
- Adidas Metalbone Carbon 3.3 (Full Review Here)
Let’s break down their key features, technologies, court performance, and who they’re best suited for.
Meet the Adidas Metalbone Rackets
Adidas Metalbone HRD 3.4: The Powerhouse
The HRD 3.4 is endorsed by Ale Galán and designed for advanced padel players who rely on explosive smashes and fast-paced offensive play. With its stiff construction and diamond shape, it’s built for maximum power output.
Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.4: The Control Expert
Aimed at players who value precision, comfort, and tactical play, the CTRL 3.4 offers a round shape and a soft EVA core, making it more forgiving while still delivering solid performance.
Adidas Metalbone Carbon 3.3: The Balanced All-Rounder
With a traditional diamond shape and a medium-soft feel, the Carbon 3.3 is ideal for versatile players seeking a mix of control, power, and maneuverability without sacrificing comfort.
Shape and Balance: Foundation of Performance
The shape and balance of a padel racket significantly influence how it plays.
- Metalbone HRD 3.4: Diamond oversize shape with a high balance. Designed to shift the sweet spot upward, enhancing power for aggressive smashes.
- Metalbone CTRL 3.4: Round shape with an adjustable medium balance. Ideal for consistent, precise shots and fast reactions at the net.
- Metalbone Carbon 3.3: Diamond shape with a medium-high balance. Strikes a balance between power and control, with good handling for an attack-minded all-rounder.
Core Materials: Feel and Power at Impact
Each model uses a different version of EVA foam inside the frame:
- HRD 3.4: Uses High Memory EVA, the hardest and most dense in the range. Designed for high ball speed and minimal energy loss.
- CTRL 3.4: Features Soft Performance EVA, a low-density core that increases comfort, reduces vibrations, and enhances feel.
- Carbon 3.3: Also uses Soft Performance EVA, softening the impact and making the racket more accessible to intermediate-level players.
Face Materials: Power Transmission and Response
The face (hitting surface) of a padel racket contributes to its stiffness, durability, and power.
- HRD 3.4: Built with 16K Aluminized Carbon for extreme stiffness and durability. Helps generate raw power.
- CTRL 3.4: Also uses 16K Aluminized Carbon, but combined with the softer EVA core for a more balanced feel.
- Carbon 3.3: Uses 6K Carbon Fiber, which is slightly more flexible than 16K. This improves comfort while still offering great ball response.
Key Adidas Technologies in the Metalbone Series
All three rackets include Spin Blade Decal surface textures and the Octagonal Structure frame reinforcement for power and stability. However, the HRD 3.4 and CTRL 3.4 offer a few additional features.
Weight & Balance System (HRD 3.4 and CTRL 3.4)
Both rackets allow for adjustable balance and weight distribution via external screws. Players can fine-tune how the racket feels and performs.
Power Groove and Power Extra Grip
Found in both the HRD 3.4 and CTRL 3.4, these technologies reinforce structural rigidity and provide a longer grip for extra leverage.
Smart Holes Curve (Carbon 3.3 only)
This hole pattern optimizes spin generation and improves control by enhancing ball grip on the face.
On-Court Performance Comparison
Power Output
- Metalbone HRD 3.4: The most powerful racket in the lineup. Ideal for hard hitters and players who dominate the net.
- Metalbone Carbon 3.3: Delivers high power with more forgiveness. Excellent for intermediate to advanced players.
- Metalbone CTRL 3.4: Offers respectable power but clearly prioritizes control and consistency over sheer explosiveness.
Control and Precision
- CTRL 3.4: Exceptional control thanks to its round shape and soft core. Perfect for right-side players and tactical shot placement.
- Carbon 3.3: Very good control for a diamond-shaped racket, especially with its forgiving feel.
- HRD 3.4: Control is more demanding due to the smaller sweet spot and stiffer response.
Maneuverability
- CTRL 3.4: Excellent maneuverability, especially in fast exchanges at the net.
- Carbon 3.3: Handles surprisingly well for a power racket, offering good agility.
- HRD 3.4: Less maneuverable due to its high balance and rigid structure. Best suited for physically strong players.
Comfort and Feel
- CTRL 3.4: Softest and most comfortable to play with. Reduces arm strain over long matches.
- Carbon 3.3: Balanced comfort with good feedback on shots.
- HRD 3.4: Offers the least comfort, but gives elite-level feedback and responsiveness to skilled players.
Spin Potential
All three rackets feature Spin Blade technology, offering excellent grip on the ball and enhanced spin generation on topspin, slice, and vibora shots.
Adidas Metalbone Comparison Table
| Feature | Metalbone HRD 3.4 (Full Review Here) | Metalbone CTRL 3.4 (Full Review Here) | Metalbone Carbon 3.3 (Full Review Here) |
| Shape | Diamond Oversize | Round | Diamond |
| Balance | High | Medium (Adjustable) | Medium-High |
| Core | High Memory EVA | Soft Performance EVA | Soft Performance EVA |
| Face Material | 16K Aluminized Carbon | 16K Aluminized Carbon | 6K Carbon Fiber |
| Weight (Approx) | 345–360g (Adjustable) | 345–360g (Adjustable) | 345–360g |
| Player Level | Advanced to Pro | Intermediate to Advanced | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Focus | Raw Power | Control & Comfort | Power & Maneuverability |
| Weight Adjustment System | Yes | Yes | No |
| Comfort | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Power | ★★★★★ | ★★★½☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Control | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Maneuverability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Spin Potential | High | High | High |
Which Adidas Metalbone Racket Should You Choose?
Metalbone HRD 3.4 – For Aggressive Power Players
Choose this if you’re a left-side padel player with strong technique and you love dominating with smashes and aggressive volleys. Best suited to advanced or professional players who can handle a stiff, powerful racket.
Metalbone CTRL 3.4 – For Tactical Control Players
Ideal for right-side players or those who build points with placement and strategy. This model suits players looking for precision, soft impact, and forgiveness—especially if you’re prone to arm fatigue or injuries.
Metalbone Carbon 3.3 – For Versatile All-Rounders
Perfect for intermediate to advanced players who want an attacking racket that’s also easy to maneuver and offers a soft, responsive feel. A great choice for those who don’t want to compromise too much between power and control.
Final Thoughts
The Adidas Metalbone range for 2025 gives players the tools to play their unique style with precision, power, or a blend of both. Whether you prefer the explosive HRD 3.4, the tactical CTRL 3.4, or the versatile Carbon 3.3, each racket is engineered for performance at the highest level.
For a full and comprehensive review of each of these rackets check out their individual review articles below.
The Ultimate All Round Aggressor of Adidas Padel Rackets: Adidas Metalbone Carbon 3.3
Discover The Ultimate Adidas Padel Racket for Comfort and Precision: Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.4
Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 3.4: The Ultimate Adidas Padel Racket To Unleash Your Inner Power Beast
Choose the one that aligns with your strengths—and take your padel game to the next level.
