The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 is the control-oriented flagship model within the Metalbone family. But don’t let the CTRL name fool you: this is not a tame or purely defensive padel racket. Adidas combines a round shape with 16K Aluminized Carbon, a relatively low base weight, and the well-known Weight & Balance System.
The result is a particularly interesting concept. Without additional weights, you get a lightweight and maneuverable racket with plenty of control. With the Weight & Balance System, you can then add up to 11.2 grams and adjust the weight distribution to create more stability, balance, or attacking power.
This makes the Metalbone CTRL 2026 particularly suitable for advanced players who value precision and maneuverability but are not willing to sacrifice all their power to get it.
In this review, we look at how the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 plays, what the adjustable weight system actually adds, and which type of player will get the most out of this racket.
Quick advice
Control & all-round
The round shape and control-oriented weight distribution make this an excellent choice for players who like to build points, defend, and play with precision.
Advanced
Although the round shape and good maneuverability make the racket relatively accessible, the materials and response are clearly designed for frequent and technically strong players.
Comfortable but direct
The Soft Performance EVA core provides ball output and comfort, while the 16K Aluminized Carbon gives the racket sufficient stiffness and a direct response.
Choose your own balance
With the Weight & Balance System, you can adjust the weight and balance to suit your own playing style. This allows the same racket to feel noticeably different depending on its configuration.
A control racket with Metalbone DNA
The name Metalbone CTRL immediately makes its priority clear: control. Adidas therefore opts for a round shape, with the weight positioned more towards the grip. This makes the racket maneuverable and particularly helpful for quick reactions and defensive situations.
However, this is not a traditional control racket where power takes a back seat. Adidas uses several technologies from the regular Metalbone to maintain sufficient stability and acceleration during attacking shots.
Round
The round shape provides plenty of control and maneuverability. The weight is positioned relatively close to the hand, making the racket easy to move during quick exchanges and defensive shots.
345 – 360 grams + 11.2 grams
The base weight is remarkably low for a high-end racket. With the Weight & Balance System, you can then add up to 11.2 grams and adjust the configuration to your preference.
16K Aluminized Carbon
The aluminized 16K Carbon gives the racket a firmer and more direct response while providing stability when you generate more speed through your own swing.
Soft Performance EVA
The relatively soft EVA core provides comfort and good ball output. Combined with the stiffer 16K surface, it creates an interesting balance between comfort and precision.
The Weight & Balance System makes the difference
The biggest advantage of the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 is undoubtedly its adjustable weight system. The racket has a base weight of just 345 to 360 grams, after which you can add up to 11.2 grams using removable weights.
This allows you to change not only the total weight, but more importantly where the weight is positioned within the racket.
Maximum maneuverability
With little or no additional weight, the Metalbone CTRL feels particularly fast. An interesting option for players who place a high value on reaction speed, defense, and quick volleys.
More stability & inertia
By adding weight, you can make the racket more stable and put more mass behind the ball. This can be particularly useful for volleys, bandejas, and attacking shots.
This makes the Metalbone CTRL much less one-dimensional than its name might suggest. You can play it very light and control-oriented, or configure it heavier when you want more stability and attacking power.
How does the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 play?
On paper, the Metalbone CTRL is all about control, but in practice it is mainly the combination of maneuverability, precision, and adjustability that makes this racket so interesting. The round shape and relatively low base weight make the racket easy to move, while the 16K Aluminized Carbon provides enough stiffness when you increase the pace.
The configuration of the Weight & Balance System also plays an important role. Play with little or no additional weight and you get a very maneuverable racket. Add weight and you can create more stability and put more mass behind the ball.
Maneuverable and controlled
At the back of the court, the round shape and low base weight really come into their own. The racket is quick to position when you are under pressure and provides plenty of control for lobs, controlled build-up shots, and balls close to the glass.
- Easy to maneuver
- Plenty of control over placement
- Good ball output thanks to the soft EVA core
- Interesting for players who like to build points from defense
Quick on volleys
At the net, the Metalbone CTRL feels fast and precise. Its maneuverability is particularly useful during quick exchanges. By adding more weight, you can also create extra stability for powerful volleys.
- Quick preparation for volleys
- Plenty of control over direction and placement
- Stable when you accelerate through the ball
- Adjustable weight to suit your preference
Precision and spin
The Metalbone CTRL is well suited to players who mainly use their bandeja or víbora to maintain pressure and put their opponents in difficult positions. The Spin Blade Decal texture on the hitting surface helps generate additional spin.
- Plenty of directional control
- Good maneuverability overhead
- Textured surface for extra spin
- Suitable for varying pace and placement
More power than you might expect
The CTRL is not the most power-focused racket in the Metalbone family, but that does not mean it falls short on attacking shots. The 16K Aluminized Carbon and the option to add extra weight allow technically strong players to generate enough mass and acceleration behind the ball.
- Firm response when accelerating
- Extra mass can be added via the weight system
- Good combination of control and power
- Less specialized for pure smash power
Control does not mean defensive
This is perhaps the most important thing to understand about the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026. Its round shape makes it control-oriented, but it is definitely not a racket that limits you to defensive play.
Attacking players who enjoy playing with a round and maneuverable racket can also get a lot out of it, especially because the Weight & Balance System allows you to experiment with a heavier configuration.
The CTRL is therefore particularly interesting for players who want control as their foundation without limiting their attacking possibilities.
Who is the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 suitable for?
Adidas positions the Metalbone CTRL 2026 as a racket for high-level players. We would mainly consider it an interesting choice for advanced and technically strong players who want a maneuverable racket and like to decide for themselves how heavy and stable their racket feels.
This racket suits you if...
- You value control and precision
- You enjoy playing with a round racket
- You are looking for a maneuverable racket
- You play both defensively and offensively
- You like experimenting with weight and balance
- You are looking for a technical and versatile flagship model
Look elsewhere if...
- You specifically want a diamond-shaped power racket
- You want as much weight as possible at the top of the racket
- You have no need for an adjustable weight system
- You prefer a simpler and more affordable racket
How do you adjust the Weight & Balance System?
An interesting advantage of the Metalbone CTRL is that you are not immediately locked into one configuration. You can start by using the racket in a lighter setup and then experiment with the removable weights.
Play lighter
Remove weight when you primarily want a fast and easy-to-maneuver racket. This can be useful for quick reactions at the net and for players who place a high value on speed of movement.
Add weight
Additional weight adds more mass to the racket. This can be useful when you want more stability on volleys, overheads, and powerful shots.
There is no single configuration that works best for everyone. The advantage of the system is precisely that you can test which combination best suits your technique, playing style, and personal preference.
Pros and cons
Why choose it?
- Plenty of control and precision
- Low base weight and good maneuverability
- Adjustable weight and balance
- 16K Aluminized Carbon hitting surface
- Comfortable Soft Performance EVA core
- Good spin potential
- Plenty of attacking possibilities
Why not?
- No pure power setup like a diamond-shaped racket
- Premium price point
- The Weight & Balance System is not necessary for every player
- Finding the right configuration requires some experimentation
Frequently asked questions about the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026
Is the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 a control racket?
Yes. The Metalbone CTRL has a round shape and was developed with control and maneuverability as key characteristics. However, it is not a purely defensive racket. The 16K Aluminized Carbon and adjustable weight system also provide plenty of attacking possibilities.
How much does the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 weigh?
The base weight is approximately 345 to 360 grams. The Weight & Balance System allows you to add up to 11.2 grams of additional weight.
Is the Metalbone CTRL 2026 suitable for beginners?
The Metalbone CTRL is primarily designed for high-level players. Beginners can benefit from its round shape and maneuverability, but generally do not need the advanced materials and adjustable weight system. There are more accessible and affordable alternatives for beginner players.
Is the Metalbone CTRL 2026 a hard racket?
The playing feel is determined by the combination of the relatively firm 16K Aluminized Carbon on the outside and the softer Soft Performance EVA core. As a result, the racket combines a direct response with more comfort and ball output than you would expect from a completely hard setup.
Can you adjust the balance of the Metalbone CTRL 2026?
Yes. This is one of the racket's key features. The Weight & Balance System uses removable weights to adjust both the overall weight and the weight distribution.
Does the Metalbone CTRL 2026 offer enough power?
For a control-oriented racket, the Metalbone CTRL offers plenty of attacking potential. However, it remains a round and control-focused Metalbone. Players who prioritize maximum smash power above everything else will probably be better suited to a diamond-shaped power racket.
Conclusion: is the Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 a good choice?
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 clearly demonstrates that a control racket does not necessarily have to be purely defensive. Its round shape, low base weight, and good maneuverability make control and precision the main priorities, but Adidas combines these qualities with materials and technologies that also prove their value in attacking play.
The Weight & Balance System in particular makes the Metalbone CTRL stand out. With a base weight of 345 to 360 grams, you can start with a very light setup and then add up to 11.2 grams to adapt the racket to your own preferences.
Combined with the 16K Aluminized Carbon and Soft Performance EVA core, this gives you a racket that brings together control, comfort, stability, and plenty of power in an interesting way.
Our verdict
The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 is particularly strong for advanced players who want control and maneuverability as their foundation without being locked into one specific configuration.
Ideal for: technically strong all-round and control players who enjoy playing with a round racket and want to experiment with weight and balance themselves.
If, on the other hand, you are mainly looking for maximum power and a distinctly head-heavy feel, a diamond-shaped power racket is the more obvious choice.