---
title: "Adidas Metalbone vs CTRL 2026: shape and balance"
url: "https://padeltrue.com/compare/adidas-metalbone-2026-vs-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026"
description: "Adidas Metalbone vs CTRL 2026: diamond/head-heavy or round/even? Compare sourced specs, removable-weight setups and prices before choosing a demo."
language: en
date_modified: 2026-11-04
source: "PadelTrue, every specification links to its source on the HTML page"
---

# Adidas Metalbone 2026 vs Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026

## Direct answer

Adidas Metalbone vs CTRL 2026: diamond/head-heavy or round/even? Compare sourced specs, removable-weight setups and prices before choosing a demo.

This page answers:
- Metalbone or CTRL: what actually changes?
- Is the Metalbone 2026 suitable for an intermediate player?
- Which has more power, the Adidas Metalbone 2026 or the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026?
- Which is easier on the arm, the Adidas Metalbone 2026 or the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026?
- Which is better for an improving player, the Adidas Metalbone 2026 or the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026?
- Which is cheaper, the Adidas Metalbone 2026 or the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026?

Side by side

# Adidas Metalbone 2026 vs Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026

For 2026, adidas lists the Metalbone as diamond shaped and head heavy, and the CTRL as round with an even balance. Both list the same face material and foam. Start with that build difference, then check the weight setup.

Adidas · 2026

## [Metalbone 2026](https://padeltrue.com/rackets/adidas-metalbone-2026)

Weight

345 to 360 g (12.2 to 12.7 oz)

Shape

Diamond

Balance

High

### Recorded price: €292.50

11 November 2026 · Price source: allforpadel.com

Check the current total at the store.

Adidas · 2026

## [Metalbone Ctrl 2026](https://padeltrue.com/rackets/adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026)

Weight

345 to 360 g (12.2 to 12.7 oz)

Shape

Round

Balance

Medium

### Recorded price: €292.50

11 November 2026 · Price source: allforpadel.com

Check the current total at the store.

## Which one to try first

- You prefer a round head and an even balanceTry first [Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026](https://padeltrue.com/rackets/adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026)Both models list PRO level. Round shape alone does not make this a beginner recommendation.
- You already like a diamond, head-heavy setupTry first [Adidas Metalbone 2026](https://padeltrue.com/rackets/adidas-metalbone-2026)Demo defence and fast volleys as well as overheads. A specification does not prove an improvement in play.
- You want to compare their actual setupTry first Both, with the removable weights written downBoth list 345 to 360 g base weight; the optional weights add up to 11.2 g. Match grip and weight setup during the demo.

Selection criteria from the published specifications, not a play test.

## Ratings

Calculated from published specs, not a play test. Ratings closer than 8 points are called level. The model is not more precise than that.

| Rating / 100 | Adidas Metalbone 2026 | Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Power | **78** | **28** |
| Control | **10** | **74** |
| Handling | **40** | **60** |
| Forgiveness | **38** | **74** |
| Comfort | **51** | **59** |
| Value | **12** | **14** |

## Published specs, with sources

| Spec | Adidas Metalbone 2026 | Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shape | **Diamond**SourcesShape: Diamond [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) | **Round**SourcesShape: Round [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7525-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026-8435739405819.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) |
| Weight | **345 to 360 g (12.2 to 12.7 oz)**SourcesWeight: 345-360 +(0-11,2) Gr [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) | **345 to 360 g (12.2 to 12.7 oz)**SourcesWeight: 345-360 +(0-11,2) Gr [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7525-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026-8435739405819.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) |
| Balance | **High**SourcesBalance: Head Heavy [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) | **Medium**SourcesBalance: Even [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7525-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026-8435739405819.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) |
| Core | **Soft, EVA Soft Performance**SourcesRubber: Eva Soft Performance / The low-density Soft Performance EVA core provides excellent ball output and consistent comfort throughout play. [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) | **Soft, EVA Soft Performance**SourcesRubber: Eva Soft Performance / the Soft Performance EVA core ensures comfort and consistent ball output [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7525-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026-8435739405819.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) |
| Face | **Carbon Aluminized 16K**SourcesFace: Carbon Aluminized 16K [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) | **Carbon Aluminized 16K**SourcesFace: Carbon Aluminized 16K [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7525-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026-8435739405819.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) |
| Thickness | **38 mm (1.5 in)**SourcesThickness: 38 Mm [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) | **38 mm (1.5 in)**SourcesThickness: 38 Mm [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7525-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026-8435739405819.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) |
| Textured face | **Yes**SourcesSpin Blade Decal features a textured surface that enhances control and allows you to generate more spin on every shot. [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) | Not published |
| Price | **€292.50**Sources292.5 EUR (product meta tag) [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) | **€292.50**Sources292.5 EUR (product meta tag) [allforpadel.com](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7525-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026-8435739405819.html) (retailer listing, not the manufacturer) |

## Metalbone or CTRL: what actually changes?

The [Metalbone 2026](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7521-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-2026-ale-galan-8435739405802.html) and [Metalbone CTRL 2026](https://allforpadel.com/en/padel-rackets/7525-padel-racket-adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026-8435739405819.html) both list Carbon Aluminized 16K, EVA Soft Performance and a base weight of 345 to 360 g. Their removable weights add up to 11.2 g. These details were checked against the maker pages on 29 September 2026.

### Compare the setup, not just the name

Ask which removable weights are fitted to each demo racket. Two different setups make a poor comparison. Both are listed at PRO level; CTRL is not automatically a beginner model. Do not confuse it with the separate Metalbone Carbon CTRL or HRD+ versions.

### Is the Metalbone 2026 suitable for an intermediate player?

**It is a candidate to try, not an automatic upgrade.** Playing on the left or wanting a stronger smash does not settle the choice. Use your current racket as the baseline: the question is whether this particular setup helps your attack without a defensive tradeoff you dislike.

Here is a practical comparison to try with your coach or hitting partner, not a test we have performed:

- **Defence:** can you still return awkward, late balls with useful depth?
- **Fast volleys:** after blocking one ball, are you ready for the next?
- **Overheads:** do more shots reach your intended target, or did you only hit one impressive smash?

Alternate rackets with similar feeds and keep each racket's grip and removable-weight setup unchanged between rounds.If the attacking benefit is unclear, keeping your current racket is a valid outcome. If you dislike the head-heavy setup, try the CTRL too; its name alone does not prove it will suit you.

Use the source rows above to check the build and the dated prices shown here before buying.

## Which one

### Choose the Adidas Metalbone 2026 if

you want the one our model rates higher for power. That is a calculation from published specs, not a play test.

[Full Adidas Metalbone 2026 page](https://padeltrue.com/rackets/adidas-metalbone-2026)

### Choose the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 if

you want the one our model rates higher for control, handling, forgiveness and comfort. That is a calculation from published specs, not a play test.

[Full Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 page](https://padeltrue.com/rackets/adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026)

This comparison exists because players asked for it: [thread 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/Padelracket/comments/1uud7af/adidas_metalbone_2026_vs_metalbone_ctrl_2026/), [thread 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/Padelracket/comments/1wp6z2b/could_metalbone_2026_not_the_hrd_model_be_a_good/).

## Questions

### Which has more power, the Adidas Metalbone 2026 or the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026?

The Adidas Metalbone 2026 leans further toward power, rating 78 against 28 for the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026. The difference comes from shape: diamond against round, balance: high against medium.

### Which is easier on the arm, the Adidas Metalbone 2026 or the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026?

The Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 rates 59 for comfort against 51 for the Adidas Metalbone 2026. The difference comes from balance: medium against high. This describes feel and physical demand, it is not medical advice.

### Which is better for an improving player, the Adidas Metalbone 2026 or the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026?

Our model rates the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 as the more forgiving build, 74 against 38. That is calculated from published specs.

### Which is cheaper, the Adidas Metalbone 2026 or the Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026?

They were the same price when checked: Adidas Metalbone 2026 €292.50 on 11 November 2026, Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 2026 €292.50 on 11 November 2026.

[Open this pair in the compare tool](https://padeltrue.com/compare/#a=adidas-metalbone-2026&b=adidas-metalbone-ctrl-2026)
