Adidas Cross IT Light 2026 - Martita Ortega

The Adidas Cross IT Light 2026 Martita Ortega is a racket aimed at advanced players who value control, maneuverability, and ball output over brute force. It keeps the essence of a control racket, but with enough liveliness to be dangerous in quick exchanges and offensive transitions.

Technical Analysis

Shape and Balance

This model comes with a round shape, clearly focused on control and precision.
The balance feels slightly centered, giving a very stable sensation in most shots.

The racket helps a lot when playing clean, placed strokes. You can direct the ball comfortably to difficult areas of the court. It does not feel head-heavy, so the arm stays fresh in long matches. The racket does not invite you to hit every ball as hard as possible, but to construct points with order and consistency.

Construction and Materials

• Frame: Carbon fiber
• Faces: 24K aluminized carbon
• Core: EVA Soft Energy

The carbon fiber frame provides firmness and durability. It gives a solid structure that does not deform easily in aggressive shots.

The 24K aluminized carbon faces stand out. They offer a very clean contact, with a pleasant and defined sensation. The plane bites the ball well, giving confidence in volleys and spin shots, especially in bandejas and víboras.

The EVA Soft Energy core is the real star here. The ball leaves the racket very easily, with a very noticeable rebound. Defensive play and blocking become simpler, and you do not need a big swing to get the ball to the baseline.

Feel and Sweet Spot

The feel is medium, slightly leaning to the soft side because of the core. There is no overly stiff sensation, but it is not a sponge either. This balance is very good for players who like to feel the ball in the face without sacrificing comfort.

The sweet spot is wide and forgiving. Off-center hits lose less control than in many control rackets with harder constructions. This helps a lot in defensive stretches and quick reactions at the net, where you often impact outside the center.

Grip

The grip is comfortable, with a standard thickness that will suit most players. There is enough length to allow some players to use a partial two-handed backhand if needed.

The handle transmits little vibration. The combination of soft core and carbon frame keeps impacts clean and reduces discomfort in the elbow and wrist. Players with mild arm issues will probably appreciate this configuration.

Maneuverability

Maneuverability is one of the strongest points of this racket. It turns very fast, both horizontally for volleys and overheads, and vertically in lobs and chiquitas.

In fast exchanges at the net, it is easy to react, close the face, and redirect the ball with quick hands. You feel in control even when the opponent increases the pace. This helps very much in counter-volleys and reflex shots near the net.

Comfort

As a whole, this is a very comfortable racket. The medium-soft feel, the high rebound, and the manageable balance make it friendly in long sessions.

You do not need huge physical strength to move it or to get depth from the baseline. The racket clearly favors a smart, technical game over pure physical power.

On-Court Performance

From the Back of the Court

From the back, the Adidas Cross IT Light 2026 Martita Ortega shines.
The ball output is excellent. Defensive lobs and chiquitas are easy to execute with a short, compact swing.

The medium feel allows you to control the height and depth of the ball very well. In slow-paced situations, you can place the ball with precision. In faster rallies, the racket keeps enough stability so that the ball does not “fly away” uncontrollably.

In deep defensive positions, one of the best sensations is how little effort is needed to get the ball out of the glass with height and margin. This helps particularly when recovering difficult balls that come out low and fast after the wall.

Players who like to build points from the back, with lobs and controlled drives, will feel very comfortable. Those looking for a more aggressive and direct game from the baseline may miss a bit of extra punch, but gain a lot of security in each stroke.

At the Net

At the net, the racket stands out for its speed and control:

• Volleys: Very stable and easy to direct. You can play aggressive cross volleys or deep volleys to the body with confidence. The racket answers especially well when you use clean technique and short, precise movements.
• Bandejas and víboras: The ball comes out with good spin and depth. The plane allows you to “grab” the ball well, so it is simple to keep bandejas low and long, something crucial to maintain the offensive position.
• Quick exchanges: In fast volleys and counter-volleys, the maneuverability is a big advantage. You can change directions at the last second and close the net with quick reactions.

Where this racket does not stand out is in pure net power. You can accelerate the ball, but you will not reach the punch of a head-heavy, diamond-shaped model. The philosophy of this racket is more about placing with intention than overwhelming the rival with speed alone.

Overheads and Smash

In the smash, the racket behaves decently, but it is clearly not a power beast.

Flat overhead smashes require good technique and body use to get the ball out of the court or bring it back to your side. Players with strong technique and legs will manage, but the racket will not give you a huge extra boost.

However, in directed and spin smashes, it performs much better. You can angle the ball, look for the fence, or hit controlled topspin smashes that bounce away from the rival. Instead of winning the point in one single hit, it helps you to force weak returns and then finish at the net.

Players who rely on placement, angles, and timing rather than pure acceleration will adapt better. Those who depend heavily on the smash as their main weapon may find themselves wanting a stiffer and more head-heavy option.

Recommended Player Profile

This racket is especially suitable for:

• Right-side players with a tactical and organized style.
• Intermediate to advanced players looking for control, comfort, and high ball output.
• Players who prioritize maneuverability and quick reaction over raw power.
• Those who value a forgiving sweet spot and a comfortable feel to protect the arm.

Less ideal for:

• Very aggressive left-side players focused on finishing points mainly with the smash.
• Players who prefer a very hard, dry feel and maximum stiffness.

Conclusion

The Adidas Cross IT Light 2026 Martita Ortega is a racket that clearly leans toward control and maneuverability, with an excellent rebound that makes defensive and transition play easier.

Its round shape, medium feel, soft core, and wide sweet spot make it a reliable choice for players who want to reduce errors, control rallies, and feel comfortable from the first game. It rewards good technique, smart positioning, and patience in constructing points.

As a downside, it does not reach the explosive power levels of more aggressive models. Players obsessed with the smash or with finishing every ball may miss that extra punch.

For those who value precision, comfort, and speed in the hand, and play a thoughtful, ordered padel, this racket becomes a very solid and coherent option for the 2026 season.