Adidas Cross IT Team Light 2026

Adidas introduces the Adidas Cross IT Team Light 2026, a racket aimed at players who want an easy-to-handle, comfortable option with a clear bias toward control and ball output rather than raw power. It stands out as a very manageable racket for women and intermediate players who value comfort, forgiveness, and quick reactions at the net.

Technical Analysis

Shape and Balance

The round shape with a centered sweet spot defines the character of this racket. The balance feels clearly oriented to control and maneuverability, with the head moving lightly through the swing.

This geometry inspires confidence on off-center hits. The racket forgives slightly late or imperfect impacts and helps keep the ball inside the court. It does not behave like an aggressive, head-heavy power racket. Instead, it favors players who build points with precision, consistency, and placement.

Frame and Face Materials

The frame uses carbon fiber, while the faces are made of fiberglass. This combination fits very well with the control-comfort profile of the racket.

• The carbon fiber frame provides important stability and durability in the structure. It holds its shape well on hard hits and keeps the racket from twisting too much on impacts outside the sweet spot.
• The fiberglass faces add a more elastic and softer feel. The ball sinks a bit more into the surface, improving comfort and giving extra rebound at lower swing speeds.

The mix does not feel ultra-rigid. Instead, it leans to a friendly, forgiving touch that helps those who do not hit with massive strength.

Core and Feel

Inside, Adidas uses an EVA Soft Performance core. The result is a medium-soft feel, slightly on the soft side compared to stiffer competition models.

On contact, the racket feels comfortable and dampened, with good ball output without needing to over-swing. Vibrations are well filtered, something that defensive players and those with sensitive elbows will appreciate.

The feel is homogeneous on most of the face. It becomes less forceful only when you hit very close to the frame. Overall, it gives a sensation of control with extra comfort, rather than a crisp, dry hit.

Grip

The grip follows a standard profile, without extremes. It offers a natural hold both for continental grip and for those who slightly rotate the hand for offensive shots.

The handle length allows enough space for quick changes of grip during bandejas and fast volleys. It does not feel slippery and supports a firm grip without needing to over-tighten the hand, which helps reduce fatigue during longer matches.

Technologies

Several Adidas technologies play a key role in how the Cross IT Team Light 2026 behaves:

• Dynamic AirFlow: Openings and shaping in the bridge area that help the air pass more easily on the swing. In practice, the racket feels quick through the air, especially on volleys and overheads.
• EPG (Extra Power Grip): Slight mass relocation that moves the sweet spot a bit higher. It gives extra punch on offensive strokes, especially when you strike in the upper third of the face.
• Spin Blade Decal: A rough surface to boost spin. It helps add slice and topspin to volleys, bandejas, and viboras.
• Smart Holes Curve: Hole pattern designed to enlarge the effective sweet spot and stabilize the face. Off-center hits lose less control than usual.
• Structural Reinforcement: Extra reinforcements in key zones of the frame. They add stability and resistance against aggressive shots and clashes with the glass or turf.
• 11 Thirteen: Mixed hole layout with smaller holes in the central area. This increases rigidity there, which slightly improves power and durability.

None of these technologies alone turns it into a power beast, but together they give a very well-rounded, agile, and comfortable behavior.

Sensations en el Juego

Fondo de pista

From the back of the court, the Adidas Cross IT Team Light 2026 offers a very manageable and comfortable performance. The medium-soft feel and fiberglass faces provide plenty of ball output at medium pace.

On defensive lobs, the racket helps a lot. Even with short swings, the ball travels with height and depth, which is a big help when you are under pressure. You do not need to hit hard to send the ball deep.

In chiquitas and resets, the control is solid. The racket obeys well and the sweet spot is generous. It is easy to play safe, controlled shots, placing the ball low over the net and avoiding unforced errors.

Where it shows its limits is in purely aggressive groundstrokes. If you try to hit flat, powerful drives from behind, the racket does the job, but the ball speed is clearly lower than with stiffer, head-heavy rackets. You have to work more with full swings and good technique to get the same punch.

For intermediate players and defensive profiles, the comfort and forgiveness from the back are a big plus. For very explosive attackers, the lack of power may feel like a handicap.

En la red

At the net, the racket shows some of its best qualities. The high maneuverability makes volleys fast and simple to direct. It reacts quickly, which is great in rapid exchanges and when you need to block hard balls.

The touch on the volley is pleasant. It is easy to play short angled volleys, slow drop volleys, and quick, firm volleys with good precision. You feel in control of the ball, even when defending near the net.

The Spin Blade Decal roughness helps to add slice on low volleys and cut volleys. The ball bites the surface slightly, which helps keep it low and awkward for opponents.

In high volley situations, such as attacking a shorter lob, the EPG system gives a small help. Hitting in the upper zone of the racket provides a bit of extra penetration compared to the feel in the center. Still, it never turns into a cannon. The focus remains on precision and handling, not maximum ball weight.

En el remate

In the smash, the Adidas Cross IT Team Light 2026 is clearly more control-oriented than explosive. Players who rely on sheer strength to bring the ball back to their court or to take it out of the court may find the response somewhat limited.

For flat smashes, you need good technique and full body use to generate firm ball speed. The racket gives what it can, but its construction and softer core do not favor brutal power.

On kick smashes with spin, the rough surface helps, but again, the limited stiffness means the ball does not jump as aggressively as with high-end power rackets. The racket suits better placed, directed smashes rather than spectacular ends.

Where it works well is in overheads like bandejas and víboras. The control, maneuverability, and spin-friendly face allow you to place the ball deep and with spin with little effort. It shines when you want to keep the attack going and move opponents rather than finishing in one blow.

Comfort and Player Profile

In overall comfort, the racket performs very well. The medium-soft feel, vibration absorption, and friendly faces make it a strong option for:

• Players with sensitive elbow or shoulder.
• Women and intermediate players looking for a racket that helps in defense and does not punish technical mistakes.
• Control-oriented players who prioritize consistency and placement over power.

It suits both left and right side players, but shines especially in those who base their game on order, patience, and strategy, letting the rivals make the mistakes.

Conclusion

The Adidas Cross IT Team Light 2026 is a racket with a clear identity:
very maneuverable, comfortable, and control-focused, with good rebound and a generous sweet spot, but limited in brute power.

Strengths:

• Excellent maneuverability, ideal for quick net play and defensive reactions.
• Comfortable feel, soft and forgiving on the arm.
• Large sweet spot and stable behavior on off-center shots.
• Good spin generation for bandejas, víboras, and sliced volleys.

Weak points:

• Power is modest, especially for players who like winning points with flat, hard smashes.
• Players with very advanced, aggressive profiles may outgrow its offensive ceiling.

I see this racket as a very interesting choice for intermediate players, women, and anyone who values comfort, control, and ease of use. If your game is about defending well, placing the ball smartly, and dominating with consistency at the net, the Adidas Cross IT Team Light 2026 fits that style very well. If your priority is crushing smashes and constant winners, you will probably need a stiffer, more offensive model.