Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026

The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 is a control-focused racket from the Pro range that still has serious punch. It is aimed at advanced and competitive players who build points with patience, use spin often, and value a very forgiving sweet spot over brute-force power.

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Technical Analysis

Shape and Balance

The racket has a round shape with a clearly centered sweet spot.
This gives a strong sense of security in defense and on off-center hits.

The balance feels slightly neutral, not excessively head-heavy.
You get stability on impact, but it does not feel like a hammer in your hand. On blocks and counterattacks, the racket stays firm, helping to keep the ball low and deep without excessive effort.

Frame and Faces

The frame is made of carbon fiber, giving the structure good durability and consistency over time.

On the faces, Adidas uses Aluminized Carbon 16K, a high-end carbon that brings:

• Crisp ball output on flat volleys and aggressive shots.
• A touch that feels solid, but not overly stiff.
• More help when you accelerate with the arm and wrist.

This combination of frame and faces makes the Metalbone CTRL 2026 feel like a premium racket: stable, precise, and reactive when you hit with intention.

Core

The core is EVA Soft Performance, one of the keys to the racket’s character.

This foam gives:

• High ball rebound on medium and slow swings.
• Extra help in defensive lobs and blocks.
• A comfortable sensation on impact, with vibrations well controlled.

The result is a racket with a medium feel, leaning slightly to the softer side because of the core, but “tightened” by the carbon faces and the internal structure.

Technologies

Adidas packs the Metalbone CTRL 2026 with several advanced technologies that genuinely affect how it plays:

• Octogonal Structure: internal octagonal reinforcements that add rigidity without making the frame feel like rock. You notice it on flat smashes and firm volleys, where the racket does not twist.
• Power Groove: a rail in the core that improves energy transfer. It helps the racket respond better when you accelerate aggressively.
• Weight & Balance System: adjustable weight system in the head that lets you fine-tune balance. You can set it up more maneuverable or more punchy, depending on your style.
• Spin Blade Decal: rough finish on the faces that improves spin. You feel it clearly on víboras, cut volleys, and topspin lobs.
• Smart Holes Curve: hole pattern that enlarges the effective hitting area and makes the sweet spot very forgiving.
• Structural Reinforcement: extra reinforcements in the most stressed zones to extend racket life.
• EPG (Extra Power Grip): grip with improved adherence, helpful when sweating in long matches.
• Low Poly Design: polyhedral design of the frame that adds an extra touch of rigidity and stability.

Grip

The grip length is slightly longer than standard, something that is very welcome if you like to:

• Use double-handed backhand on certain shots.
• Leverage the “lever effect” on smashes and bandejas.

The stock grip size is standard and feels comfortable and secure. The handle transmits enough feedback to read the ball well, but without harsh vibrations.

Comfort

Comfort is one of the strong points of this racket.

The combination of soft EVA, round shape, and balanced weight distribution makes it:

• Pleasant in long matches.
• Friendly for players with sensitive elbow or shoulder, as long as technique is decent.
• Stable in impact, so the arm does not fight the racket on every strong ball.

It is not a “pillow-soft” racket, because the 16K carbon is still present, but the sensation is controlled and friendly.

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Sensations in Play

From the Back of the Court

From the back, the Metalbone CTRL 2026 stands out.

The sweet spot is huge, clearly larger than average for a control racket. Off-center shots, especially on the upper area, still come out with decent depth and height. This supports a more aggressive defense, not only lobs to survive.

On slow or medium-speed strokes:

• You get great control and an easy trajectory.
• The ball comes out with a clean line, ideal for cross-court shots and deep lobs.

When you speed up your swing:

• The EVA Soft Performance core responds with a lot of rebound.
• You can push the ball with good depth without over-swinging.

In defense, the racket asks for some technique in very fast exchanges. It is not the lightest-feeling racket in the hand, so you must prepare early. Once you time it right, the racket rewards you with safe and deep shots.

At the Net

At the net, this Metalbone CTRL 2026 really shines for players who like to dominate with precision and variation.

On volleys:

• It provides excellent control and directional accuracy.
• The ball leaves the racket with weight, especially if you lean into the shot.
• The sweet spot gives room for error on fast reactions.

On bandejas and víboras:

• The Spin Blade Decal helps grip the ball and generate heavy spin.
• You can play deep, low bandejas that bother the opponent and force weak returns.
• On víboras, the combination of rough surface and 16K carbon lets you cut the ball with a lot of bite.

In fast net games, the only small drawback is maneuverability. It moves well for a Pro racket, but players who love ultra-light, ultra-fast rackets may feel it a bit demanding on reflex volleys. With good preparation, though, it is very effective.

On the Smash

Smashing with the Metalbone CTRL 2026 is better than one might expect from a round control racket.

The Power Groove, the Octogonal Structure, and the Aluminized Carbon 16K faces help translate arm speed into power. With good technique:

• Flat smashes can finish points consistently, especially indoors.
• Kick smashes benefit from the combination of spin and rebound, though they require decent mechanics.
• Off-speed, tactical smashes (placing the ball into corners or at the fence) are where this racket feels most natural.

The extended grip also helps a bit to generate angle and leverage. This is not a pure attacking hammer, but for an advanced player, it offers more than enough power to close points when the chance appears.

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Conclusion

The Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 is a racket clearly oriented to advanced and competitive players who:

• Value precision, control, and spin.
• Want a very generous sweet spot.
• Prefer a medium feel with high rebound rather than a super hard touch.

Its best aspects are:

• Fantastic control from the back and in placement shots.
• Huge sweet spot, very forgiving.
• Great performance at the net, especially in bandejas, víboras, and spin volleys.
• High comfort for a Pro-level racket.

As for weak points:

• Players who want maximum raw power in the smash may find it a bit short compared to diamond-shaped, very head-heavy models.
• Those who love extremely fast, ultra-light rackets might perceive it as somewhat demanding in very fast exchanges at the net.

Overall, the Metalbone CTRL 2026 is a high-level, control-dominant racket with more power than it seems on paper, ideal for players who like to dictate points with brain, placement, and spin rather than pure muscle.