Adidas Adipower CTRL 3.0 Review
Specification
Year: 2021
Brand: Adidas
Weight: 360-375 g
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Shape: Round
Balance: Medium
Hardness: Medium-Hard
Type: Control
First Impressions
To begin with, we can see why this is the most popular racket in the entire Adidas collection. With great looks, details and packed with cool tech carried over from last years model, it's no surprise that Alex Ruiz has chosen this as his racket of choice.
So since this racket is basically the same as last years model, you might be asking yourself what's different then?
As the name suggests, this is a racket for those who desire control and a medium balance combined with a larger sweet spot in the middle of the face.
It weighs between 360-375g and it's core consists of a EVA High Memory composite which can be found across the other Adidas rackets. Carbon litters the face of the racket with a large weave pattern which we think looks epic! Now this isn't your average carbon fibre, it has reinforced aluminium weaved into the Carbon which Adidas have called the Dual Exoskeleton Technology.
This sort of technology can be found in some supercars 👀
AdiPower CTRL 3.0 is a racket for players of intermediate level and above who are looking for a racket with good control and good attacking qualities.
First impression
As with previous versions, the AdiPower CTRL is a great looking racket. The orange and black colour scheme is quite understated but the orange accents make it a bit more dramatic. The rough surface on the face makes it easier to generate spin on the ball.
We weighed the racket in the lab (a.k.a the kitchen), to make this as realistic as possible we added two over-grips which brought it in at about 368.
How is the Adidas AdiPower CTRL 3.0 whilst defending?
Adidas AdiPower CTRL 3.0 in the attack
In terms of smashes, AdiPower CTRL provides excellent results despite its control-oriented design. In the case of topspin smashes, we have good assistance from the rough structure on the face, as we have enough weight to get flat smashes back home on our half of the court.
Overall impression
AdiPower CTRL has been around for a few years, and we understand why Adidas does not make any changes to it. All aspects of this game work well with this model. In our opinion, a well-balanced top racket. The AdiPower CTRL is a good choice for players who prefer to control the game without sacrificing too much power.
Could this be the latest racket to join the all time greats along with the ML10? Maybe. Maybe not, but we think it deserves a spot in the top 10 Padel rackets.
For a racket with a similar feel that is softer and easier to handle, we recommend the Adidas Metalbone CTRL. For an even easier racket to play, try the Adidas AdiPower CTRL Lite.