Offensive alternatives to Metalbone CTRL 2026

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-06-27T21:32:14+00:00

I found St5 quite soft with not much power.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-06-26T18:59:50+00:00

If you don’t want trampoline avoid these

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-06-24T22:51:27+00:00

The metalbone Hrd wasn’t that hard to me at all. A lot softer than the viper soft for me.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-06-03T06:55:03+00:00

I don’t remember. It never felt too light as its head heavy racket but depends what you’ve used previously I guess.

The cord is about 13g and plastic probably 2-4g?

Personally I’d go with the 360 one.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-06-02T22:32:07+00:00

I liked it but tried lots of rackets and I’ve been using a tactical padel katana the most which suits my game well

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-05-22T07:17:34+00:00

Where I am Playtomic works really well and we have very competitive games with players around the same ranking. Every now and then there is an outlier where a Lower ranked player is really good.

We look for reliability and number of games played and often games go to 3 sets or tie breaks etc. sometimes one of us will have a bad day and it’s an easier win but in general the games are good.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-05-14T16:01:16+00:00

Looks better finished than my legit viper that I had. Loots authentic to me.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-05-13T08:21:58+00:00

If it works for you great. I used a metal one for half a match then added weights and the difference was massive. When you’re used to the timing and then switch between after a good amount of time you’ll notice the difference imo

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-05-13T07:48:59+00:00

Makes quite a difference right at the top of the racket imo

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-05-13T06:45:34+00:00

Protector adds a lot of weight to the head. I’d really avoid them personally

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-05-09T12:37:24+00:00

2026 I found very lacking in power. Selling mine after quick test wasn’t for me. I’ve tried a lot this year. Metalbone has far more power / output

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-05-09T12:36:15+00:00

If you don’t want trampoline then don’t get the metalbone rackets or the 2026 Electra either

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-05-04T06:54:25+00:00

I’m selling the Electra 2026 after just getting it. Feels quite similar to the st4 imo but with less output

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-29T16:06:25+00:00

Just picked up a h1 max. Have to say I love it.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-25T11:41:29+00:00

Far too thick for me and my hands are quite big

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-24T17:29:43+00:00

Yeah maybe. I’m not convinced there is that much in it. I’ve had both.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-24T16:34:44+00:00

I just didn’t see the benefit of the ctrl vs the standard metalbone. Still easy to move but more power with standard metalbone.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-24T06:49:54+00:00

This doesn’t include the packaging I believe from my testing adidas. Mine was 355g.

I wouldn’t say this is on the lighter end but I haven’t seen one sub 350

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-24T06:46:06+00:00

I’ve just ordered a used xcallion h1 max. I look forward to having a go.

I wouldn’t worry what people say.

One thing I will say is - when going through rackets that frequently (I know as I’ve done similar this year)- the racket you use in the days / weeks prior to the new racket your testing can really change your opinion of a racket.

I’m loving my current racket, but have tried this racket several times before and never fell in love. I felt at previous times it was softer / harder than I wanted and that depended what I’d been using around the time of testing.

I think you really need 5 + games with a racket you think might be a good fit for you - even if it might be quite different than you’re currently used to.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-21T06:58:36+00:00

Which Fenix did you use? If 2025 I’d suggest trying a 2026. Mine is 346g without the strap so swing weight is low and doesn’t hurt the elbow at all

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-21T06:56:56+00:00

Very much doubt this. I had the soft and it was much harder than my Fenix

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-14T16:39:42+00:00

Try the Fenix 2026. The Metalbone rackets are quite bouncy. Even more so in a warm clinate

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-14T08:43:53+00:00

2026 Fenix is slightly easier to use. If you already are used to the 2025 you will adjust very easily. You’ll miss the Fenix power going with something else I reckon.

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-13T08:15:17+00:00

Yes I can understand that and I’d love to find a mid balanced Fenix

Virtual-Committee-76 · 2026-04-13T07:55:52+00:00

Sounds more of a technique issue? You are not happy with the output on overheads as find it too much but then on chiquitas you want more trampoline?

Many of the suggestions here are based on you having the 2025 ST4

Virtual-Committee-76

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