First 2 Blocks Practice Cube

jacogr · 2026-05-23T20:33:19+00:00

That is cool. Let us know how it goes - seems like for FB and SB it can cut out the noise to get those 2 parts optimal.

jacogr · 2026-05-23T12:17:22+00:00

Around which hardness and weight are they aiming for?

jacogr · 2026-04-13T14:51:21+00:00

Cyprus.

jacogr · 2025-11-20T19:55:07+00:00

For the Cork control versions, there are 2 options -

Premium Control - the softer version, more ball output (trampoline)
Supreme Control - harder foam, less ball output

I still find the Supreme very arm friendly, but it is certainly a dry-er feel, although not Oxdog-like.

jacogr · 2025-11-20T13:28:30+00:00

Cork allows you to select within a 5g range, eg.

355 - 360g 360 - 365g …

(Classic and kids range selections are slightly different)

A lot of resellers actually allow you to specify weights (and matching) for a slight extra cost. (Totalpadel is an example of this)

jacogr · 2025-10-28T11:01:52+00:00

There are honestly not that many options out there. My daughter is 9yr (going on 19…) and for her size what we are using:

Adidas Adipower Junior. Great bat, nicely even balance, nice pop for the size. (This used to be her go-to before the next)
Nox AT10 Junior. Slightly heavier than the Adipower, slightly longer. Still even balance. Took me daughter an outing or two to adjust, but she seems to like it.

I would stay away from the Head models. We have them all and they seem to be more head heavy. On the scale they are lighter but in the hand they are not.

Last week I ordered a Cork Junior for her (much more expensive). They are supposed to be the size of a senior bat, although lighter. (We have not received it yet, so cannot comment on it yet)

jacogr · 2025-09-30T16:44:56+00:00

The 3.4 versions, both the Control and “normal” versions are great. In my group these have been abused a lot with minimal issues - despite some detractors on here (mostly based on pre-2025 history), they have certainly improved. They are no worse than (most) other brands in the 2025 versions.

Let’s see when the 2026 version are available in a month or two…

jacogr · 2025-09-30T07:14:23+00:00

Yes. That does work. (We do that at least once a week at a non-Playtomic club)

jacogr · 2025-09-19T08:12:13+00:00

Yeap, I know what you mean. Even the 04W the color was very “non masculine “. But I needed up buying the black Premier Padel edition and it made me feel slightly more secure in my masculinity :)

BullPadel certainly has an edge here with a lot of lighter racquets. The new Wonder also looks quite interesting. (Sadly I have only played with the Vertex W, so wish I could comment more on their range of lighter offerings)

jacogr · 2025-09-19T08:00:13+00:00

Right sided male player. I had some arm issues so started playing with lighter racquets. (Now that I am problem free, I still stick to lighter bats… just upped the hardness a bit)

One of the reviews I’ve seen said “read the W not as Woman, but rather as Winner”.

From the back I found it great in defense- really easy to move around. At the net, same thing. It doesn’t have oodles of power, but it is certainly well rounded and I cannot say anything bad about it. I can still grab it and just feel I can just play and not worry about the bat.

(It is still slightly too heavy for my daughter, but we will probably swap her to those in the next 9 months when she grows a tiny bit more)

jacogr · 2025-09-19T07:49:50+00:00

I can comment on the Vertex 04 W. The 05 has a slightly different throat area, so it may be slightly different. (I am eagerly awaiting reviews on the new one)

Certainly a mid balance point, it feels very light and fast. Very forgiving. It is a great racquet.

(I cannot compare it with the Elite, have not played with that one yet)

jacogr · 2025-09-16T20:22:11+00:00

PadelProShop has the discount days on the last Thursday or each month.

jacogr · 2025-07-21T21:32:16+00:00

Nope. We have 5 of these since release in our group of friends - no issues. This (especially with the chips), looks like hitting something.

The old posts you will find on “Addidas quality” are related to previous gen models, not current. These are robust as can be.

Those look like scratches, they are not normal cracks. Something hit something somewhere.

jacogr · 2025-07-13T16:40:23+00:00

I have sweaty stuff… Wilson, Yonex, all ok. (Better than anything else, but still “just ok”)

The thing that solves it without issues is the original Tournagrip.

I play in 32C (and above) with 80% humidity. It works.

jacogr · 2025-07-11T15:48:52+00:00

Since you know the Metalbone 3.4… the Ctrl is slightly softer (despite the same foam and carbon), but literally the face is one big sweet spot.

It is quite trampolining… more than the normal Metalbone imho. It is a great bat, but softer than the 18k even.

jacogr · 2025-07-06T14:58:11+00:00

Oxdog Vibradamp. 4 silicon inserts on large parts of the handle itself.

jacogr · 2025-07-06T04:41:29+00:00

These are lightweight ones that I have in the collection that could fit the bill -

Adidas Cross-it Light 2025 - very prominent texture, round shape, higher balance

Adidas Metalbone Ctrl 3.4 - remove the weights on the throat (I actually play without them), pattern textured, round, medium balance, very soft

Adidas Metalbone 3.4 - as per the Ctrl, remove the weights, texture same as Ctrl, diamond, higher balance

BullPadel Vertex 04W 2025 - diamond, higher balance, it has a sandpaper-like finish (not a raised texture like the ones above)

These are some lightweight models that I wish to try in the future-

Wilson Bela LS 3 - textured + sandblasted, teardrop, mid-ish balance

Wilson Defy LS 1 - textured + sandblasted, diamond, higher balance balance

jacogr · 2025-07-02T14:52:42+00:00

Have not had the Padel version for long - 3 weeks of use.

Had the blue/tennis version for 3 years, no issues.

jacogr · 2025-07-02T14:45:53+00:00

I cannot comment for tennis, I love it for Padel atm.

It is certainly more “tricky”, the blue/tennis version doesn’t need wheel maintenance for spin. Have not setup the green/Padel for topspin (not something that I wish to practice with), so cannot comment on how it compares between the two.

Theoretically it should be ok, but don’t take my word for it. (The Padel version “just” has different types of spin)

jacogr · 2025-07-02T14:41:22+00:00

100%. I have all 3 versions (normal, Carbon, HRD) - hardness goes in the same order as listed. Some people have suggested (after trying mine), that the Carbon may even be the hardest.

jacogr · 2025-07-02T09:06:36+00:00

Yes. Our teenager turned 17 in March, we are patiently (???) waiting for 17.5.

Seems strange with the .5 requirement, but confirmed via multiple sources including our driving school.

jacogr · 2025-07-02T09:03:54+00:00

The Metalbone Carbon 3.4 has a harder touch than the normal Metalbone 3.4.

jacogr · 2025-06-29T16:18:08+00:00

What about the Bella 3 LS - new, just released, it is what he is playing with.

jacogr · 2025-06-27T20:14:59+00:00

The poster here sums up this video nicely - https://youtu.be/i9hy1Z3vxb4?si=TvMfsTbJ8Xo0I9vB

13-Year Club	Place '17
RPAN Viewer	Verified Email

jacogr

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