Adidas have completely refreshed their padel range for 2026 — 28 new rackets across four series, each built around a different playing style and level. Whether you're picking up a padel racket for the first time or upgrading to a pro-spec model, the 2026 collection has a clear answer for you.
This guide covers every series in the Adidas 2026 padel range, explains the key technologies, and helps you cut through the noise to find the right model for your game. We stock a curated selection at CORTA — browse the full Adidas range here.
Quick pick — Adidas 2026 by level
- Complete beginner: Adidas Match or Drive series — forgiving, comfortable, affordable
- Improving club player: Adidas RX Series or Metalbone Team — better materials, more response
- Competitive intermediate: Arrow Hit CTRL or Cross It CTRL — precision and adaptability
- Advanced / aggressive: Metalbone or Arrow Hit ATTK — power, stiffness, customisable balance
- Pro level: Metalbone Carbon or Cross It Light (Martita Ortega's racket) — elite materials
What's New in Adidas Padel 2026
The biggest story for 2026 is the introduction of the Arrow Hit series — a completely new family with a unique edge-based balance adjustment system. Beyond that, Adidas has focused on refinement: better carbon constructions, improved balance tuning, and cleaner separation between series.
- New Arrow Hit series with Intelligent Balance System (IBS)
- Metalbone updated with improved 16K aluminised carbon constructions
- Cross It refined with Dynamic Air Flow aerodynamic frame design
- Cleaner performance tiers — easier to match racket to level
- New junior models in the Arrow Hit range
Metalbone Series 2026 — Power & Customisation
Metalbone is Adidas' flagship advanced series — the racket used by world number one Ale Galán. It's built around the Weight & Balance System, which lets players fine-tune swing weight using removable screw-in weights. The result is a highly customisable, power-focused racket that rewards clean, aggressive technique.
Metalbone 2026 Models
- Metalbone 2026 / 3.5 — Ale Galán's signature. Diamond shape, 16K aluminised carbon, maximum power
- Metalbone HRD+ 2026 — High Memory EVA core for the hardest, most explosive feel in the range
- Metalbone CTRL 2026 — Round-shaped Metalbone for players who want power with better control
- Metalbone Carbon 2026 — 6K carbon face for a rigid, dry, reactive feel
- Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026 — Control-focused carbon variant for precision attackers
- Metalbone Team 2026 — More accessible Metalbone with fiberglass faces, softer feel
- Metalbone Team Light 2026 — Lighter Team option for faster swing speed
- Metalbone Superlight 2026 — Ultra-light diamond shape, reduces arm fatigue at high pace
Best for: Advanced and competitive players who want maximum power, explosive smashes, and the ability to customise racket balance to their exact style.
Arrow Hit Series 2026 — The New Innovation
Arrow Hit is the standout new series for 2026 and Adidas' most innovative launch in several years. Unlike Metalbone's handle-based weight system, Arrow Hit uses the Intelligent Balance System (IBS) — weights that slot into the racket's edge, allowing players to shift balance around the frame rather than just up and down.
The series also features a Muscle Power System carbon-rib structure that reinforces the throat area, maximising torsion resistance for more stable, powerful contact.
Arrow Hit 2026 Models
- Arrow Hit ATTK 2026 — Diamond shape, aggressive attacking play, full IBS adjustability
- Arrow Hit CTRL 2026 — Round shape, tactical control, IBS for balance tuning
- Arrow Hit Carbon ATTK 2026 — Premium carbon construction for advanced attackers
- Arrow Hit Carbon CTRL 2026 — Carbon precision with IBS for competitive control players
- Arrow Hit Junior — Youth models (White/Blue and White/Pink) with age-appropriate specs
Best for: Club and competitive players who want modern technology, the ability to adjust balance on the fly, and a versatile racket that adapts to different opponents and surfaces.
Cross It Series 2026 — Speed & Aerodynamics
Cross It is Adidas' speed-focused series — the racket of choice for world top-10 player Martita Ortega. The series uses Dynamic Air Flow, an aerodynamic frame design that reduces air resistance and increases swing speed through the ball. It's built for players who win points at the net with fast hands and quick reactions.
Cross It 2026 Models
- Cross It Light 2026 — Martita Ortega's racket. 24K aluminised carbon, elite manoeuvrability
- Cross It CTRL 2026 — Hybrid shape, precision-focused, Dynamic Air Flow frame
- Cross It Carbon 2026 — High-performance carbon for advanced players wanting Cross It speed
- Cross It Carbon CTRL 2026 — Carbon control variant for tactically-minded players
- Cross It Team CTRL / Light — More accessible entry points to the Cross It series
Best for: Players who rely on speed, fast net exchanges, and precise placement rather than raw power. Particularly suited to players with an athletic, reactive style of play.
RX, Drive & Match — Beginner & Intermediate Ranges
These three series form the accessible end of the Adidas 2026 range, designed for players discovering padel or developing their game. All use fiberglass faces and soft EVA cores — the right combination for beginners in the UK where court conditions are cooler and forgiveness matters more.
RX Series 2026
Round shape, 360–375g, fiberglass face. Built for intermediate players who want forgiveness with better response than a pure beginner racket.
Drive Series 2026
Drive Black and Drive Light — round-shaped, soft EVA core. Great first racket. The Drive Black is one of the best value options in the Adidas 2026 range.
Match Series 2026
Match Black/Green, Black/Orange, and Match Light — teardrop/allround shapes, maximum forgiveness. Pure beginner rackets built for comfort and easy play.
Not sure which level you are? Read our guide to choosing your first padel racket before deciding.
Key Adidas Padel Technologies 2026
- IBS (Intelligent Balance System): Edge-based adjustable weights. Unique to Arrow Hit — allows balance shifting around the frame, not just up/down
- Weight & Balance System: Handle-based screw-in weights for swing weight customisation. Found on Metalbone series
- ASC (Adidas Signature Carbon): Optimised carbon weave pattern for improved shot reactivity and frame stiffness
- Dynamic Air Flow: Aerodynamic frame geometry that reduces drag and increases swing speed. Cross It series
- Spin Blade Gritt: Textured hitting surface that increases friction between racket and ball for more spin generation
- Octagonal Frame: Exclusive tubular construction on Metalbone — increases structural rigidity and reduces torsion at high-speed impact
Adidas 2026 Series Comparison
| Series | Level | Shape | Focus | Key Tech |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metalbone | Advanced / Pro | Diamond / Round | Power | Weight & Balance System |
| Arrow Hit | Intermediate / Advanced | Diamond / Round | Power + Control | IBS (edge weights) |
| Cross It | Intermediate / Advanced | Hybrid / Diamond | Speed | Dynamic Air Flow |
| RX Series | Beginner / Intermediate | Round | Control | Structural Reinforcement |
| Drive | Beginner | Round | Forgiveness | Soft Performance EVA |
| Match | Beginner | Teardrop / Hybrid | Comfort | Fiberglass + Soft EVA |
How to Choose the Right Adidas Padel Racket in 2026
The right Adidas racket depends on two things: your level and your style of play. Here's the simplest way to decide.
Decision guide
- New to padel: Match or Drive — forgiveness first, power later
- Club player, improving: RX Series or Metalbone Team — better materials without the steep learning curve
- Want to attack more: Arrow Hit ATTK or Metalbone — diamond shape, high balance, explosive power
- Want more control & placement: Arrow Hit CTRL or Cross It CTRL — round/hybrid shape, precision focus
- Play at the net, value speed: Cross It series — aerodynamic frame, fast swing, Martita Ortega's choice
Not sure about shapes? Read our guide to padel racket shapes — round vs teardrop vs diamond vs hybrid explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
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