Choose Adidas if you want a punchier, more power-led racket. Choose Head if you want a smoother, more comfortable, more control-focused feel. Both brands are strong, but they do not feel the same on court.
Quick verdict
- Buy Adidas if: You like a more direct feel, want easier access to power, or prefer an attacking style of play
- Buy Head if: You want more comfort, more control, or a lighter feel through the hand
- For beginners: Either brand works well - at entry level, shape and forgiveness matter more than the logo
Brand Overview
Both brands have real padel credibility. This is not a case of two big sports names putting logos on generic rackets.
Adidas Padel
- One of the most recognisable padel brands in the world, especially strong in Spain and Argentina
- Known for more aggressive, power-oriented racket designs
- The Metalbone line is one of the most recognisable series in pro padel
- Strong across beginner, intermediate and elite price points
- Usually feels slightly punchier and more direct than Head
Head Padel
- Head have decades of experience in racket sports across tennis, squash and padel
- Known for comfort, vibration reduction and smoother feel on impact
- The Radical line is their best-known premium padel family
- Often feels lighter and easier to handle than Adidas equivalents
- Especially strong for players who value control and comfort
How They Feel On Court
This is the real difference. On paper the specs can look similar. On court, they do not feel the same.
Adidas - the feel
- More direct. Adidas rackets usually feel punchier on clean contact, especially if you like to hit through the ball.
- Slightly crisper response. They tend to give a firmer, more immediate feel off the face.
- Better fit for attackers. Players who like to drive, smash and finish points often lean Adidas.
Head - the feel
- Smoother and calmer. Head rackets usually feel more controlled and cushioned at impact.
- More comfortable over time. If arm comfort matters, Head generally has the edge.
- Better fit for builders. Players who like placement, patience and control often prefer Head.
Head Range at CORTA
Here are the Head rackets we currently stock, from entry level to advanced.
Head Bolt White/Grey 2026 - £75.99
- Shape: Teardrop/Hybrid
- Weight: 350g
- Core: Power Foam
- Face: Fibreglass (IPS)
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Best for: Players who want a light, forgiving Head racket at a sensible price
At 350g, this is the lightest racket in the comparison. The softer construction makes it easy to use, comfortable on the arm, and a strong entry point into the Head range.
Head Radical Motion 2026 - £134.99
- Shape: Teardrop
- Weight: 355g
- Core: Control Foam
- Face: 3K Carbon
- Level: Intermediate
- Best for: Players stepping up from beginner who want a proper carbon Head racket
This is where Head gets especially strong. The Radical Motion gives you carbon performance, good control and a manageable weight, without feeling too demanding. For many intermediate players, this is the sweet spot in the Head line-up.
Buy Head Radical Motion - £134.99 →
Head Radical Pro 2026 - £159.99 was £199.99
- Shape: Teardrop
- Weight: 370g
- Core: Control Foam
- Face: 3K Carbon
- Level: Advanced
- Best for: Competitive players who want Head's flagship performance racket at a strong price
This is the top Head option at CORTA. It is heavier, more stable and more rewarding if you hit cleanly. At the current reduced price, it is one of the most appealing advanced Head rackets we stock.
Buy Head Radical Pro - £159.99 →
See the full Head range: all Head padel rackets at CORTA
Adidas Range at CORTA
Here are the Adidas rackets we currently stock, from mid-range through to advanced.
Adidas Cross IT 3.4 - mid-range
- Level: Intermediate
- Best for: Players who want Adidas quality at a more accessible step-up price
A solid entry point into the better Adidas models. It gives you a more serious racket than the beginner range without jumping straight into the top-end price bracket.
Adidas Adipower Carbon Control 2025 - £149.99
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Best for: Players who want Adidas carbon performance with a more control-led spec
This is one of the smarter Adidas options for players who like the brand but do not want an ultra-aggressive racket. It keeps the Adidas feel but leans more toward placement, consistency and control.
Buy Adidas Adipower Carbon Control - £149.99 →
Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 2026
- Level: Advanced
- Best for: Players who want the premium Metalbone name with a more controlled spec
The Metalbone name carries weight in padel, and this version is the better fit for players who want quality and control rather than raw power alone. It is one of the strongest premium Adidas options for all-round advanced players.
Buy Adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL →
Adidas Cross IT Carbon 2026 - £225.99 was £269.99
- Shape: Diamond
- Weight: 360-375g
- Core: EVA Soft Performance
- Level: Advanced
- Best for: Advanced players who want maximum pace from an aggressive Adidas frame
This is the sharp end of the Adidas range at CORTA. If you are a confident attacker and want a racket that rewards clean, committed swings, this is where Adidas is at its best. At the current reduced price, it is also one of the strongest top-end value plays in the Adidas range.
Buy Adidas Cross IT Carbon - £225.99 →
See the full Adidas range: all Adidas padel rackets at CORTA
Head to Head Comparison
| Adidas | Head | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Punchier, more direct, more power-led | Smoother, more controlled, more comfortable |
| Weight | Usually a little heavier | Usually a little lighter |
| Entry feel | More aggressive | More forgiving |
| Best intermediate option | Adipower Carbon Control - £149.99 | Radical Motion - £134.99 |
| Best advanced option | Cross IT Carbon - £225.99 | Radical Pro - £159.99 |
| Arm comfort | Good | Excellent |
| Best suited to | Attackers and power players | Control players and comfort seekers |
Who Should Buy Which
Buy Adidas if you...
- Like to attack and finish points with more intent
- Prefer a crisper, more direct feel off the face
- Want premium Adidas models that reward confident swings
- Like the brand and want a racket with stronger power bias
Buy Head if you...
- Prefer control, comfort and smoother response on contact
- Want something lighter and easier to handle
- Care about arm comfort over long sessions
- Are intermediate and want one of the best value carbon options we stock
Either brand works if you...
- Are a beginner - at that stage the exact brand matters less than shape and forgiveness
- Are buying a gift - both brands are well known and easy to trust
- Have not fully developed your playing style yet
Frequently Asked Questions
Take our free racket quiz or browse both ranges at CORTA. Free UK delivery on orders over £100.
