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Every year starts the same way: brands release their new collections with even more innovative technology. But this time, Adidas’s 2022 collection has stood out thanks to a number of particularly interesting racket reissues. The Esprit Padel Shop team has taken a closer look at these releases to bring you this short round-up of this year’s new arrivals.
Metalbone and Adipower: the brand’s flagship ranges.
When we talk about Adidas in padel, the Metalbone and Adipower rackets are the first to come to esprit. Used by many professional players, they are also hugely popular with amateurs.
METALBONE 3.1: champion Alejandro Galan’s racket
Having recently become world number one and won the season-ending Masters, a tournament featuring the year’s eight best pairs, Alejandro Galan has rounded off an exceptional 2021 alongside Adidas. For 2022, the three-stripe brand has decided to reissue the Spanish champion’s famous Metalbone as the Metalbone 3.1. This year, it features an Eva High Memory core for a firmer feel and more power.
Adidas has also produced rackets inspired by its flagship model, such as the control version of the Metalbone, which offers players better manoeuvrability. The Metalbone Lite 3.1 and Metalbone Lite Woman 3.1 are much lighter, more accessible versions that provide the playing comfort occasional players need.
ADIPOWER 3.1: the collection’s most famous racket!
As it has been for years, the Adipower collection is one of the most sought-after, and for good reason: many professional players use it. That includes the recently retired Sebastian Nerone, whose racket has been updated as the Adipower 3.1. Designed for powerful players thanks to its diamond shape, it does not neglect control: its enlarged hitting surface provides a more forgiving sweet spot.
Its control version, the Adipower CTRL 3.1, has a round shape and greater precision to handle every ball your opponent sends your way. It’s the racket chosen by Alejandro Ruiz, ranked seventh in the world, to compete on the WPT circuit. Following in the CTRL’s footsteps, the Adipower Light 3.1 is a highly manoeuvrable, lightweight racket used by Spanish player Marta Ortega, ranked 14th in the world.
Like the Metalbone, the Adipower has a Light range: lighter rackets suited to less experienced players. The Adipower Light 3.1 is the power version, while the Light CTRL 3.1 is the control version.
GREENPADEL: Adidas’s eco-friendly innovation
New this year, Greenpadel rackets are made with recycled materials and flax-fibre faces. By offering the Adipower and Metalbone in Green versions, Adidas is launching products that have no impact on the environment and is already preparing for the future of padel. Although not yet high-performing enough for the professional level, these rackets still deliver surprising results for advanced players. We can therefore hope that other brands follow Adidas’s lead and, eventually, equip all professional players with recycled rackets, setting an example for other racket sports.
Adidas’s other ranges: improve your game with confidence
Essnova 3.1
Also very popular last season, the Essnova returns in its 3.1 version. Two new rackets are presented, including the classic Essnova 3.1. Built for power, its diamond shape and 3k carbon faces help you make the most of powerful padel shots such as the smash and volleys. If your game is based on counter-attacking, the Essnova CTRL 3.1 will suit you with its round shape and low balance point. This range, aimed at advanced players, also offers good value for money.
RX Series 2022
Adidas’s RX series suits intermediate players who play a few times a month and want to reach the next level. This year, three rackets in this category have been reissued. First, the RX300 offers a versatile playing style. Its teardrop shape gives it a balanced power-to-control ratio, ideal for mastering every padel shot and improving at your own pace. The RX100 has the same features but weighs 20g less for greater manoeuvrability. The RX200 Light, meanwhile, is designed primarily for women.
Discovery range
For beginners, Adidas has chosen two different rackets, each with its own variations. If you want power and explosiveness, moderated for beginners of course, the Adidas Match 3.1 is a good racket to start with. If you need maximum control to handle the balls better, the Adidas Drive 3.1, with its round shape, will suit you better. Both rackets come in Light versions, with a reduced weight that can also suit women or teenagers.
With its 2022 collection, Adidas shows why it is one of the most influential manufacturers on the market. Its new Greenpadel innovation is a big step towards what could be the future of rackets. There’s something for every level this year, and it’s all available on our website, so be sure to check out each product page.
