adidas Padel Rackets Explained: Drive vs Match vs RX vs Metalbone
Bought an adidas padel racket and now wondering if you picked the right one? Or stood looking at Drive, Match, RX and Metalbone thinking they all look rather similar? You're not alone.
The good news is that the adidas range is one of the easier ones to get your head around once you know how it's put together. Here's our quick guide to the adidas padel rackets we stock and who each one is for.
How does the adidas padel range work?
adidas sort their rackets by level, and the families line up neatly:
- Drive: beginner, round shape, control first.
- Match: beginner, hybrid shape, a bit more all-round.
- RX Series: intermediate, round shape, for regular players.
- Metalbone: adidas' performance line for advanced players.
The Drive and Match also come in Light versions, which drop the weight from 360–375g to 345–360g. That doesn't sound like much, but you'll feel it at the net (and in your shoulder by the third set).
adidas Drive: control first
The adidas Drive is a round racket with a fibreglass face and adidas' Soft Performance EVA core. Round rackets keep the sweet spot low and central, so they're forgiving when you don't quite catch it right, which is exactly what you want when you're starting out. It comes in Black and Blue.
The Drive Light is the same idea in a lighter package, and a good shout for juniors, smaller players or anyone who wants something quick and easy to swing.
adidas Match: a bit more all-round
The adidas Match uses a hybrid shape that sits between round and diamond. It's still a beginner racket with the same fibreglass face and Soft Performance EVA, but the shape gives you a bit more of a balance between attack and defence. It comes in Black Lime and Black Sand, plus the lighter Match Light.
Drive or Match?
This is the big decision for most new adidas players, and the answer is fairly simple:
- Brand new to racket sports, or want maximum control? Go for the Drive.
- Played tennis or squash, or want a bit more help going forward? The Match will suit you better.
Either way, you won't go far wrong. Our guide to round, teardrop and diamond padel rackets explains the shapes in more detail.
adidas RX Series: the step up
Once you're playing regularly, the adidas RX Series is the natural next step. It keeps the round shape and Soft Performance EVA, so it's still comfortable and control-led, but adds a Structural Power carbon insert for a bit more response. adidas class it as an intermediate racket, and it's a good one for players who've outgrown their first racket but don't want anything too demanding.
adidas Metalbone: for advanced players
The Metalbone is adidas' performance line. The Metalbone Team is a diamond-shaped, high-balance racket built for power, with adidas' Octagonal Structure and Extra Power Grip, and adidas rate it as an advanced racket. It's brilliant if you're an experienced player who loves to attack, and not one we'd recommend to beginners, as a diamond shape is much less forgiving on off-centre shots. It's out of stock as we write this, so keep an eye on the adidas padel collection or ask us about restocks.
So which adidas padel racket should you buy?
- Complete beginner: Drive.
- Beginner who wants a lighter racket: Drive Light or Match Light.
- Beginner with a tennis or squash background: Match.
- Regular, improving player: RX Series.
- Experienced attacking player: Metalbone Team.
Weighing adidas up against other brands? Have a look at our best beginner padel rackets, our Bullpadel guide or our padel racket buying guide.
Still not sure? Give us a call on 0191 447 4744 or drop us a message on live chat and we'll help you choose. Or just shop all adidas padel rackets.
