Adidas Adipower MLTW CTRL 3.4 (2025)
The Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.4 is one of Adidas’ best control rackets, pairing a round shape with an adjustable Weight & Balance system. It’s built for players who win through precision and consistency rather than raw power.
It is the control racket Adidas builds for Álex Ruiz, and its spec sheet is aimed at demanding players: 18K carbon faces with a Spin Blade texture, an EVA High Memory core, a round head and a weight of 360–375 g. The Weight & Balance system lets you fine-tune where the mass sits, from a low, defensive setup to a slightly more assertive one.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Round shape gives a genuinely large, forgiving sweet spot.
- Weight & Balance system allows up to 9.1 g of real adjustment.
- 18K carbon face and EVA High Memory core still pack real punch.
- Excellent shot placement under pressure.
Cons
- Handle and wrist strap feel underwhelming for the price.
- Not built for players chasing maximum power.
- Premium price relative to non-adjustable round rackets.
On-court performance
Back of the court
This is where the CTRL 3.4 shines: the round head and generous sweet spot make consistent depth easy, even under pressure.
From the back, this is one of the most reliable rackets in the Adidas range. The round head gives a large, centred sweet spot, and the 18K faces add precision, so you can place lobs and drives close to the glass with confidence.
At the net
Precise and reliable — you can pick lines and feet with confidence rather than relying on raw pace.
Volleys feel stable and controlled, and the High Memory EVA returns the ball with a consistent, predictable response. It is easy to keep the ball low and play to the feet.
Overheads (bandeja, víbora, smash)
Power is good, not elite, for a round racket — the 18K carbon face and EVA High Memory core deliver enough punch on smashes and bajadas.
Bandejas and víboras are precise and heavy enough to keep opponents back. Flat smashes are solid for a round racket, and adding weight towards the head with the Weight & Balance system gives you a little more finishing power.
Comfort & vibrations
Comfortable overall thanks to the round shape and memory foam core, though the handle itself is a known weak point.
The round shape and High Memory EVA core keep it comfortable, but the 18K faces make the touch firmer than softer control rackets. Players with sensitive arms should consider a lighter setup in the Weight & Balance system.
Spin
The Spin Blade texture on the 18K faces gives strong grip, so slices, cut volleys and víboras carry plenty of rotation. That makes it more dangerous than most pure control rackets.
Who it’s for / who should skip it
Good fit if…
- You win points through placement and consistency.
- You want to fine-tune weight and balance to your game.
- You value a large, forgiving sweet spot.
Skip it if…
- You need maximum smash power above all else.
- You’re not planning to use the adjustment system.
- You want the cheapest possible control racket.
Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.4 vs Metalbone CTRL 3.4
Adidas has two round control rackets in 2025, and both have reviews on PadelCritic. The Metalbone CTRL 3.4 is lighter, at 345–360 g, with a Soft Performance EVA core and 16K faces, so it is the more comfortable and accessible of the two. The Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.4 is heavier and firmer, with 18K faces and High Memory EVA, aimed at advanced players who want more precision and response.
If you want a forgiving, comfortable control racket, choose the Metalbone CTRL 3.4. If you are an advanced player who wants maximum precision and a racket you can tune with the Weight & Balance system, the Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.4 is the more demanding and rewarding choice.
Specifications
| Shape | Round |
|---|---|
| Faces | 18K carbon |
| Core | EVA High Memory |
| Weight | 360–375 g (adjustable with Weight & Balance) |
| Balance | Low — ~260 mm |
| Level | Pro / Advanced |
| Segment | Premium control (~€400 RRP) |
| Thickness | 38 mm |
| Technologies | Weight & Balance system, Spin Blade texture, round head |
Note: small unit-to-unit variations in weight and balance are normal.
Alternatives
| Model | Why pick it | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas Metalbone CTRL 2026 | Similar round control profile at a lower price. | No Weight & Balance adjustment. |
| Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.4 | More affordable round control racket from the same family. | Smaller sweet spot, less refined. |
| Siux Electra ST4 Pro 2025 | Hybrid all-rounder with more attacking upside. | Less pure control than a round shape. |
Verdict
The Adipower Multiweight CTRL 3.4 remains one of the most complete control rackets on the market: a genuinely large sweet spot, real adjustability, and enough power to not feel passive.
The handle lets it down slightly for a racket at this price, but the on-court performance justifies its reputation as a top-tier control option for advanced and pro players.
For advanced players who win points with precision and patience, it is one of the best control rackets Adidas has made, and the adjustable weight makes it easy to adapt to your game.
In 30 seconds
- One of Adidas’ best control rackets, with real Weight & Balance adjustment.
- Large sweet spot, precise placement, decent power for a round shape.
- A top pick for players who win through consistency, not raw power.