Adidas Adipower CTRL 3.4 — Review
A modern control frame with a connected, crisp feel, a predictable contact window and reliable spin bite. It prioritises precision and forgiveness without fully giving up on power.
Verdict
From the back it delivers placement and depth with ease. At net it’s stable and forgiving; there’s workable punch if you strike in front, but it won’t rival pure power molds. A solid tool to build points, defend with quality and punish short balls safely.
PadelCritic Scores (0–10)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Class-leading directional control.
- Large, centred sweet spot (high forgiveness).
- Above-average maneuverability (head-light bias).
- Grippy/rough finish with solid spin bite.
Cons
- Less raw smash power than power molds.
- Firm feedback won’t suit those seeking very plush feel.
On-court performance
Back of the court
Predictable contact window helps with low-ball recoveries. Depth comes more from technique than trampoline.
At the net
Stable, connected volleys with enough softness to absorb pace.
Overheads
Shines on aggressive víbora and deep bandeja. For routine x3/x4 bombs you’ll need prep and legs — this isn’t a cannon.
Comfort & vibrations
Good filtering for long sessions. Firm/crisp without harshness.
Who it’s for / not for
Great fit if…
- You’re intermediate/advanced and value placement and clean exit.
- You want high forgiveness without losing spin bite.
- Your partner brings power and you want first-volley security.
Skip it if…
- You want easy overhead winners — try Bullpadel Vertex 04 2025.
- You love very head-heavy balances.
Specs (expected)
| Shape | Round |
|---|---|
| Balance | Head-light tendency |
| Feel | Firm/crisp with competent damping |
| Surface | Rough/grippy finish |
| Weight | ~360–375 g |
Note: small unit-to-unit variations are normal.
Alternatives
| Model | Why pick it | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| HEAD Coello Pro 2025 | Power benchmark while keeping decent control. | Less forgiving; more fatigue. |
| NOX AT10 family | Comfort/control benchmark; softer and permissive. | Lower smash punch and spin bite. |
| Bullpadel Vertex 04 2025 | Stable cannon for finishing overheads. | Lower maneuverability; tighter window. |
Bottom line (30-second take)
- Control + forgiveness + trustworthy spin? Strong pick.
- Want easy bombs overhead? Choose a power mold.
- Arm-friendly first? Consider softer options (NOX AT10).