Bela Pro V2.5

Fernando Belasteguin

He is a father of the sport who has lived at the top for decades with the likes of Juan Martín Díaz and Miguel Lamperti…but one firm step above.

And in 2024, after 30 years of professional play, the best padel player in the world is…retiring.

A few more stats for the curious:

• He has played in 286 finals, winning 230 of them- He has been ranked number 1 for 16 years- This month (May 2024), he is turning 45 and ranked number 18

Wilson x Bela

• Bela Elite: 5g lighter and softer than the Bela Pro- Bela LT (light): 15g lighter than and softer than the Bela Pro- Bela Team (not present in 2024): slightly lighter than the Elite- Bela Junior: small, lightweight, kids version

2024’s Bela Pro V2.5

The Bela Pro is a heavy power racket designed for players with above average strength who like a medium-hard touch and good spin.

Specifications

Let’s cover the specifications first. It is a teardrop weighing 370g (tested model weighed 363g) with a firm core and carbon fiber surface. It is designed with a balance of 26.5cm and my test model was exactly to spec. The handle is ~12cm and leads to a signature Bela double winged bridge that continues to a 3D textured surface. It is very red.

At the back of the court

Its sweet spot is located slightly above the center of the racket face, and is on the smaller side of medium-sized. It was larger than I expected it after reading numerous reviews complaining about its small size. That being said, after playing with the softer Wilson Bela LT V2.5, it is noticeably smaller. I expect the same would apply to the Bela Elite due to its softer core.

At the net

Whether I went in with a cutting slice volley or a flat chacletazo, the pressure punished my rivals. There is clearly an extra punch when playing this after the Wilson Bela LT V2.5.

I did, however, also feel inconvenienced by low balls with it. I noticed my slowness in digging up well-placed chiquitas - often resulting in my popping the ball up and getting punished with an aggressive volley.

Aerials

This racket also shines in bandejas and viboras. Its weight and roughness make it easy to send high balls back low and deep. You’ll certainly notice, however, when you miss the sweet spot.

Smashes

And its kick smashes crawl up the wall higher than I expected - great spin. I don’t know if it’s the result of the hole pattern or the roughness, but it works more effectively than I expected after initially feeling the racket face with my hand.

I truly enjoyed this racket more than I expected.