Padel Rackets
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Adidas
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Metalbone 3.3 HRD+

Adidas Metalbone 3.3 HRD+

7.8

Based on 5 Expert Reviews

Best Suited For
Advanced power players seeking a hard touch and comfort
Pros
  • Powerful
  • Amazing control
  • Explosive ball exit at high speeds
Cons
  • Vibrates a lot
  • Small sweet spot

Scorecard

Power
The amount of force imprinted on a ball from the racket
9.0
Control
The amount of precision in placement that a padel racket allows a player to exert on a ball.

8.0
Sweet spot
The zone of the racket face where the highest percent of force is applied to the ball.

6.0
Maneuverability
How easy a racket is to maneuver. Inversely correlated to racket weight and balance.

7.0
Soft
Touch refers to the hardness or softness of the racket.

Hard
Smooth
The application of a rough surface on a padel racket's face in order to assist the player in generating spin on their shots.

Rough

Specifications

Suggested Price

€390

Weight (g)
359
Shape
Diamond
Surface
Aluminized carbon fiber
Core
Medium-Hard EVA
Released
2024

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Metalbone 3.3 HRD+
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Best for
Advanced power players seeking a hard touch and comfort
Advanced attackers seeking a long handle
Strong, advanced power players
Upper intermediate or advanced players seeking a medium-hard touch
Intermediate power players
Score
Overall
7.8
Power
9.0
Control
8.0
Sweet Spot
6.0
Maneuverability
7.0
Overall
7.8
Power
9.2
Control
8.0
Sweet Spot
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Maneuverability
7.2
Overall
7.9
Power
9.5
Control
8.0
Sweet Spot
8.0
Maneuverability
6.3
Overall
7.9
Power
9.0
Control
8.0
Sweet Spot
7.0
Maneuverability
7.0
Overall
7.8
Power
8.0
Control
7.0
Sweet Spot
7.0
Maneuverability
7.9

How Does the Adidas Metalbone 3.3 HRD+ perform?

Metalbone Line

The 2024 Metalbone line is composed of the 3 standard Metalbone rackets:
1. Metalbone HRD+: with a harder core (this model)
2. Metalbone 3.3: the standard model with a soft core
3. Metalbone 3.3 CTRL: a round variant
It also includes the recent additions without the weight and balance system:
1. Metalbone Carbon 3.3: a softer variant
2. Metalbone Carbon CTRL: a round variant of the above

The HRD+

The Metalbone HRD+ is the most aggressive racket of the line. It is, of course, partly very popular due to its association with the amazingly-talented Alejandro Galan. It is a weapon of choice for experienced players seeking power and control. The only difference between this racket and the standard Metalbone is that this model uses a denser EVA core, which reduces the size of the sweet spot and in return delivers more control and power at high speeds - and less ball output at low speeds.

Technique is required

Some reviewers cite the Metalbone's ability to generate shots with weight, particularly during volleys and overheads. While it may require a bit more technique from the player in order to take advantage of this, the payoff can be tremendous. However, the racket does vibrate. We suggest that many players will want a few overgrips to avoid this, which increases the weight and brings down the balance.

Aerial prowess

In general, all reviewers praise the Metalbone for its prowess in the aerial game. With the right technique, this racket unlocks a world of power, control, and spin that will keep your opponents on their toes.
But power is only part of the equation. Control is equally important, especially when it comes to placing shots with precision and accuracy. Fortunately, the Metalbone excels here as well, offering a level of control that allows you to dictate the flow of the game.

Free energy vs. control

While the Metalbone may not provide the same free energy as other rackets due to its hard touch, it more than makes up for it with its precision and control. It gave many of our reviewers the confidence to take risks and seize control of the match.
Another reviewer highlights how it delivers controlled shots at low speeds, making it ideal for players who value precision over power. However, he cautions that the smaller sweet spot requires careful attention to technique to avoid mishits. The Metalbone HRD+'s sweet spot is smaller than the standard Metalbone's. While it may take some getting used to, if you're able to find it, the HRD+ will respond with crisp, clean regularity.
While designed for power, it's not the least maneuverable racket, most of our reviewers didn't have issues in the back of the court. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HRD+ is an interesting combination of power and control. However, most players who are not at the advanced level will not enjoy its rigidity and vibrations.

Our test of the Adidas Metalbone 3.3 HRD+

Expert Reviews of the Adidas Metalbone 3.3 HRD+

8.3
Virgin Active Padel Club ZA

This racket does not give much for free. I feel like the vibrations are reduced from last year's model. This racket shines with volleys, it gives you the confidence you need to take higher risks with control. One of my all-time favorite rackets for overheads. It doesn't have the free energy of the standard Metalbone - what you receive for that compromise is more control.

More details
7.4
Simone Mazzola Padel

A drier, more decisive version of the Metalbone that delivers more weight to the ball. Like all Metalbone, it vibrates, this model especially. It tires the arm, so I only recommend it to experienced players.

More details
7.3
Padel Review

Aggressive racket for advanced left-side players. It gives you power, touch, spin...but you need to keep your knees bent. Without an overgrip, the racket tends to slip and vibrate. Test model balances at 26.2cm. Note: Galan decides which Metalbone (HRD or standard) to play with based on the weather of the day...always with the weights out.

More details
7.3
Dani 13

Medium hard racket with medium balance - due to its slightly smaller sweet and hard to control rubber, I find this a slightly technical racket. Test model weighs 372g (with weights) and balances at 25.9cm. Same non-cinching wrist strap and handle as usual. The new roughness resulted my losing control of some on my aerial shots when I was trying to apply pressure.

More details
8.9
Padelzoom

More details
Adidas

Metalbone 3.3 HRD+

Advanced power players seeking a hard touch and comfort
7.8

rating based on 5 expert reviews

Hardness
Medium-Hard
Core
Medium-Hard EVA
Shape
Diamond
Release Year
January 1, 2024
Surface
Aluminized carbon fiber
€
390
MSRP