The Adidas Metalbone 2026 and the Metalbone HRD+ 2026 are, once again, Ale Galán's two rackets and two of the most sought-after models among players chasing power.
At first glance, they look like practically the same racket. They share the same mold, carbon, weight system, rough surface, and a very similar look. However, after testing both, I can say the difference between them is noticeably bigger than it might seem.
The key is in the rubber core.
The standard Metalbone uses a soft, highly reactive rubber, while the HRD+ features Adidas's hardest core. That single change affects ball exit speed, control, sweet spot, and the way power is generated.
What do the two Ale Galán Metalbones have in common?
Both have a diamond shape, high balance, and 16K aluminized carbon faces, and represent a lineup that stands clearly apart from other Adidas Padel lines, keeping the focus on Ale Galán's two models. They also feature the Weight & Balance system, which lets you add up to 11.2 grams via the screws around the racket's core.
Without the extra weights, Adidas lists both in a range of roughly 345 to 360 grams. That means a Metalbone can feel relatively light on the scale, even if it doesn't always feel that way on court.
The reason is weight distribution. On the units tested, balance shifted between roughly 26.8 and 27.2 centimeters depending on where the screws were placed. So even choosing a light unit, you're still looking at a racket with quite a bit of weight concentrated up top.
That helps generate leverage and power, but it also increases the physical demand — especially on defense, bandejas, and víboras.
The main difference: Soft Performance vs. High Memory
The standard Metalbone 2026 uses Soft Performance EVA, a lower-density core designed for more comfort and ball exit. The Metalbone HRD+ 2026 features High Memory EVA, a higher-density rubber built to respond better at high swing speeds.
Even though Adidas markets High Memory as its hard rubber, I wouldn't call the HRD+ one of the hardest or driest rackets on the market. To me, it has a medium-hard feel, but it still stays fairly reactive.
The standard Metalbone, on the other hand, feels clearly softer. The ball sinks deeper into the rubber and comes off it very easily.
So the difference isn't simply that one is comfortable and the other difficult. Both generate power relatively easily — they just do it differently.
Metalbone 2026: easy power and lots of ball exit
The Adidas Metalbone is an extremely reactive racket, and its offensive design, with a Spin Blade surface, keeps a 38 mm profile and a high sweet spot, which boosts ball exit and adds precision to on-court contact.
You don't need to swing at full speed to get the ball moving fast. The rubber compresses easily and returns a lot of energy, which helps especially when you're hitting at moderate acceleration and gives a solid feel on every shot.
This makes the Metalbone a racket with a lot of easy power. The problem shows up when you don't want to accelerate.
On defense, blocks, or control volleys, that ball exit can make the ball pop up or run longer than expected. On top of that, its high balance makes it harder to reach low balls quickly or play when you're stretched, and the smaller usable surface demands cleaner contact.
It's not an uncontrollable racket, but it takes an adjustment period. You have to learn to hold back on certain balls and not accelerate by default.
I'd also be careful using it in hot conditions. As temperature rises, the rubber softens even more and the response can get overly lively.
What's great about the Metalbone
- Generates speed with very little effort, making it a very rewarding model thanks to that ease of play.
- Very accessible power.
- More comfortable feel than the HRD+.
- Lets you customize weight and balance in a format built to adapt to different on-court feels.
What's not so great
- Ball exit can be tough to control.
- The high balance is physically demanding.
- The sweet spot isn't especially large.
- Can get too soft in heavy heat.
Metalbone HRD+ 2026: more control and better performance at high speed
The Metalbone HRD+ has a firmer, more direct response.
The High Memory rubber deforms less, so the ball stays on the racket face for less time. That lets me control depth better on volleys, bandejas, and blocks.
On top of that, the octagonal frame structure is an innovation that increases stiffness and improves energy transfer on attacking shots.
That doesn't mean it's a racket without pop. It's still very reactive compared to other hard rackets. The response is just somewhat more predictable than the standard Metalbone's.
On defense, I still wouldn't call it an especially comfortable racket. The high balance is noticeable, the sweet spot is slightly smaller, and you need to be well positioned. Even so, I personally felt more comfortable with the HRD+ because its lower ball exit let me control the ball better.
The biggest difference shows up on the smash.
When you're accelerating lightly or hitting with a less polished technique, the standard Metalbone can help more. But when you really swing through the ball, the HRD+ responds better: it holds stability, transfers energy more precisely, and lets you reach higher speed.
In fact, I consider it one of the rackets with which it's easiest to generate a lot of power — as long as you have the physical and technical level to back it up.
What's great about the Metalbone HRD+
- More control than the standard Metalbone.
- Better response on high-speed shots.
- Very powerful on the smash.
- Stays reactive despite its extra hardness.
What's not so great
- Physically demanding.
- Slightly smaller sweet spot.
- Not especially easy on defense.
- Still has more pop than other hard, dry rackets.
Which one is more powerful?
It depends on the model and the type of power each player is looking for.
The standard Metalbone generates power more easily at moderate acceleration. Its soft rubber helps the ball come off fast without you having to do all the work.
The Metalbone HRD+ delivers superior performance when you swing hard. On a smash hit with good technique and arm speed, it's the one that reaches the highest power of the two.
So I wouldn't simply say the HRD+ is powerful and the Metalbone isn't. Both are:
- Metalbone: easy, reactive power with good response quality.
- Metalbone HRD+: high-speed power, more stability, and a sharper competitive focus.
How does Ale Galán set up his weight balance and weights?
Ale Galán has tested different distributions of the Weight & Balance system. In the setup he was using around the time of this comparison, he placed the heaviest screws at the top and didn't add the rest.
That way, he maxed out the balance and further boosted the leverage effect. Adidas can supply him the racket already at the specific weight he needs, so he doesn't have to use every screw to get a heavy unit.
That doesn't mean this setup is right for an amateur player. Putting weight at the tip increases potential power, but it also makes the racket slower and more demanding on the shoulder and forearm.
Metalbone or Metalbone HRD+: which one to buy?
I'd pick the Adidas Metalbone 2026 if you're looking for:
- Power with little effort;
- A medium-soft feel;
- Lots of ball exit;
- An offensive racket that's still a bit more comfortable.
I'd pick the Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2026 if you're looking for:
- More control;
- A firmer response;
- Better performance at high acceleration;
- Maximum power on smashes hit with good technique.
Personally, I prefer the Metalbone HRD+. I like its firm response and feel like I can control the ball better without losing offensive capability.
That said, the standard Metalbone can work better for a player who wants to generate speed more easily and doesn't enjoy overly hard rackets.
Both remain physical, offensive rackets with a high balance point. The choice shouldn't come down only to which one is "more powerful," but to how you personally generate that power.
You can find both models at Pádel Market.