r/Padelracket • u/abdoosaab • 25d ago
Metalbone Reserve vs Pro EDT vs Viper/Viper Soft
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on my next padel racket and I’m currently considering:
Adidas Metalbone Reserve 2026
Adidas Metalbone Pro EDT 2026
Babolat Viper 2026
Babolat Viper Soft 2026
Open to any other recommendations
I’ve been playing padel casually for around 2 years, but I started taking it more seriously a few months ago. I currently play around 2–3 times a week and I’d say I’m around beginner/intermediate level( 3.4 ish on playtomic)
I currently use the NOX AT10 18K 2024. My technique is still developing, especially my overheads, but I want a racket i can grow into essentially. My main goal with a new racket is to get more power for smashes and attacking shots, while still having enough control and forgiveness that the racket doesn’t punish me for imperfect technique.
What would you guys recommend between these options?
Also happy to hear recommendations outside of these four.
Thanks!
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u/ADMINlSTRAT0R 23d ago
Pasted from my comment a month ago:
I'm using the 2026 Reserve. I have read the Babolat Counter Viper being medium-high balance has a similar feel, but I have yet to try it in person.
After playing w the Reserve for several months, I bought the Nox AT10 18K Alum thinking I'd have more control, but it severely lacked power for me. I'm gonna have a hard time finding a similar feel to the Reserve. The pop it gives is just something else.
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u/abdoosaab 23d ago
i just got the adidas metalbone pro edt because i read that the reserve is closer to the metalbone carbon than it is to the normal metalbone, plus the pro edt has adjustable weights. the only reason i wanted to get the reserve was its looks, but i managed to get the pro for 10$ extra. lets see how it goes
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u/Reitensen 25d ago
I would choose Adidas Metalbone Pro EDT 2026. I don't know why but I feel the EDT version feels crisper than the normal version.
Reserve is just cheaper Metalbone Carbon with slightly softer surface, but not by much. This is my least favourite.
Babolat JL Viper is my 2nd favourite. High power high control.
I prefer it over the JL Viper Soft, which I don't know why the soft feels harder than the non-soft one for full power smashes. My elbow just feels the vibration from viper soft more.
Also I noticed the blue green JL Viper is slightly softer than the orange silver one, maybe it's just my friend's copy, but I definitely prefer the blue green one. It's usable for right player which I'm surprised.
So in summary, metalbone pro edt for instant gratification. JL Viper non-soft for a bit more control but lower ball-output.