Two of the loudest 2026 launches in attacking padel sit next to each other in every reviewer's queue: the Adidas Metalbone 3.5 and the Bullpadel Vertex 05 Hybrid. Both are diamond-shaped, both sit in the 350-365 g window, both are sold as power frames. On paper they look interchangeable. On court they hit, feel and reward very different things. Here is what actually changes between the two once you stop reading marketing copy and start playing them.
Who each racket is built for
The Metalbone 3.5 is the workhorse of Adidas' attack line and has been refined for years. The 2026 update keeps the DNA: pure diamond, head-heavy balance, sweet spot pushed high for smash and bandeja. This is a racket for players who already own the arm, the wrist work and the legs to swing fast. It is not a forgiving frame.
The Vertex 05 Hybrid changes one thing versus the previous Vertex 04: the "Hybrid" tag signals a slightly more controllable build, with a marginally wider sweet spot. It is still diamond, still aggressive, but it forgives off-centre contact a bit more than its predecessor. Profile: competition-level player who wants Vertex-style punch without losing as much control as the old model.
Spec table
| | Adidas Metalbone 3.5 | Bullpadel Vertex 05 Hybrid | |---|---|---| | Shape | Diamond | Diamond | | Balance | High | High | | Weight | 365-375 g | 355-365 g | | Hardness | Medium-hard | Hard | | Core | EVA Soft Performance | MultiEva | | Carbon | 3K Carbon | 12K Carbon | | Level | Advanced / Competition | Advanced / Competition | | Street price | £240-290 | £250-300 |
On-court feel
The Metalbone 3.5 delivers the classic Adidas competition sensation: lively trampoline, explosive ball exit, vibration filtered through the EVA Soft core. On bandeja the racket helps you — the high balance lines the contact point up high and the ball comes out heavy. The weakness shows on low balls: when the balance fights you, you need wrist technique to keep the head from dropping.
The Vertex 05 Hybrid is drier on impact. The 12K carbon makes a real difference compared to Adidas' 3K layup: less vibration, more feel for the ball, but a much more demanding response. Every technical error is amplified. On bandeja and smash it feels like "load and fire"; on defensive shots you have to work harder with the wrist to place the ball.
One-line summary: the Metalbone forgives, the Vertex demands.
Punch, control, bandeja
On a triple smash, the Vertex hits harder. The density of 12K plus the higher hardness produce a flatter, faster ball exit. The Metalbone hits "prettier" — the ball carries more spin and weight but loses some raw speed.
On bandeja both are outstanding. The Metalbone wins on predictability: the same shot lands in the same place 9 out of 10 times. The Vertex puts an extra couple of revolutions on the ball but demands you attack it from a properly planted front foot.
On low-ball control the Metalbone wins thanks to its softer core, which avoids the dry kicks the Vertex can produce on defence. If your game is 60% defence / 40% net, the Metalbone gains you 2-3 points per set.
Comfort and elbow load
A critical question for adult players: which one is kinder to the elbow? The Metalbone 3.5 vibrates less and filters impact better. The Vertex 05 Hybrid is more punishing; if you have a history of tendinopathy or play more than three times a week, the Metalbone is the safer pick. We covered this in depth in our [best padel rackets for tennis elbow guide](/en/blog/pala-padel-codo-epicondilitis-2026).
Price and where to buy
Both sit in the £240-300 band at official stores. Real differences usually run £15-30 once promos kick in. Live price comparison sits on each racket's page:
- [Adidas Metalbone 3.5 full review →](/en/rackets/adidas-metalbone-35-2026)
- [Bullpadel Vertex 05 Hybrid full review →](/en/rackets/bullpadel-vertex-05-hybrid-2026)
Quick verdict
If your game is net-attack, your partner's balance rotates ball to your left side and you finish a lot of flat smashes: Vertex 05 Hybrid.
If you want attacking punch but defend a lot, play several times a week or have any history of elbow trouble: Metalbone 3.5.
If you are not sure, look at more balanced [all-court rackets](/en/rackets/style/versatile) or use our [comparator](/en/comparator) to put the two side by side with your specifics.
FAQ
Which hits harder, Metalbone 3.5 or Vertex 05 Hybrid? The Vertex 05 Hybrid is marginally harder-hitting thanks to higher stiffness and 12K carbon. The difference is roughly 5-8% in smash exit speed: noticeable at high level, almost neutral for amateur intermediates.
Which is better for a female player? Depends on level and physical profile, not gender. If you specifically want this line tuned for women's frames, check [Bullpadel Vertex 05 W Cloud](/en/rackets/vertex-05-w-cloud-2026-delfi-brea) or the picks in our [rankings](/en/rankings).
How long do these rackets last? At 2-3 sessions per week on outdoor courts, both last 8-14 months before noticeable performance loss. The Vertex tends to crack earlier due to its stiffness; the Metalbone holds up slightly longer.
Are there cheaper alternatives with similar feel? Yes. In the £100-150 range, entry-tier Adidas and Bullpadel attack models offer comparable bandeja feel with less punch. Filter [power rackets by price](/en/rackets/style/power) to shortlist.
What about the NOX AT10 Genius Tapia 2026? The AT10 Genius is a more all-round frame, not strict power. If you are weighing all three, the AT10 is the most balanced; the other two are more extreme. The [NOX AT10 Genius 18K full review](/en/rackets/nox-at10-genius-attack-18k-alum-by-agustin-tapia-2026) is here.
--- *Reviewed by the PadelTestLab team according to our [test methodology](/en/about). Last updated: June 2026.*