Padel Racket Review - Adidas Cross It Ctrl 35 2026

What the reviewers say

Dani 13, reviewing the entire Adidas 2026 range, noted the CTRL 3.5 keeps the same 15K aluminized carbon and High Memory configuration as last year, with the hardness landing slightly above the 2025 version but clearly below 2024. His verdict: "A versatile choice at medium hardness, with a centered sweet spot. It gives you more control than the Metalbone and less rebound than an offensive option. Good for players who want the ball not to fire back too unpredictably."

PadelScout rated the Cross It CTRL 2026 at 8.6/10, with control at 9.2 and sweet spot at 9.0, while power scored 7.5. Their assessment: "On court the CTRL 2026 reads as firm and precise. The medium-hard core and 15K faces produce a clean, slightly crisp impact that experienced players can use to dial timing and placement." They flag that the firmer build is less forgiving on off-center contact compared to softer round rackets.

The Padel Gang's comparison of the Cross It line noted the CTRL variant "shifts toward a round shape and a lower balance point" compared to the diamond-shaped standard Cross It, with "improved defensive forgiveness" and a "centered sweet spot that benefits players who build points patiently." They recommend it specifically for advanced club players who value consistency over raw power.

PadelFul described the CTRL as "stable first, lively second": a round control racket that "helps you keep points under control without feeling dead in the hands." Their concern: at higher swing speeds, it loses some crispness compared to the sharpest precision-first control rackets on the market.

Racket Validator's independent measurement confirmed a balance of 26.4 cm (57% from the bottom), core hardness classified as "quite hard," and medium maneuverability, with a measured weight of 357g.

Our take: Bowe's summary

The Cross It Ctrl 3.5 does what a control racket should: it gives you the ball back with structure, not with a reflex. The 15K face is notably crisper than Adidas's softer carbon options, which suits players who want feedback on where they're hitting rather than a cushioned response that masks technique. What stands out is the combination of a centered sweet spot and a medium balance, making this more manageable on defense than the head-heavy standard Cross It without going so soft that overhead shots lose intent. The honest trade-off is that the firm core and hard surface are unforgiving when timing slips, so this is a racket that rewards the player, not the other way around.

The round shape and medium balance work well on defense. Reviewers consistently note the CTRL 3.5 moves quickly for its weight class, and the 26.4 cm balance keeps the head controllable on wide defensive reaches. The firm core means the ball does not absorb into the racket on hard incoming shots, so resets are direct rather than soft. Players accustomed to very low-balance control rackets will find the CTRL 3.5 slightly more demanding on defensive lobs, but the wide sweet spot compensates for most off-center contact in defensive exchanges.

Power is present but measured. The 15K aluminized face converts a committed, clean swing into a penetrating shot, and the Extra Power Grip shifts a small amount of mass toward the head for additional inertia on smashes. Dani 13 noted the CTRL 3.5 produces less rebound than a Metalbone, which is the point: overhead shots feel intentional rather than reactive. Players who already accelerate through the ball cleanly will get good depth from bandejas. Those who rely on the racket to generate speed rather than the swing itself will find it underwhelming.

At the net the CTRL 3.5 feels precise. The firm face gives punch volleys a clean, direct response with minimal vibration, and the pronounced 3D texture creates real spin on angled volleys. The racket handles quick exchanges well thanks to its manageable swing weight. For víboras and bandejas, the medium-high balance provides enough weight through the ball without the excessive commitment that a head-heavy diamond racket demands. Players focused on tight net control and placement will find the touch reliable, though the firm core means there is little margin for sloppy contact under pressure.

How it compares

Adidas Cross It Carbon CTRL 2026 (approx. €280): The sibling model uses 6K carbon and Soft Performance foam for a noticeably softer, more forgiving feel. If you want a control racket with more cushion and less feedback, the Carbon CTRL is the move. If you want more crispness and direct feel, the CTRL 3.5 is the step up.

Nox VK10 Ventus Control 12K 2026: A comparable premium control round racket from a top brand. The Nox VK10 uses a softer, more damped touch for high-level defensive play; the Adidas CTRL 3.5 is firmer and slightly more reactive. Players who prefer a livelier ball response will lean toward the Adidas; those who want maximum feel dampening on hard incoming shots may prefer the Nox.