Padel Racket Review - Bullpadel Elite W Gemma Triay 2023

What the reviewers say

The reviewers agree on one thing: this is a control racket first. Dani 13 tested the Master Final edition and measured his at 358 grams with overgrip and protector, with a balance of about 25.4 cm, which he called very low for the shape. From the back of the court he found it easy and comfortable, and said the ball comes out well for its stiffness. The catch, in his words: "when you want to play harder, you have to push the ball a lot more yourself." He liked it most at the net, where it changes direction quickly, and least on the smash, where he found the sweet spot harder to find and the MultiEva core gave less help than a more reactive racket like the Siux ST2. He also had paint chip on his edition after six days of bandejas and víboras, and was unsure if that was a one-off.

Zona de Pádel, presenting the 2023 Bullpadel range, describes the Elite as a versatile racket that "adapts quickly to any type of game", and credits the MultiEva and Fibrix build with a very comfortable touch. Padel Reference rates it 9 out of 10 for maneuverability and 8 for comfort, but only 7 for power and 5 for spin, which matches the smooth face. On Racketguide, owner reviews average 4 out of 5, and several players with elbow trouble say they are happy with it.

Our take: Kaj's summary

The Elite W is easy to play well with. It is light, the swing weight is low and the touch is soft enough to be kind to the arm, so a developing player gets clean volleys and steady defence without a fight. Keep in mind that the sweet spot is average, not generous: off-centre hits, overhead most of all, lose pace quickly. It helps control far more than it forgives a miss.

In defence the low balance and light weight make it quick to bring round on balls off the wall. Reviewers found lobs and resets from the back easy to place, and the ball travels deep enough without a big swing. You will not get a counter-attack out of a defensive position by accident, though: the core gives little free pace.

Attack is where it asks the most. The smash depends on a clean contact in the sweet spot and a full swing, and flat power stays moderate even then. Dani 13 found bandejas and víboras better at slower, placed speeds than when he tried to hit through the ball. Adding a heavier protector moves the balance up and helps a little on overheads.

Net play is its best zone. Fast exchanges and changes of direction feel quick, and the ball goes deep on volleys at medium speed with little effort. Reviewers found it hard to mishit at the net. The smooth face means less spin on sliced volleys than a rough-faced racket.

How it compares

The Bullpadel Vertex 03 Woman 2023, Delfi Brea's racket in the same Pro Line, is a diamond with a higher balance and a rough face: pick it if you want more help on the smash and more spin. Pick the Elite W if you spend more time at the net and value speed and control over finishing power. The Bullpadel Elite Light 2023 from the cheaper Next series has the same teardrop idea and centred balance at 350 to 360 grams, for players who want the concept at a lower launch price.