PadelReference
The Drop Shot Ego is a versatile, budget-friendly racket that offers surprising performance for intermediate players. With its round shape, medium balance, and soft EVA core, it delivers excellent control and comfort while providing adequate power for recreational players looking to progress in their game.
Power
7.5/10
Control
8.2/10
Defense
7.8/10
Offense
7.6/10
Maneuverability
8.0/10
Padel Racket Review - Drop Shot Ego
Tactical right side player who is not afraid of using every trick in the book to "disturb the rhytm" of the opponent.
Our mission is to help you choose the right padel racket with clear, in-depth reviews that make it easy to level up your game.
We start with official specs, then break down each racket's key properties. Finally, we bring together trusted video and written reviews—summarised into one consistent, easy-to-read overview.
The Drop Shot Ego stands out as a hidden gem in the budget category, delivering performance that punches well above its price point. Part of Drop Shot's 2022 Ambition series, this racket combines Carbon 3000 faces with a soft EVA core and Twin Tubular System frame construction to create a racket that feels premium while remaining accessible. What truly distinguishes the Ego is its remarkable balance between comfort and playability – it's designed to minimize vibrations while still providing enough feedback to develop your game, making it particularly appealing for recreational players looking to take their next steps forward.
How it plays..
Surprising Balance of Comfort and Performance
On court, the Drop Shot Ego immediately impresses with its forgiving nature. The oversize round format combined with the soft EVA core creates a racket that's accessible and comfortable, even during extended play sessions. Weighing between 360-380g with a medium balance, it strikes a sweet spot that makes it maneuverable without feeling unstable. The large sweet spot is particularly noticeable – miss-hits are less punishing, which helps build confidence during rallies. While advanced players might find it lacking some of the raw power and precision of premium models, intermediate players will appreciate how it allows them to develop their technique without fighting against an unforgiving racket.
Defense
Reliable Defense Without Compromise
When pushed back to the baseline, the Ego shows its versatility. The medium balance and round shape provide excellent stability for defensive play, making it easier to return powerful shots with depth and accuracy. The soft EVA core absorbs impact effectively, reducing strain on the arm while still allowing for responsive defensive lobs and clearances. During extended defensive rallies, the racket's vibration-dampening properties become particularly valuable, helping maintain control even when under pressure. While it may not have the explosive recovery potential of some head-heavy models, it compensates with reliability and consistency on defensive shots.
Attack
Adequate Power for Progressive Development
On offense, the Drop Shot Ego delivers sufficient power without overwhelming control. The Carbon 3000 faces provide a good platform for generating pace on smashes and drive volleys, especially when you connect with the sweet spot. The racket's elastic response combines well with its Cork Layer technology to enhance power output, though players will need proper technique to maximize this potential. It's not the most explosive racket on the market, but it offers a good compromise that allows intermediate players to develop their offensive game progressively. The roughened surface texture also helps generate spin, adding another dimension to attacking shots.
Netplay
Confident Control at the Net
The Ego truly shines in net play, where its maneuverability and control-oriented characteristics come to the fore. The medium weight and balance make quick reactions possible, while the large sweet spot provides confidence during fast exchanges. Volleys feel crisp and predictable, with enough feel to place the ball precisely without excessive power sending shots long. The racket's forgiving nature is particularly beneficial during bandeja shots and quick reflex volleys, where small adjustments can make a big difference. For intermediate players developing their net game, the Ego provides an ideal platform – responsive enough to execute technical shots but forgiving enough to build confidence.
Our Advice for New Players
A Perfect Step-Up for Developing Players
If you're a beginner who has mastered the basics and is looking for your first "real" racket, the Drop Shot Ego could be an excellent choice. Its forgiving sweet spot and comfortable feel make the transition from rental or entry-level rackets much smoother. You'll appreciate how it doesn't punish technical imperfections too harshly while still providing enough feedback to help you improve. The price point is particularly appealing – you're getting technologies and performance that punch above the budget category without a significant investment. Just be aware that as your skills advance significantly, you might eventually want something with more specialized characteristics.
Our Advice for Intermediate Players
Balanced Performance for All-Round Development
For intermediate players, this racket hits a sweet spot in terms of versatility and accessibility. If you're still developing your all-round game and don't want to commit to a specialized power or control racket, the Ego provides a balanced platform that works well in all court positions. The medium balance and soft EVA core offer enough power for attacking when needed while maintaining the control necessary for technical development. You'll find it particularly suitable if you experience arm fatigue or discomfort with stiffer rackets, as the vibration absorption is excellent. Consider this a racket that will grow with you as you refine your technique across different aspects of the game.
Competitive level
Better Options Available for Competitive Players
For advanced players, the Drop Shot Ego will likely feel limiting compared to what you're used to. While it offers good all-round performance, it lacks the specialized characteristics that can give you an edge in competitive play. The power output, while adequate, falls short of what diamond-shaped or power-oriented rackets can generate for smashes and aggressive play. The control is good but not exceptional enough to compensate for the power limitations. That said, if you're an advanced player dealing with arm issues who needs a softer, more comfortable option for recreational play, the Ego could serve as a useful secondary racket that reduces strain while still offering respectable performance.
Research & References
Our mission is to help you choose the right padel racket with clear, in-depth reviews that make it easy to level up your game. We start with official specs, then break down each racket’s key properties. Finally, we bring together trusted video and written reviews—summarised into one consistent, easy-to-read overview.
Large sweet spot for greater forgiveness
Excellent vibration absorption reducing injury risk
Good balance between control and power
Great value for money in the budget segment
Comfortable for players with arm issues
Not ideal for advanced players seeking maximum power
Discontinued in favor of newer models
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Skill Level
Intermediate
Court Position
Both
Play Style
Balanced
Best at: Control (8.2/10)
Average: 7.8/10
PadelReference
€99.90
ViewYes, the Drop Shot Ego is particularly well-suited for intermediate players who want a balanced racket with good control and adequate power to develop their all-round game.
The Ego features a round shape and soft EVA core focusing on control and comfort, while other Ambition models may offer different shapes and balances for various playing styles.
Yes, Drop Shot is a respected Spanish padel brand known for offering good quality rackets at competitive prices, with technologies like Twin Tubular System and Carbon fiber faces.
The Drop Shot Ego has a round shape, weighs 360-380g, features a soft EVA core, Carbon 3000 face material, and has a medium balance with an oversize format.
Yes, the Drop Shot Ego is suitable for players with arm issues thanks to its soft EVA core and excellent vibration absorption properties, reducing the risk of injury.
The Drop Shot Ego is best for a versatile, all-round playing style where both control and power are needed, making it suitable for players who want to develop a complete game.
Yes, priced between €70-80, the Drop Shot Ego offers excellent value, providing the performance and features of higher-end rackets at a budget-friendly price point.
Weight
Medium (356–370G)
Balance
Balanced (Even)
Touch
Medium-Soft
Core
Soft
Texture
Rough
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