Padel Racket Review - Jules Marie Tecnifibre Curva Soft 2026

What the reviewers say

Reviewers agree on the comfort and the easy ball output. They disagree on how big the sweet spot is. PADELARTE tested the 2026 model and placed it at the beginner and intermediate end of the range: "I notice a much wider sweet spot than on the Curva Power and the Curva Speed." The channel also found it the fastest of the three off the face, but warned that quick ball exit is not the same as power.

In its test of the 2025 Curva Soft, which has the same construction, PADELARTE was less convinced by the sweet spot and called it medium for a racket with this much ball output. On the smash it said: "You have to put a bit more force into it to give the ball speed." Spin was a clear plus, helped by the 3D texture on the face.

At the Curva launch with Total Padel, one Tecnifibre player picked the Soft as their favourite: "As its name says, it's really soft, you can feel the softness when you play." That player linked it to drop shots and chiquitas. A second tester was surprised that he could still smash and finish points with it.

Energy Padel also liked the wide sweet spot and found it softer than the Curva Speed, with one caveat after a hot day on court: "In this heat it pushes the ball out too much, which makes it harder to control."

Our take: Kaj's summary

The Curva Soft is easy to play well with. The soft core and wide hitting area take the sting out of off-centre contact, and the ball leaves the face without a big swing. It will not finish points for you overhead, so players who are still building their smash should place it rather than try to blast it.

Defence is where it helps most. The soft core adds depth to lobs and balls out of the corner with little effort, and PADELARTE rated it highly from the back of the court. On hot days the extra output can send lobs long, so shorten the swing.

Attack is the limit. Both PADELARTE tests found the smash needs more effort than with the Curva Power, and the ball output does not turn into real finishing pace. The bajada and víbora benefit from the textured face, which grips the ball well for spin.

At the net it is comfortable and quick to prepare. Volleys come off with good depth, and slow balls respond well to the soft core. PADELARTE lost some control on firm volleys, so blocks need a steady wrist.

How it compares

The Tecnifibre Curva Power 2026 has the same weight and shape with an 18K carbon face. Pick it if you want more pace on the smash and can live with a smaller hitting area. The Tecnifibre Curva Speed 2026 is lighter and firmer, and suits players who make their own pace and want precise placement. For comfort and forgiveness, the Curva Soft is the one to choose.