PadelReference
The Osaka Deshi Control Iconic Black is specifically designed for beginners looking to develop their padel skills with reliable equipment. Its round shape, large sweet spot, and sand finish provide excellent control and forgiveness, while the advanced twin-tube construction ensures durability as players progress in their padel journey.
Power
7.5/10
Control
8.0/10
Defense
7.5/10
Offense
7.0/10
Maneuverability
7.8/10
Padel Racket Review - Osaka Deshi Control Iconic Black
Bowe is convinced that the racket, shoes, court are the problem, never his own abilities.
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 Osaka Deshi Control Iconic Black stands out as a thoughtfully designed entry point to the padel world. What immediately caught my attention was its advanced twin-tube blown frame construction – technology typically reserved for higher-end rackets now accessible to beginners. This construction method delivers 250% more reinforcement than previous models, creating extraordinary durability in a starter racket. The precision-drilled 68 holes with sharper edges and sand finish texture are deliberately engineered to help newcomers generate spin and control right from their first sessions on court.
How it plays..
Confidence-Building Control for Developing Players
On court, the Deshi Control delivers exactly what its name promises. The balanced 360g weight and 260mm balance point create a predictable, stable feel that forgives timing errors – crucial when you're learning the game. The round shape significantly expands the sweet spot, making clean contact more accessible even with inconsistent technique. What's especially impressive is how the glass fiber face and EVA foam core work together to provide clear feedback without harsh vibrations, helping players develop touch and feel without punishment for off-center hits.
Defense
Reliable Defense That Builds Confidence
From the baseline, the Deshi Control truly excels for new players. The racket's stability and forgiving sweet spot make defensive lobs and clearances more consistent, giving beginners that critical confidence when pushed back. The slightly heavier frame (compared to ultra-light models) provides enough substance to return powerful shots without feeling overwhelmed. The sand finish texture adds extra grip on the ball, particularly beneficial when attempting to control defensive returns under pressure or execute well-placed lobs to reset points.
Attack
Controlled Offense with Room to Grow
While primarily control-oriented, the Deshi Control offers respectable offensive capability with a power rating of 7.5/10. You won't get explosive power for crushing winners, but that's actually beneficial for developing proper technique. The racket rewards good form rather than masking deficiencies with raw power. The precision-drilled holes enhance spin potential, allowing beginners to start developing topspin drives and sliced shots. As players improve their technique and swing speed, the racket continues to provide reliable, predictable performance that supports skill progression.
Netplay
Forgiving Net Play for Building Skill
At the net, the Deshi Control's maneuverability becomes a significant asset. The balanced design allows for quick reactions in fast exchanges, while the large sweet spot provides confidence for volleys and blocking. The medium-soft response helps dampen powerful incoming shots, making it easier to control delicate net play even with developing technique. Beginners will appreciate how the racket's forgiveness translates to more successful volleys, encouraging them to approach the net more frequently – an essential skill development area in padel.
Our Advice for New Players
Your Ideal First Padel Partner
If you're just starting your padel journey, the Deshi Control Iconic Black should be high on your consideration list. It addresses the most common beginner frustrations – inconsistent contact, difficulty controlling power, and lack of feel – with its forgiving design. The racket's construction quality means it won't need replacement as soon as your skills improve; it will continue to support your development through the early learning stages. At its price point (€85-120), it represents excellent value compared to rental equipment or cheaper alternatives that lack durability.
Our Advice for Intermediate Players
A Potential Stepping Stone for Improving Players
For intermediate players, the Deshi Control could serve as a useful transition racket if you're moving from a power-oriented model and want to develop better control. Its predictable performance can help refine your placement and defensive consistency. However, be aware that as your skills advance beyond the fundamentals, you may eventually find yourself wanting more power and responsiveness than the Deshi Control can offer. At that point, consider upgrading to Osaka's Vision series, which maintains similar control characteristics but with enhanced performance capabilities.
Competitive level
Limited Appeal for Experienced Players
Advanced players will likely find the Deshi Control too limiting for competitive play. The power ceiling is deliberately restrained, and the response lacks the crispness and feedback that experienced players typically prefer. If you're already playing at an advanced level, you'd be better served by Osaka's Pro Tour or Vision Pro series, which maintain the brand's quality construction while offering performance characteristics suited to developed technique and competitive play.
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.
Exceptionally large sweet spot for easier play
Advanced twin-tube blown frame for durability
Excellent control with sand finish texture
High comfort level ideal for beginners
Good maneuverability with balanced weight distribution
Limited power generation for more aggressive play
Not ideal for advanced players seeking maximum performance
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Skill Level
Beginner
Court Position
Both
Play Style
Control
Best at: Control (8.0/10)
Average: 7.6/10
PadelReference
€94.90
ViewThe Deshi Control offers superior control with a round shape and lower power rating (7.5/10), while the Deshi Power features a teardrop shape for more aggressive play with higher power output.
Yes, it's specifically designed for beginners with an exceptionally large sweet spot, excellent control, and forgiving playability to help develop fundamental padel skills.
The Deshi Control is an entry-level model focused on beginners, while the Vision series offers more advanced technology and performance for intermediate to advanced players.
Yes, Osaka is recognized for quality padel equipment with innovative technology like the twin-tube blown frame construction that provides excellent durability and performance.
It weighs 360±10 grams with a balance point of 260±10mm, offering a medium-weight, balanced feel that's manageable for beginners yet substantial enough for good shots.
It features 10-13 White Snap® EVA Foam core, providing a good balance of comfort and responsiveness for controlled play without excessive vibration.
At €85-120, it offers excellent value with professional construction technology in a beginner-friendly package, making it a worthwhile investment for those starting their padel journey.
Weight
Medium (356–370G)
Balance
Balanced (Even)
Touch
Medium
Core
Medium
Surface
Medium
Texture
Rough
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