The Varlion BOURNE SUMMUM PRISMA SOFT delivers exceptional power with its hybrid teardrop/diamond shape, making it perfect for advanced players seeking explosive performance. The innovative Prisma frame and extended handle provide both aerodynamic advantages and comfort, while the soft core offers enough forgiveness to maintain control during aggressive play.
Power
8.5/10
Control
7.0/10
Defense
7.5/10
Offense
8.7/10
Maneuverability
8.0/10
Padel Racket Review - Varlion Bourne Summum Prisma Soft
Always overperforms in the warm-up, always underperforms in the match. Such is life.
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 Varlion Bourne Summum Prisma Soft stands out with its unique hybrid shape—a fusion of diamond and teardrop designs that delivers an impressive 60/40 power-to-control ratio. What caught my attention was the innovative Prisma frame technology, which reduces air resistance by 10% while the Aerodynamic Drilling expands the sweet spot for more consistent hits. The extended 14.5cm Summum handle provides extra grip space, particularly beneficial for two-handed backhand players. These technologies combine to create a racket that's not just powerful but also surprisingly maneuverable for its offensive capabilities.
How it plays..
Explosive Power with Surprising Touch
On court, the Bourne Summum Prisma Soft immediately impresses with its medium-high balance that generates exceptional power without feeling unwieldy. The soft-density EVA core (SOFTCOLOR CORE) offers enough forgiveness to maintain some feel despite the racket's power-oriented character. The sweet spot is generously sized and positioned slightly higher on the face, rewarding proper technique with explosive returns. While the frame feels solid and stable on impact, there is noticeable feedback through vibrations—something advanced players might appreciate for shot awareness but could be jarring for less experienced hands.
Defense
Solid Baseline Performance
From the defensive position, the Bourne Summum Prisma Soft provides enough control to manage difficult situations despite its power-oriented design. The 365-375g weight gives sufficient stability when handling powerful shots from opponents, while the aerodynamic frame allows for quick repositioning. The racket excels particularly at defensive lobs, where the power-oriented balance helps generate depth effortlessly. Where it truly shines is turning defense into offense—the explosive power allows you to quickly counter-attack when given even a slight opportunity, making it ideal for players who prefer an aggressive defensive game rather than purely absorbing pressure.
Attack
Dominate the Aerial Game
This racket was built for offensive play. The hybrid shape concentrates mass toward the head, creating exceptional power for smashes and aggressive drives. When hitting overhead shots, you'll immediately feel how the racket accelerates through impact, generating explosive power with relatively moderate swing effort. The Slice texture pattern enhances spin potential, allowing you to add topspin to drives for better control or cut angles with aggressive shots. While not the most forgiving on off-center hits, players with solid technique will appreciate how the racket rewards proper form with devastating offensive firepower.
Netplay
Precise and Punishing at Net
At the net, the Bourne Summum Prisma Soft demonstrates good maneuverability despite its power-oriented balance, thanks to the aerodynamic Prisma frame. Volleys feel solid and responsive, allowing for precise placements when needed. The extended handle provides extra leverage for bandeja shots, adding significant power without sacrificing control. For vÃbora shots, the racket's explosive character truly shines, helping you create sharp angles with impressive pace. The slight stiffness that some reviewers noted actually becomes an advantage during quick net exchanges, providing immediate response and allowing you to capitalize on the smallest openings in your opponents' defense.
Our Advice for New Players
Not Your First Racket
If you're a beginner, this racket will likely be too much to handle. The Bourne Summum Prisma Soft's power-oriented character demands solid technical fundamentals to control effectively. The vibrations reported by reviewers could lead to discomfort during the long learning process, and the performance benefits of the advanced technologies would be largely lost without proper technique. Additionally, the premium price point makes it a significant investment for someone just starting out. Instead, look toward more forgiving options from Varlion's lineup that offer better balance between control and power until your skills develop further.
Our Advice for Intermediate Players
Ready for the Next Level
For intermediate players with solid fundamentals looking to advance their game, the Bourne Summum Prisma Soft could be a good transition racket—particularly if you already favor an aggressive style. The soft core provides enough forgiveness to help manage its power, while the extended sweet spot will reward your developing technique. You'll need to be comfortable generating your own power and have reasonably consistent shot placement already. If you play mostly from the backhand side and want to develop more offensive capabilities, this racket will particularly suit your transition to advanced play. Just be prepared for a brief adjustment period as you learn to harness its explosive potential.
Competitive level
Your Offensive Weapon of Choice
Advanced players will immediately appreciate what this racket brings to the court. The 60/40 power-to-control ratio perfectly suits players who have the technical ability to direct powerful shots with precision. The Bourne Summum Prisma Soft particularly excels for offensive-minded players who take command of points from the backhand position but need to occasionally defend as well. The medium-high balance combined with the aerodynamic frame gives you both power and maneuverability—a rare combination at this level. While not as stiff as some purely power-focused alternatives, it offers enough feedback for precise shot-making while maintaining the explosiveness needed for winning smashes and aggressive net 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.
Explosive power with 60/40 power-control ratio
Aerodynamic design with 10% less air resistance
Extended handle (14.5cm) provides extra grip comfort
Large sweet spot with Aerodynamic Drilling technology
Ideal for aggressive aerial play
Some players find it a bit stiff
Control could be improved for certain playing styles
May transmit more vibrations compared to previous models
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Skill Level
Advanced
Court Position
Both
Play Style
Power
Best at: Offense (8.7/10)
Average: 7.9/10
PadelReference
€169.90
ViewThe Soft version has a lower-density EVA core providing more comfort and forgiveness, while the Hard version offers more stiffness and raw power for players with advanced technique.
While playable for high intermediates, it's best suited for advanced players due to its power-oriented balance and technical requirements for optimal performance.
The Bourne has a hybrid diamond/teardrop shape with 60% power and 40% control, while the Maxima has a rounded teardrop shape with 40% power and 60% control.
Yes, Varlion is a premium Spanish brand with extensive professional endorsements and cutting-edge technology, particularly known for their innovative racket shapes.
Choose the Summer (S) version for warm conditions above 25°C as it has a firmer core, and the Winter (W) version for cooler temperatures with its softer core.
The Prisma frame enhances aerodynamics by reducing air resistance by 10%, improving maneuverability and allowing faster racket head speed during shots.
Shape
Hybrid
Weight
Medium (356–370G)
Touch
Medium-Soft
Core
Soft
Texture
Rough
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