Padel Racket Review - Wilson Bela Elite 2022

What the reviewers say

Hugo Cases (Aprende Pádel con Hugo Cases) tested it straight after the Pro and points to the core as the key difference: "the rubber is softer than the Pro's, and the sweet spot is bigger." He liked it more than the Pro overall, but flags two practical details. The factory grip is on the thick side, and the step at the base of the handle can press on your fingers when the non-dominant hand lets go.

Elite Padel sums up its character as "controlled power". The stiff frame and carbon face give real pace on attacking shots, while the soft core and mid balance keep that pace in check. The same review warns that the diamond shape keeps the sweet spot a little smaller than on round or teardrop rackets, so clean contact still matters.

Racchettiamo put the Elite side by side with the Pro and chose the Elite. In their view the Pro gives up forgiveness for only a modest gain in power. They describe the Elite as "easy to manage, able to generate spin and suited to patient play", with enough in reserve to attack when you want to.

On the core, the reviewers agree: softer and more forgiving than the Pro, with a rough face that grips the ball. They differ on the sweet spot. Elite Padel calls it small for the shape, Racchettiamo found it generous, and Hugo Cases found it larger than the Pro's.

Our take: Lars's summary

The Elite makes the most sense as the softer, more forgiving member of the first Bela family. The mid balance and soft core help on blocks and controlled volleys, which counts for players who build rallies rather than end them in one shot. Right-side point builders should note that it is still a carbon diamond, so under pressure at the back it helps less than a round or teardrop racket would.

The soft core absorbs pace well on blocks and wall returns, and the medium balance keeps the head from dragging when you are late. Lobs from deep need a full swing, because the diamond shape and carbon face give less free depth than a softer round racket.

The stiff frame gives real pace on flat smashes and drives. It does not match the Bela Pro for top-end power, and reviewers see that as the price of the softer core. The textured face helps on kick smashes and víboras.

Volleys and bandejas are where the Elite is most at home. The balance keeps it quick in fast exchanges, and the rough face gives the ball bite on sliced shots.

How it compares

The Wilson Bela Pro 2022 shares the mould but has a firmer core. Pick the Pro if you play on the left and want maximum pace on the smash; pick the Elite for more comfort and a sweet spot that forgives more. The Wilson Bela Team swaps the carbon frame for fibreglass. The Elite is crisper and more precise, while the Team is the better choice for players still working on clean contact.