The adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 is best suited for advanced players who act as game builders, offering high precision, a large sweet spot, and strong defensive stability. Conversely, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 fits intermediate all-rounders who prefer a lightweight frame that transitions smoothly between attack and defense. Choose the adidas if you prioritize control and structural mass, or the Babolat if fast maneuverability is your top priority.
| Feature | adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 | Babolat Air Origin 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Not stated | 2025 |
| Shape (Manufacturer) | Round | Not stated |
| Shape (our assessment) | Round (our assessment) | Teardrop (our assessment) |
| Balance | Even | Not stated |
| Weight | 365 g | 345 g |
| Thickness | Not stated | 38 mm |
| Frame Material | Carbon 6K | Not stated |
| Core Material | Soft | EVA |
| Core Hardness (our assessment) | Soft (our assessment) | Soft (our assessment) |
| Player Level (Manufacturer) | Advanced | Not stated |
| Player Level (our assessment) | Advanced (our assessment) | Intermediate (our assessment) |
| Sweet Spot (our assessment) | Large (our assessment) | Medium (our assessment) |
| Power vs Control (our assessment) | 2 / 5 (Control Focus) (our assessment) | 3 / 5 (Balanced) (our assessment) |
| Player Type (our assessment) | Builder (our assessment) | Allrounder (our assessment) |
Which one has more power?
When looking at offensive play, power generation depends on both raw weight and racket design. In our assessment, the Babolat Air Origin 2025 earns a power vs control rating of 3 out of 5, placing it directly in the middle of the spectrum. This balanced profile allows players to generate decent pace on overheads like the smash or aggressive viboras without over-committing to a pure power shape.
The adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5, on the other hand, receives a 2 out of 5 on our power vs control scale, designating it as a control-focused model. The manufacturer specs show a round shape and an even balance, which naturally prioritize ball placement over shot velocity. However, the adidas model comes in at 365 g and utilizes a Carbon 6K frame. This extra 20 g of mass compared to the Babolat provides solid output when swinging through overhead shots, even if the overall design favors placement. If your primary goal is finding a balanced power output for varied tactical play, the Babolat leans slightly more towards offensive balance in our assessment, whereas the adidas requires deliberate technique to generate high power.
Which racket offers better control and defense?
Defending off the glass and setting up tactical points require high precision and forgiving contact. The adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 excels in defensive situations. Manufactured with a round shape, an even balance, and a soft core, this racket provides a predictable bounce and clean feedback when hitting chiquitas or deep lobs. In our assessment, it features a large sweet spot, making it reliable when absorbing fast-paced incoming balls near the back wall.
The Babolat Air Origin 2025 offers a different defensive dynamic. The manufacturer specifies an EVA core and a 38 mm thickness, while in our assessment, it features a teardrop shape and a medium sweet spot. While its sweet spot is slightly smaller than the adidas, its reduced weight of 345 g makes it remarkably fast to move. When defending quick shots off the glass, the lighter weight allows players to get the racket into position rapidly. However, in our assessment, the adidas remains the superior control instrument for game builders due to its round shape, large sweet spot, and lower power-to-control ratio (2 out of 5).
Which is easier to play and maneuver?
Maneuverability is heavily influenced by total weight and weight distribution. The Babolat Air Origin 2025 is remarkably lightweight at 345 g. This makes it easy to handle at the net during rapid volley exchanges or when reacting to quick body shots. In our assessment, the Babolat is rated for intermediate players, making it an accessible option for those who want an effortless swing without placing high demands on arm strength.
The adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 weighs 365 g, making it 20 g heavier than the Babolat model. While its even balance prevents it from feeling overly head-heavy, the additional mass requires better physical conditioning and sound stroke mechanics. The manufacturer targets this racket at advanced players, which matches our assessment. While it takes more effort to maneuver quickly during net reaction plays, the 365 g weight delivers exceptional stability upon impact.
Who should buy which?
adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5
- Advanced padel players seeking maximum control and shot placement.
- Defensive players and right-side builders who set up points from the back of the court.
- Players who prefer a heavier frame (365 g) with an even balance and a large sweet spot for consistent accuracy.
Babolat Air Origin 2025
- Intermediate players looking for an easy-to-handle, versatile racket.
- All-round players who want a balanced 3 out of 5 power-to-control ratio for both net play and back-glass defense.
- Players who favor a lightweight racket (345 g) to reduce arm fatigue and speed up reaction times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weight difference between these two rackets?
The adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 has a manufacturer weight of 365 g, while the Babolat Air Origin 2025 is lighter at 345 g.
Which player level is each racket designed for?
The adidas model is designated for advanced players by the manufacturer, which aligns with our assessment. The manufacturer level for the Babolat Air Origin 2025 is not stated, but in our assessment, it is suited for intermediate players.
What is the sweet spot size for each model?
In our assessment, the adidas Metalbone Carbon CTRL 3.5 features a large sweet spot, whereas the Babolat Air Origin 2025 has a medium sweet spot.