Adidas Metalbone Hrd+ 2024

Technologies

Pros

• ✓High-density High Memory EVA returns the ball like a brick wall on smash-by-3s and cut bandejas: energy transfers without absorption, so the shot lands with weight even when you ease off the swing. The octagonal 38mm frame paired with Structural Reinforcement turns the perimeter into a comfort zone: balls that miss the sweet spot still cross the court with direction. A gritty Spin Blade surface plus 285mm head-heavy balance is the perfect combo for a high-exit vibora: spin bites instantly without needing an exaggerated wrist snap. The Weight & Balance System's adjustable screws let you redistribute grams to tune the balance match by match, without switching rackets.

Cons

• ✗That 285mm balance punishes hesitation: caught deep in defence with your body left behind, a makeable shot turns into a net error. The High Memory core's stiffness demands solid technique on a flat bandeja; catch it in the throat or a dead zone and the vibration shoots up to the elbow with no extra cushioning. The head-heavy weight shows up over three-set matches: players without shoulder strength will lose head speed late in the game.

The Adidas Metalbone Hrd+ 2024 is designed for competition or pro-level players who prioritise performance and precision over comfort. Its diamond shape moves the sweet spot to the top of the face, giving more leverage and power at the cost of some tolerance. The high balance adds weight to the swing and pushes the racket toward an offensive profile. The hard build favours explosive shots, especially bandeja and smash, but demands more technique. With a weight of 345-360g, it sits among the lighter rackets on the market: easier to swing and less stressful on the elbow.

Metalbone HRD+ 2024: the weapon Ale Galán uses to pin the ball to the glass

Some rackets are designed to sell a player's endorsement. Others are designed around how that player actually punishes the ball on court. The Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2024 falls into the second camp: at 345-360g, with 285mm balance, an aluminised carbon face and a max-density High Memory EVA core, Adidas has built a pure attacking tool shaped around Alejandro Galán's game — taking risks from any position, forcing a dry, sharp ball exit, and closing points with vibora or smash-by-3.

High Memory EVA + aluminised carbon: the pairing that defines the feel

The core is the key to everything that sets this racket apart. High Memory EVA runs at maximum density: when the ball hits, the rubber gives the energy back instead of soaking it up. There's no soft trampoline effect — the response is immediate, dry and direct. On flat smashes, the ball crosses with real weight. On a cut bandeja, the spin transfers cleanly without the racket 'eating' the shot.

The Carbon Aluminized 2 T0 1 face adds a layer of extra stiffness to the system. Carbon fibre integrated with aluminium cuts down deformation at the moment of impact. The result: a more predictable response on every shot, especially the ones that don't land dead-centre on the face.

Together, these materials make the racket behave consistently: there are no soft spots to catch you out, no variation in response depending on where you hit it. What you put in, comes out.

The 38mm octagonal frame and what it means on court

The Octagonal Structure isn't just a spec-sheet talking point. The octagonal tube in the frame delivers two concrete things: more torsional rigidity — the racket doesn't twist in your hand on off-centre hits — and greater stability at the edges of the hitting zone. This really shows on a high backhand volley or a diagonal wall counter, where contact often shifts toward the frame's edge.

The perimeter Structural Reinforcement backs up the Octagonal Structure by stopping energy from scattering on side-of-face impacts. For an attacking player who makes contact all over the court, that's built-in consistency insurance.

How the Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2024 plays, shot by shot

From the back in defence: the High Memory core's power gives defensive shots more carry than you'd get from a control racket. But that 285mm balance demands good setup: get caught with your weight back, arming the shot without your body behind it, and a makeable ball turns into a net error.

At net and on the volley: manoeuvrability takes a small hit from the head-heavy balance. It's not the nimblest racket for fast exchanges, but on a volley where you have time — and you're well set — the response is firm with no surprises.

On the smash and the bandeja: this is where it shines brightest. The 285mm balance adds to the head-heavy weight, and inertia does the work for you. On a smash-by-3, the gritty Spin Blade surface makes it easy to really exaggerate the spin. On a high-exit vibora, the balance and surface combination generates spin almost automatically, without needing an exaggerated wrist action.

Who should play the Metalbone HRD+ 2024 — and who should avoid it?

It rewards you if: - You play from attacking positions and finish points at net - Your groundstroke technique is solid and you don't rely on the racket to generate power - You want consistency on the smash and vibora, not the trampoline effect of a soft core - You've got the shoulder strength to handle a 285mm balance through three sets

It punishes you if: - You regularly arrive late to the ball — the head-heavy balance magnifies those errors - You play long defensive rallies and need the racket to bail you out of tough spots - You've got elbow or wrist issues: max-density High Memory paired with aluminised carbon shows no mercy on off-centre hits

Verdict on the Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2024

The Metalbone HRD+ 2024 is an uncompromising attacking racket: max-density High Memory EVA, aluminised carbon, 285mm balance and a 38mm octagonal frame. Its biggest strength is shot consistency — what you send, arrives, with no trampoline effect and no surprises. Its biggest demand is technique and physicality: players who arrive late to the ball or lack shoulder strength will feel it well before the third set. If your game is built on attack and you want the racket the Premier Padel No. 1 relies on out on tour, the HRD+ is your answer.

Is the Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 2024 only for competitive players?

Not exclusively, but it does demand a solid advanced level. The 285mm balance and High Memory EVA amplify good shots and bad ones alike: a player still building their base mechanics will rack up more unforced errors than they would with an all-round racket. From advanced level up, with the shoulder strength to back it, the HRD+ starts delivering on its promise.

How much does the Metalbone HRD+ 2024 weigh, and how does the balance system affect it?

Factory range is 345-360g. The Weight & Balance System uses adjustable screws to redistribute up to 12 grams between handle and frame: dropping weight up top lowers the balance for better handling in defence, while adding it boosts inertia on the smash. That 15g spread, plus the system's fine-tuning, makes a tangible difference over long matches.