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Company Info: We’re back with a new review with Adidas Pickleball! As mentioned before, we’ve been fans of Adidas for years and from growing up playing soccer, they’ve always been innovative (think F50 Tunit customizable cleats). To check out their backstory, see our prior review: https://www.thetoptierpickleball.com/post/adidas-adipower-attk-2-review.
Item: We have the revolutionary Adidas PB Metalbone pickelball paddle.
Description: The PB Metalbone pickleball paddle has a paddle face that is predominantly black in color. There is the iconic Adidas logo large and in white color across the paddle face. There is a light grey and black checkered pattern behind the Adidas logo. The base of the paddle face has a hole and features a dark red chrome color. The grip tape is white, with holes, and underneath the red chrome color shines through. The name “METALBONE” shows up below the Adidas logo in white and then “Structural Reinforcement” below that. The USA Pickleball Approval logo is on the base of the red handle, in black. The Adidas logo is also present on the handle cap.
The paddle has 3 screws on each side that are apparent at the base of the paddle face at the throat. The paddle came with an Adidas branded screwdriver to adjust these. The purpose of these screws is that you can adjust the weight and balance of the metal bone. The metal screws weigh 2.6 grams each.
The paddle itself is a 13MM and features a PMI structural foam core. There is no edge guard. The paddle face is a C18 carbon fiber, which is 3 overlapping carbon layers. The internal construction is a carbon tubular frame. The grip is 5.5 inches.
Play Feel: This paddle is so unique, that I didn’t know what to expect when playing with it. The handle is comfortable and I really enjoy the grip tape.
The huge thing about this paddle, is the technology. You can adjust the play style to fit your game. Of course, you can do that with other paddles, with lead tape, etc. However, this is the only paddle that I have seen that has the weights built in.
The paddle is very sturdy and I was surprised at how good the touch shots were with it. It feels very high quality and shipped in nice packaging.
You can get a ton of “pop” off the paddle and I was impressed by the power. After playing with the paddle over our testing period, it held up and did not show any signs of wear and tear.
Price Point: The paddle sells for $259.99 across multiple websites.
Recommendation: It is not often you see something that is “revolutionary” in the space. I can say that I think this is definitely a unique paddle that stands alone with the technology.
From a design standpoint, I think this paddle looks super rad. The Adidas branding throughout elevates the quality perception as well.
I’m impressed by the ability to change the weight and balance directly on the paddle. The only downside here is that you would need the Adidas tool to be able to do so, and I wonder if that (or the screws) would ever get lost. I think that is just the inherent risk associated with the tech.
I do think that this paddle plays very well and I was happy with the play. It can take some time to tune it to your liking, but once you discover the balance that suits your play style best, I think this performs very strong.
The quality is evident and the paddle feels sturdy in fire fights and power shots. Volleys seem really powerful. If you are a higher end player I think this is a great option for you.
I think this will be the first of many who have customizable options built into the paddle itself. Nicely done to Adidas pickleball, for pushing the envelope and being a game changer.
Be sure to give them a look and for full photographs, check out our Instagram!
Dimensions:
- Average Weight: 8 ounces
- Weight Range: 7.8 – 8.2 ounces (+/- 0.367 oz.)
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/8" (Small) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8"
- Handle Length: 5.5"
- Paddle Length: 16.5"
- Paddle Width: 7.5"
- Paddle Face: C18 Carbon Fiber
- Core Material: PMI Structural Foam
- Core Thickness: 13mm (0.51")
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