Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 padel racket review

The Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 2025 is a control-lover’s dream—sharp, stable, and surprisingly solid when you lean into your shots.

After testing it for three weeks, I can confidently say that the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 is one of the best control rackets of 2025 for advanced padel players.

It’s not flashy or overly powerful—it’s precise, reliable, and built for players who like to dominate with smart positioning and measured shots.

If you prefer a little more power then the Adidas Cross IT 3.4 may be worth checking out due to its higher balance and oversized diamond shape.

Perfect padel racket for

The Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 2025 is ideal for advanced and competitive players who thrive on strategic play. If you’re the type of player who enjoys resetting the point, guiding your opponent into awkward positions, and squeezing every last bit of control out of your bandejas and chiquitas—this is the one.

It’s especially good for:

• Counter-attackers who rely on precision and anticipation.

• Players recovering from injury or who value smooth, stable strokes.

• Defenders who want confidence off the back glass without sacrificing quality when coming forward.

If you’ve tried the Adidas Metalbone CTRL and found it a bit too stiff or heavy, the Cross IT CTRL 3.4 feels like a more forgiving evolution—lighter in feel but no less technical.

3 Best features

👍 Outstanding control – every shot feels guided from your palm to the ball.

👍 Spin potential – the Spin Blade Mold 3D surface grips the ball just right.

👍 Aerodynamic and fast – Dynamic Air Flow makes this racket feel quicker than you’d expect for a round control model.

First impressions after picking it up

Straight out the bag, the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 feels solid and well-balanced, sitting on the lower side of the weight spectrum (mine came in at 366g strung). The matte, textured finish with grey, black, and white accents gives it that premium, no-nonsense vibe. On court, the control was immediate. This pala puts the ball exactly where you want it, especially on soft touches and awkward angles.

What is the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 like for smashes?

Let’s be honest—this isn’t a smash specialist’s racket. But it can hold its own. The Extra Power Grip (a longer grip that shifts the balance subtly towards the head) gives you a bit more inertia when you really want to go after a bajada or a flatter overhead.

I wouldn’t pick it for kick smashes, but for flat, well-placed smashes into the fence or back glass—it’s got enough pop if you time it right. Just don’t expect fireworks. This is a thinker’s racket, not a bruiser.

What is the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 like for volleys?

Super clean. This is where the Dynamic Air Flow and round shape combine beautifully—volleying feels effortless. Whether you’re blocking a hard drive or punching a volley into the corner, the feedback is crisp and consistent.

I especially liked it on fast exchanges at the net—quick resets, aggressive counter-volleys, even a few sneaky drops. It’s the kind of racket that makes you feel one step ahead during quick-fire net battles.

What is the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 like for control?

This is where the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 shines brightest. It gives you complete confidence when building points from the back or navigating messy situations off the glass.

The combination of High Memory EVA and 15K Aluminised Carbon means every shot has a firm, responsive feel without being overly stiff. From soft chiquitas to deep lobs, everything feels intentional. I felt like I could redirect pace with ease, especially when under pressure.

Price & value

The Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 2025 retails at £298 (€349)—totally fair considering the premium build quality and playability.

It’s loaded with top-tier Adidas tech (11 Thirteen hole pattern, Power Extra Grip, Dynamic Air Flow) and has the durability to last an entire season of intense play. If you’re an intermediate heading into advanced play or a tactical veteran looking for a new weapon—this is absolutely worth the investment.

Specifications

• Type: Round (Control)

• Weight: 360–375g

• Level: Advanced / Competitive

• Balance: Low

• Hardness: Medium

• Surface: Rough (Spin Blade Mold)

• Face Material: 15K Aluminised Carbon

• Core: High Memory EVA

• Grip Length: Extended (Power Extra Grip)

• Length: 455mm

• Durability Features: 11 Thirteen hole tech, Structural Reinforcement

• Sweet Spot: Centre

• Technologies: Dynamic Air Flow, Power Extra Grip, Spin Blade Mold

Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 vs. Adidas Cross IT Carbon CTRL 2025

Two of the best control rackets of 2025, the Adidas Cross IT Carbon CTRL 3.4 is softer with a larger sweet spot when compared to the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4. Both padel rackets are superb.

You just need to decide whether you prefer a hard surface (more response from the racket – Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4), or a more comfortable pala with more control (Adidas Cross IT Carbon CTRL 3.4).

Similar padel rackets

If you’re comparing options, here’s how the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 stacks up:

• Adidas Metalbone CTRL 3.4 – Slightly more powerful, but stiffer and less forgiving.
• NOX AT10 Genius 18K 2025 – More attacking, greater hardness and more technical (smaller sweet spot).
• Babolat Counter Viper 2025 – A bit more balanced towards power, but with a higher balance.
• Adidas Cross IT 3.4 – Similar to the Adidas Cross IT CTRL, but with a higher balance and an oversized diamond shape.

Final thoughts: Is the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 worth it?

If you’re the kind of player who sees the court like a chessboard and thrives on control, placement, and smart padel—yes, the Adidas Cross IT CTRL 3.4 is well worth your attention.

It’s got that rare mix of touch and stability, with just enough power when you need it. Not made for brute force—but if you value reliability, comfort, and finesse, it’s a fantastic companion.

Do you own this racket? Leave your own review of this racket below in the comments 👇