What 11.2 grams of adjustment means for the 2026 Metalbone

Adjustable weights make a padel racket's published mass a starting point rather than a complete description of the setup in a player's hand. The 2026 adidas Metalbone offers a concrete example: its removable system allows up to 11.2 grams of adjustment, according to the manufacturer's product specifications.

The adjustment concerns both how much mass is attached and where it sits. Two rackets with the same total weight can distribute that weight differently, changing the effort needed to rotate them through a swing.

Read the specification for the exact model

The official Metalbone 2026 product page lists a diamond shape, head-heavy balance, 38-millimeter thickness and a weight specification of 345–360 grams plus a removable adjustment range of zero to 11.2 grams. It pairs Carbon Aluminized 16K with an EVA Soft Performance core.

The Metalbone HRD+ 2026 listing gives the same nominal mass and adjustment range but identifies EVA High Memory as its core. That is a different specification within the same family, not evidence that the two rackets will feel identical once adjusted.

The HRD+ page also contains a material inconsistency: its descriptive copy says Carbon Aluminized 15K, while its details table says 16K. Buyers for whom the face material is decisive need confirmation for the specific product reference. The core distinction is stated consistently; the carbon designation is not.

Why total grams tell only part of the story

Moving mass farther from the point around which an object rotates increases its contribution to rotational inertia. On a racket, location therefore matters as well as the reading on a scale. Removing or attaching manufacturer-supplied weights can affect total mass and its distribution at the same time.

The brand's general technology explainer illustrates the importance of checking the model year. That page describes a six-screw system totaling 12 grams, whereas the two 2026 product pages specify 11.2 grams. The older general description is not a substitute for the current model's published adjustment range.

The manufacturer's claims about power, control and comfort describe its intended product characteristics. They are not comparative test results establishing that one configuration improves a particular player's shots.

Make a setup comparison repeatable

A useful trial starts by recording the complete playing setup: the racket, installed weights, overgrips and any frame protector. Change one configuration at a time, then compare it during the same types of shots, including defensive blocks, volleys and overheads. This is a practical comparison method, not a prescribed configuration or a measured performance promise.