Adidas Metalbone 3.5 vs. Metalbone HRD+ 3.5 2026
The Metalbone has been the go-to offensive weapon in the Adidas lineup for years, and for 2026, Ale Galán’s signature racket comes in two versions that are visually indistinguishable: the standard Metalbone 3.5 and the Metalbone HRD+ 3.5. We’re covering them in a single review for one simple reason: they’re technically almost identical. The head, frame, and shape are the same. The only real difference lies in the core: hard EVA versus softer EVA.
Two things stand out immediately upon measurement. In practice, both rackets weigh around 369 to 370 grams, about ten grams more than the specified 345 to 360 grams. This isn’t a manufacturing defect, but it is a reason not to rely solely on the manufacturer’s specifications and to weigh each racket yourself. In addition, the balance point—at a high 27 cm—is virtually identical between both models, indicating strict quality control, as is often seen with the major brands.
The standard Adidas Metalbone 3.5 2026 is the version that works best for most Dutch players, thanks to a softer core that maintains a comfortable tension all year round. Check out the Adidas Metalbone 3.5 2026 on the product page.
The Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 3.5 2026 is the choice for those looking for a firmer, more direct feel or who play a lot on warm courts. Check out the Adidas Metalbone HRD+ 3.5 2026 on the product page.
The Weight and Balance System
A special note on the balance system, as this is one of the strongest innovations on the market today. Using four screw-in weights at the heart of the racket, you can adjust the balance yourself: shift weight toward the head for more power, or remove weight or shift it downward for greater maneuverability. In practice, both rackets balance out of the box at around 27.1 to 27.4 cm, and with a few minutes of tweaking, you can bring them to exactly the same balance. For virtually any serious player, this system is more than enough to fully customize the racket to their own style.
The only real difference: the core
All performance differences between these two rackets boil down to a single component: the EVA foam. The standard Metalbone uses Soft Performance EVA with a medium-hard density. This provides a slightly greater “trampoline” effect, better ball feel, and a larger sweet spot.
The HRD+ uses a denser, harder foam that Adidas calls High Recovery Density, with greater shape memory. That hard foam provides a more direct, drier response and greater control at high swing speeds, but in exchange results in a smaller sweet spot and less power at lower speeds.
Why Temperature Matters Here
This is where the choice between the two rackets becomes practical. EVA foam is temperature-sensitive, and it works both ways. Roughly speaking, the foam gets softer above 25 degrees and harder below 10 degrees. Soft foam can become unplayably soft in the heat, with too much bounce that causes you to lose control. Hard foam, on the other hand, becomes rock-hard in the winter—great for enthusiasts, but less comfortable for the arm.
It follows, then, that especially during the summer months, when people play in the heat, the hard core of the HRD+ is preferable. In the Netherlands, we play eleven out of twelve months at temperatures below twenty degrees, and for several months even below ten. Under those conditions, the softer foam of the standard version maintains its tension perfectly, and you actually benefit from the extra ball feel and the larger sweet spot. For the vast majority of Dutch players, the standard Metalbone is therefore the more logical choice.
What Galán’s game teaches us
An interesting detail that supports this reasoning comes from Ale Galán himself. He reportedly plays with a racket weighing around 380 grams without screw-in weights. That’s heavier than the standard version, and the most likely explanation isn’t extra lead, but the foam itself: a denser, harder core simply weighs more at the same volume. On the tour, Galán almost always plays in warm conditions, and that hard, heavy foam is a perfect fit. It provides maximum control and power precisely when a softer core would become too mushy.
Just pay attention when matches are played in colder countries. Then he seems more likely to opt for a softer, lighter core and sometimes even adds screw-in weights to reach his desired total weight. This hasn’t been confirmed, but what he himself has indicated in various interviews is that he switches between the harder and softer Metalbone models depending on the circumstances. In doing so, he is living proof of the principle this review is all about: the right core depends on how and where you play.
The Handle
One detail few players talk about is the handle. In the professional world, grips are often fully custom-made, but Adidas already provides a comfortable handle right out of the box. The slightly larger butt cap, in particular, ensures a firm, familiar feel in the hand. This provides stability during full swings and prevents the racket from twisting in your hand.
Final Verdict
The Adidas Metalbone 3.5 2026 stands out thanks to the combination of an adjustable balance system, a choice of two core hardnesses for varying conditions, and a level of finish that you don’t often see in this segment. The result is an extremely stable offensive racket that offers more control and confidence than you’d expect from a head-heavy diamond-frame racket, both at the net and on the defensive.
The difference from the HRD+ comes down purely to the core: choose the standard version for moderate temperatures and slightly better ball feel, and the HRD+ for warm courts and a harder, more direct feel. If you have solid technique and want to finish points at the net, both versions offer one of the most well-rounded and customizable power rackets in this segment. If you’re unsure which version is right for you, our racket selection guide can help.