Power Meets Precision: A Deep Dive Into The Adidas Metalbone Pickleball Paddle Series

May 29

Adidas is making serious strides in the pickleball space in 2025, and the latest Metalbone series is a bold statement of intent. With four new paddles—the Metalbone LP, Metalbone 4 14.5, Metalbone LP S, and Metalbone LP Team—this release is Adidas’ most technically refined offering yet, combining fresh materials with thoughtful innovation.

At first glance, the line may seem overwhelming. But spend some time with each paddle, and you'll quickly realise that Adidas isn’t just throwing options at the wall—they're creating distinct tools for different styles of play.

Here’s a closer look at what sets the Metalbone series apart, and how each paddle feels when put through its paces.

Core Features: What Unites The Metalbone Series

All four paddles in the Metalbone series share a common foundation:

Monocoque Construction: A robust one-piece build combining a carbon frame with a carbon fiber face and central core.
Surface Technology: Each paddle features raw carbon fiber topped with Adidas’ Spin Blade Max texture, designed to amplify spin without sacrificing control.
Consistent Dimensions Across Models:
- Height: 16.5"
- Width: 7.5"
- Grip Length: 5.5"
- Grip Circumference: 4.125"

This consistency in form allows the performance to be shaped almost entirely by what’s inside—and that’s where the differences really begin to matter.

Core Materials & Weight Customization: Where They Diverge

Adidas splits the Metalbone series by core material: two paddles feature the traditional polypropylene honeycomb core (LP and 4 14.5), while two others (LP S and LP Team) introduce an EVA foam core that prioritizes power and pop.

Polypropylene Honeycomb Core (LP, 4 14.5)

Familiar feel for those used to high-quality control-oriented paddles.
Balanced performance with solid feedback and forgiveness.

EVA Foam Core (LP S, LP Team)

A noticeable jump in explosiveness, especially in hands battles and baseline drives.
More demanding in soft-touch situations, requiring adjustment and finesse.

Adjustable Weighting System

Three models—the LP, LP S, and 4 14.5—come with removable weighted screws (2.6g each) at both the throat and the head of the paddle, allowing players to fine-tune balance, swing weight, and sweet spot size.

Only the LP Team lacks this feature, locking players into a fixed configuration.

Performance Breakdown: How They Play

Metalbone LP S & Metalbone LP Team

These paddles feel explosive. The EVA foam core delivers blistering pop, particularly in fast-paced hands battles at the net. From the baseline, drives come off with effortless power—one of the most impressive features of the series.

But this raw power can be a double-edged sword. Dinking, resetting, and delicate blocks can feel a bit jumpy. Inconsistent touch may lead to balls sitting up just a little too high, inviting counterattacks.

For those seeking a paddle that dominates in speed-driven exchanges, these are your go-tos. Still, they require a steady hand and some adaptation to manage the heightened responsiveness.

Pro Tip: The LP S becomes far more forgiving with careful use of the adjustable weight system. Adding weight to the head enlarges the sweet spot and smooths out the edges—literally.

Metalbone LP & Metalbone 4 14.5

If the LP S and LP Team are high-octane race cars, the LP and 4 14.5 are precision-tuned sport sedans. Still powerful, but far more predictable and composed—especially in the transition zone and kitchen.

The traditional honeycomb core feels intuitive, especially for players used to other top-tier composite paddles. Touch shots, resets, and strategic placement feel easier and more consistent, even when pressure builds.

Between the two, the 4 14.5 is slightly thinner and benefits from added weight at the top to increase plow-through and boost power. The LP, with its default 16mm build, offers arguably the best all-court balance in the entire lineup—solid baseline performance without any major weaknesses up close.

Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right For You?

For power seekers and advanced players who like a paddle that bites: The LP S and LP Team offer serious firepower and will shine in aggressive, pace-driven matchups.
For control players, strategic thinkers, and those looking for balance: The LP is a standout, especially when you leverage its customizability.
If you’re a tweener looking for lightweight feel with options to tweak: The 4 14.5 can be adapted to suit various play styles.

Rahul Khadke