It is pleasing to see some knowledgeable comments, of which are correct by carbon definition. However, it is important to simplify explanations in the video because carbon definitions are not common knowledge to all consumers. By definition: The higher the “k” the more tightly packed the carbon fibres (3k = 3000 fibres etc), meaning the higher the “k” the stronger the carbon. But, a 3k carbon padel such as the Neuron (albeit less carbon fibres) is more comfortable and responsive than a 18k Hack. For example, despite the Hack 18k having a higher carbon fibre count and being deemed the strongest does not result in the power or comfort output suitable for many players, because the Hack will absorb, resulting in a less responsive surface and require a more advanced swing type. We’d be wrong to suggest otherwise and have many consumers playing with Hack as opposed to something more suitable. Note there are other factors to performance output such as head shape, padel stability and surface area. The Neuron has the largest surface area (hybrid), plus 3k carbon so offers a lot of all-round comfort and power. Whilst the Hack 04 (diamond) has the smallest surface area, combined with 18k carbon, will be least forgiving. This leaves the Vertex 04 sitting in between at 12k, giving a perfect balance of power, control and comfort. You will also notice a visible weave or chequered pattern on each padel that is explained in the video, this is to explain 3k carbon with a 3mm visible weave, 12k/12mm and 18k/18mm.
Guy has no idea what 18k or 12k carbon means. It's the number of filaments of carbon in each ribbon, then you have your weave pattern, grams per square meter and so many other aspects that define the structural characteristics of it. It's a shame wrong info is being given like this.
@EverythingPadel not your fault Ewan, we would expect the Bullpadel distributor in the UK to know his thing on the engineering of the rackets, you are amazing and I love your channel
In padel rackets the K number of the carbon used in the face is probably the least important thing to determine the stiffness. Glue, layers and etc have far more impact in that
Carbon K number only tells how many single parallel fibres there is in one "bunch" (and those bunches form a visual "chess board pattern"). What K number doesn't tell is how heavy, strong or stiff the carbon fabric is. Single fibers come in different diameters so 3K with thicker threads is heavier and stiffer than 18K with thinner threads and so on.. Manufacturers won't usually tell how many grams per square meter their carbon weighs or how many layers they use in different models. For example 300, 400 or 600 g/m2 carbon in racket face would give much more information than "18K". I've learned that usually less K = stiffer and more K = more flexible in carbons used in padel industry. That of course if there is same number of layers and the foam is identical. Brands can confuse us consumers using different foams and number of layers marketing 18K stiffer than 12K even when the basic material is vice versa. I think that was the case with former Nox AT10:s.
Really nice video! I think Vertex is the most allround racket from any brand. Very easy to play with and suits everyone maybe even beginners with some experience.
Higher number of K of the carconfibres makes a stiffer surface. 18 k is a stiffer surface compared to the old industrystandard 3k. It is how many threads of carconfibres per squarecm. I buy and sell palas and 24 k is the max as standard I know of. In for example Drop Shot palas like Pablo Limas or JMDs former DS. Let us make that clear. Then the stiff feel of a racket of course depends on the mix between the core and the surface in combo with the shape and balance. Cheers from Sweden.
Important to mention that Hack rackets have a TriCarbon which means three carbon layers and Vertex has X-tend carbon which is 2 carbon layers and 1 fiberglass if not mistaken. Hack could feel bit stiffer compared to a Vertex in this case even though it has higher K. Usually within the same brand the lower the K count, the stiffer the carbon fiber, as smaller bundles (like 3K) allow for tighter weaves and higher precision, enhancing stiffness and performance. All is ofcourse combination of total carbon layers and type EVA/Foam they use.
The top brands are manufacturing their products in Asia and avoid using double carbon layers due to the cost. Their primary focus is on reducing production costs while selling the rackets at the highest possible price by adding unnecessary features like a changeable strap or similar gimmicks. The only rackets you can find with double carbon layers are made in Spain, such as those from Starvie. However, if you compare the stiffness of a Starvie Triton Pro vs Bullpadel Hack or an Adidas Metalbone HRD, the stiff difference is huge.
As a consumer, I find it very annoying that most manufacturers can't get their facts straight and explain clearly the differences between the models that they sell. For example, take a look at what Bullpadel says about the Vertex and Vertex Hybrid on their website - it’s the exact same text, which was probably meant for the hybrid version. Their distributor is saying some absolute nonsense here about carbon surfaces. 12K means 12000. 12 thousand filaments in a fiber tow. And the core (rubber) of the rackets is not even mentioned in the video?
It’s not about the racket at all for intermediate and beginners it’s about tactics and know the fundamental how to play padel working on that is crucial things last thing to add is the racket to assist you and Improve your shots
Weird that Fede Chingotto's racket is not considered "good" to be honest 😅 and the confusion with the Carbon is weird. So which is the stiffest after all? I'm on Hack CMF and thinking on going stiffer for next year...
guy is a sale guy and doesnt seem to know what he is talking about. But in general its a combination of Carbon/rubber so its not just as simple as 12k and 18k. also some rackets uses multiple layers and the quality of the carbon itself differs from one to another.
Sadly the agent for Bullpadel is totally wrong regarding the reasoning around 3k, 12 and 18K. Is Bullpadel ok with that lack of knowledge from their "nr 1 guy"? 18K means 18,000 carbon filaments per thread, meaning high resistance and stiffness. This results in excellent power when hitting the ball hard. Opposite when you hit the ball with little force. 12K means 12,000 carbon filaments per thread, meaning a softer feeling. 3K yet softer! This is reflected in for instance offensive player Paquito choosing a higher K... while a more defensive player like Chingotto chooses a lower K. im truly amazed at the fact that a general agent for Bullpadel is offering a word salad of incorrect descriptions when he is presenting new rackets! Almost hillarious!
mmm no, higher the k softer it is, you can see it the squares are bigger on 18k , more large, more flexible. but carbon k is not all what matter in terms of stiffness
The explanation on carbon rating is incorrect. 18K will be the stiffest and rigid. 18K means it has 18000 carbon filament per bundle, 12K 12000 and 3K is 3000 filament per bundle. Thus, the higher the number, the stiffer and rigid it will be and more expensive it will be. Knowing about this, is it possible for you to edit the video?
I own the Vertex 04 2025 and the XPlo 25. I didn't see any difference in terms of power between the two. On the other hand, in terms of control, I found that the XPlo lacked it terribly, probably because of its smooth and lacquered surface. I tested the XPlo with the Head Pro Spin Strips and it was a little better, then with the 4ON TotalSpin thanks to which I was able to recover a lot of control..... And constraints! In conclusion, the XPlo disappointed me a lot and the Vertex 04 2025 is, in my opinion, much better. Finally, I find the Vertex 04 2024 better than the 2025, more tolerant and slightly more powerful than the 2025 🙂
It is pleasing to see some knowledgeable comments, of which are correct by carbon definition. However, it is important to simplify explanations in the video because carbon definitions are not common knowledge to all consumers.
By definition: The higher the “k” the more tightly packed the carbon fibres (3k = 3000 fibres etc), meaning the higher the “k” the stronger the carbon.
But, a 3k carbon padel such as the Neuron (albeit less carbon fibres) is more comfortable and responsive than a 18k Hack.
For example, despite the Hack 18k having a higher carbon fibre count and being deemed the strongest does not result in the power or comfort output suitable for many players, because the Hack will absorb, resulting in a less responsive surface and require a more advanced swing type. We’d be wrong to suggest otherwise and have many consumers playing with Hack as opposed to something more suitable.
Note there are other factors to performance output such as head shape, padel stability and surface area. The Neuron has the largest surface area (hybrid), plus 3k carbon so offers a lot of all-round comfort and power. Whilst the Hack 04 (diamond) has the smallest surface area, combined with 18k carbon, will be least forgiving. This leaves the Vertex 04 sitting in between at 12k, giving a perfect balance of power, control and comfort.
You will also notice a visible weave or chequered pattern on each padel that is explained in the video, this is to explain 3k carbon with a 3mm visible weave, 12k/12mm and 18k/18mm.
Guy has no idea what 18k or 12k carbon means. It's the number of filaments of carbon in each ribbon, then you have your weave pattern, grams per square meter and so many other aspects that define the structural characteristics of it. It's a shame wrong info is being given like this.
Will have to look into this
@EverythingPadel not your fault Ewan, we would expect the Bullpadel distributor in the UK to know his thing on the engineering of the rackets, you are amazing and I love your channel
In padel rackets the K number of the carbon used in the face is probably the least important thing to determine the stiffness. Glue, layers and etc have far more impact in that
Carbon K number only tells how many single parallel fibres there is in one "bunch" (and those bunches form a visual "chess board pattern"). What K number doesn't tell is how heavy, strong or stiff the carbon fabric is. Single fibers come in different diameters so 3K with thicker threads is heavier and stiffer than 18K with thinner threads and so on.. Manufacturers won't usually tell how many grams per square meter their carbon weighs or how many layers they use in different models. For example 300, 400 or 600 g/m2 carbon in racket face would give much more information than "18K". I've learned that usually less K = stiffer and more K = more flexible in carbons used in padel industry. That of course if there is same number of layers and the foam is identical. Brands can confuse us consumers using different foams and number of layers marketing 18K stiffer than 12K even when the basic material is vice versa. I think that was the case with former Nox AT10:s.
biggest debate in padel as we still are in the stone ages of the sport @@EverythingPadel
Really nice video!
I think Vertex is the most allround racket from any brand. Very easy to play with and suits everyone maybe even beginners with some experience.
Higher number of K of the carconfibres makes a stiffer surface. 18 k is a stiffer surface compared to the old industrystandard 3k. It is how many threads of carconfibres per squarecm. I buy and sell palas and 24 k is the max as standard I know of. In for example Drop Shot palas like Pablo Limas or JMDs former DS. Let us make that clear. Then the stiff feel of a racket of course depends on the mix between the core and the surface in combo with the shape and balance. Cheers from Sweden.
Did he say the Neuron is really really powerful ? :) :) :) you made my day
is max sure about the 12k and 18k meaning the weave size? every definition of carbon means the number of individual strands of carbon...!
He is wrong
Important to mention that Hack rackets have a TriCarbon which means three carbon layers and Vertex has X-tend carbon which is 2 carbon layers and 1 fiberglass if not mistaken.
Hack could feel bit stiffer compared to a Vertex in this case even though it has higher K.
Usually within the same brand the lower the K count, the stiffer the carbon fiber, as smaller bundles (like 3K) allow for tighter weaves and higher precision, enhancing stiffness and performance.
All is ofcourse combination of total carbon layers and type EVA/Foam they use.
The top brands are manufacturing their products in Asia and avoid using double carbon layers due to the cost. Their primary focus is on reducing production costs while selling the rackets at the highest possible price by adding unnecessary features like a changeable strap or similar gimmicks.
The only rackets you can find with double carbon layers are made in Spain, such as those from Starvie. However, if you compare the stiffness of a Starvie Triton Pro vs Bullpadel Hack or an Adidas Metalbone HRD, the stiff difference is huge.
Great vid Ewan! Bullpadel are quality rackets!
Keep up with the good vids.
As a consumer, I find it very annoying that most manufacturers can't get their facts straight and explain clearly the differences between the models that they sell.
For example, take a look at what Bullpadel says about the Vertex and Vertex Hybrid on their website - it’s the exact same text, which was probably meant for the hybrid version. Their distributor is saying some absolute nonsense here about carbon surfaces. 12K means 12000. 12 thousand filaments in a fiber tow. And the core (rubber) of the rackets is not even mentioned in the video?
It’s not about the racket at all for intermediate and beginners it’s about tactics and know the fundamental how to play padel working on that is crucial things last thing to add is the racket to assist you and Improve your shots
Oh where are the specific videos, thanks great video.
Will you be doing the same reviews on the new Nox range?
Yes👍🏼
Weird that Fede Chingotto's racket is not considered "good" to be honest 😅 and the confusion with the Carbon is weird.
So which is the stiffest after all?
I'm on Hack CMF and thinking on going stiffer for next year...
fun fact, the xplo isn't the most powerful. higher the carbon k softer it is, yes, but there is the rubber too that determine the power and control.
guy is a sale guy and doesnt seem to know what he is talking about. But in general its a combination of Carbon/rubber so its not just as simple as 12k and 18k. also some rackets uses multiple layers and the quality of the carbon itself differs from one to another.
Sadly the agent for Bullpadel is totally wrong regarding the reasoning around 3k, 12 and 18K. Is Bullpadel ok with that lack of knowledge from their "nr 1 guy"? 18K means 18,000 carbon filaments per thread, meaning high resistance and stiffness. This results in excellent power when hitting the ball hard. Opposite when you hit the ball with little force.
12K means 12,000 carbon filaments per thread, meaning a softer feeling. 3K yet softer! This is reflected in for instance offensive player Paquito choosing a higher K... while a more defensive player like Chingotto chooses a lower K. im truly amazed at the fact that a general agent for Bullpadel is offering a word salad of incorrect descriptions when he is presenting new rackets! Almost hillarious!
mmm no, higher the k softer it is, you can see it the squares are bigger on 18k , more large, more flexible. but carbon k is not all what matter in terms of stiffness
The explanation on carbon rating is incorrect. 18K will be the stiffest and rigid. 18K means it has 18000 carbon filament per bundle, 12K 12000 and 3K is 3000 filament per bundle. Thus, the higher the number, the stiffer and rigid it will be and more expensive it will be. Knowing about this, is it possible for you to edit the video?
I own the Vertex 04 2025 and the XPlo 25. I didn't see any difference in terms of power between the two. On the other hand, in terms of control, I found that the XPlo lacked it terribly, probably because of its smooth and lacquered surface. I tested the XPlo with the Head Pro Spin Strips and it was a little better, then with the 4ON TotalSpin thanks to which I was able to recover a lot of control..... And constraints!
In conclusion, the XPlo disappointed me a lot and the Vertex 04 2025 is, in my opinion, much better. Finally, I find the Vertex 04 2024 better than the 2025, more tolerant and slightly more powerful than the 2025 🙂
Can je do this with all the new nox at10 18k ect?
what would you suggest for an intermediate player who is a lefty? i got the at10 now but i feel i am missing control
You need to turn it around..... you're holding it in a rightys way 😁
W video as usual
Vamosss
Whats the difference between 12k and 18k carbon? You lost me lol
I don't think anyone knows
higher the k softer it is
Really sad to see some wrong info here… and a biased opinion from max
The guy that sells the racket dosent know what he's saying pathetic