Adidas Metalbone LP S Paddle Review

We’ve hand-picked paddles to test, focusing on the latest releases from big and indie brands, breakthrough tech, and the gear buzzing among rec and pro players.

The Adidas Metalbone LP S hit every one of those marks—a flagship name, standout engineering, a memorable moniker, and plenty of chatter online and in review circles. Its adjustable weight-and-balance bolts and the striking rigid octagonal throat immediately grabbed my attention.

After a month of playtesting, I can attest that it delivers serious power and spin. However, a few lingering issues keep it from a higher score, landing it at 3.75 out of 5 balls.

Quick Video

By The Numbers

Specification	Measurement
Length	16.5″
Width	7.5″
Core Thickness	16 mm
Grip Length	5.5″
Grip Circumference	4.125″
Bolt Weights	6 × 2.6 g
Threaded Holes for Bolt Weights	8
Weight as Tested	8.30 oz
Marketed Average Weight Range	7.8 – 8.2 oz
Series Position	1 of 4 paddles in Metalbone series
Retail Price	$249

Nuts And Bolts

• Shape & Construction: Elongated unibody frame—carbon monocoque with texture layers
• Face & Core: Max Spin Blade spray grit over carbon fiber; EVA foam core with carbon stringers
• Design Details: Dimpled, edgeless surface; open poly throat; smooth perforated grip
• Certification: Provisionally UPA-A approved (the certification body is currently backlogged); newer Metalbones submitted to USAP and awaiting full approval

First Impressions

I couldn’t wait to handle the Metalbone LP S—and it delivers. Out of the box, it looks sharp: six removable metal bolts encircle the face, the octagonal throat blends seamlessly into the handle, and the dimpled surface, long white perforated grip, and understated Adidas branding all pop. The spray grit feels just right—though its longevity is always a question. The grip wrap is too slick and, at 4⅛″ diameter, small for larger hands.

A minor blemish: shallow vertical dimple lines on one side of the face. Hard to know if they’ll affect play, but they’re worth noting.

Practice swings confirmed a head-heavy feel, as expected. I tested the paddle stock—aside from experimenting with its adjustable bolts—and will dive into those weight configurations next.

Game on…The Play Testing

Indoor Rec Challenge

My first session with the Metalbone LP S was indoors, coming off recent test paddles I was using like the Joola Agassi Pro and Diadem Warrior BluCore.

In four games, I struggled to rein in its raw power and pinpoint the sweet spot—every shot exploded off the face with incredible speed and spin, but my control suffered.

Finding My Groove

On my next 90-minute run, I gradually learned to channel that pop for deeper drives and spinny returns.

Yet finesse shots—dinks and resets—remained a chore; the paddle’s liveliness just felt “too much” when I needed gentle placement.

Sweet Spot & Surface Quirks

With more reps over the following weeks, I unlocked its potential for thundering drives and deceptive spins.

Still, transitioning from a hard-hitting rally shot to a soft dink revealed a narrow sweet spot—and I couldn’t shake the thought that those shallow vertical dimple lines might be throwing off precision.

Weight-Bolt Experiments

• Top weights removed: Minimal change.
• All four bolts in the head: Explosive power—almost too much—and noticeable arm strain.

Each configuration taught me how sensitive this paddle is to even small weight shifts.

Metalbone vs. Other Power Pickleball Paddles

1. Power

Paddle	Power Rating (⭐️)
Adidas Metalbone LP S	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Max)
Joola Agassi Pro	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (Excellent)
Joola Ben Johns Perseus IV	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (Excellent)
Gearbox GX2	⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (Strong)
Diadem ICON Infinity Pro	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Elite)
CPX Max/Ultra	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Elite)

Few paddles deliver raw force like the Metalbone LP S. It eclipses the Joola Agassi Pro, Joola Ben Johns Perseus IV, and Gearbox GX2, sitting just a hair below the Diadem ICON Infinity Pro and CPX Max/Ultra models. Note that these were all tested stock. No enhancements.

The ball rockets off the face—you’ll need to master that launch angle or risk overhitting. (If only you could serve with it, then swap to an all-court paddle mid-rally!)

2. Spin

Topspin serves, slice returns, and spinny dinks all feel effortless. Its spin potential rivals the Joola Agassi Pro, Bread & Butter Invader, and Holbrook Aero T Metallic—even those with specialty woven or electrostatic faces.

My only lingering question: how will the spray grit hold up over time? Diadem’s ICON grit has shown some wear after five months of play yet still performs flawlessly.

3. Control & Touch

Despite its clever EVA-core channels and carbon-wrapped stringers, the Metalbone’s stability and finesse land squarely in the “average” camp. Other power-focused models I’ve tested deliver noticeably sharper feel and all-court versatility.

In control and touch, this paddle feels more like a mid-tier Gen 2 honeycomb design than a cutting-edge powerhouse.

The Final Score

Category	Rating (1 Out of 5)
Design/Build	🎾🎾🎾🎾
Grip	🎾🎾🎾🎾
Control	🎾🎾½
Spin	🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾
Power	🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾
Price Point/Value	🎾🎾🎾¾
Overall Score	🎾🎾🎾¾

This paddle is an absolute blast when you’re in full-bore banger mode—my hardest serves, spin-laden drives, and kitchen-line smashes came alive here. But it sacrifices control and raises durability questions around that unique foam core. And until full USAP approval arrives, it remains provisional for sanctioned play with UPA-A—and removable weights rule out pro-tour use.

As Adidas experiments with cores, balance, and spin, I’m hopeful Gen 3 Metalbones will nail stability without sacrificing power. For now, the Metalbone LP S is a thrilling, niche tool for power-hungry players—but not the do-it-all paddle.

Pickle on my friends, pickle on…