Adidas's Adidas PB RX CTRL 3.3 is positioned at the mid end of the range, designed around competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape.
Build at a glance
- Core thickness14mm
- Face materialFibreglass composite
- ConstructionPolypropylene honeycomb core
- Skill levelPro
- Play styleControl · Spin
What this paddle does well
Raw carbon fibre face means the surface bites the ball for spin. Modern paddles peel-ply finish their face to keep the texture grippy without sanding it artificially.
Fibreglass faces are softer than carbon — more dwell time, more forgiveness on mishits, slightly less spin. Better for control-first players who prioritise touch.
A 14mm core leans more towards pop than control. Faster off the face, slightly punchier on resets — suits players who attack from the baseline.
Who it's for
This paddle is designed with competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape in mind. Right tier for improving club players ready for proper carbon or thermoformed construction without spending tour-paddle money.
The honest trade-offs
You give up some kitchen-game control compared to a 16mm core in exchange for the extra pop. the softer fibreglass face generates less spin than raw-carbon paddles — fine for control players, less ideal if you build your game around top-spin drives.
How it sits in the range
Browse Adidas's full UK line to compare against the brand's other models, or the wider paddle range to compare against equivalents from other brands at this tier.
Frequently asked
How long will this paddle last?
1–2 seasons of regular weekly play before noticeable dead-spot creep. Thermoformed unibody paddles tend toward the longer end of that range; sandwich-construction paddles toward the shorter.
Does this paddle come with a cover?
Cover inclusion varies by model and batch. Where Adidas bundles a cover, we mention it explicitly in the listing. Otherwise, paddle covers are sold separately and we recommend one for any paddle £100+.
How does the Adidas PB RX CTRL 3.3 compare to other paddles in this price band?
At this price you're competing against the equivalent tier from Selkirk SLK, JOOLA, Head Radical, and Vatic Pro. The differences come down to face grit, edge guard quality, and brand-specific feel — best to read the spec sheet, not just the badge.
What's the face made of?
The face is Fibreglass composite. Fibreglass faces are softer and more forgiving than carbon — better for control-first play.
Is the Adidas PB RX CTRL 3.3 too advanced for a beginner?
This paddle is engineered for advanced and tournament-bound players — tighter tolerances, more demanding sweet spot. Beginners can play it, but won't access most of what makes it special. Consider a £30–£90 starter paddle first.
Is the Adidas PB RX CTRL 3.3 USAPA approved?
Most current paddles from Adidas are USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play. Check the listing tags or contact us if you need confirmation for a specific event.