Adidas Adipower Pro-EDT CTRL 16 Review
Consensus score
My name is Rod, and I like to party. Adidas, apparently, likes pickleball now. The three stripes did not slap a logo on a generic paddle and call it a day. The Adipower Pro-EDT line is a real program: PPA Tour sponsorship, a US launch through Pickleball Central, and a pro model built for Jaume Martinez Vich. The CTRL 16 is the control sibling. Widebody face, raw carbon, foam around the edges, and a 16mm core. Reviewers say it does the control thing without forgetting how to finish a point, which is rarer than it sounds.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our rankings are never influenced by commissions or brand partnerships. Consensus score 83/100 (Good) — aggregated Oct 2026 from expert and owner reviews — how we rank.
The consensus verdict
Best for
Control-first players who still want to put balls away, widebody fans who like a big sweet spot, and anyone who wants a premium-feeling paddle under $200. Reviewers say the balance of touch and pop is the whole pitch.
Not for
Max-power hunters (the ATTK 14 sibling is the attacker), and players sensitive to grip shape. The boxy octagonal handle is the most divisive thing about this paddle.
Consensus 83/100 · Good
Weighted from Pickleheads' scored category review (8 to 9 out of 10 across categories), Pickleball Central's expert review, a YouTube playtest, and Pickleball Warehouse owner feedback. Control with genuine pop is the consensus strength; grip comfort is the nit.
Specs
| MSRP | $189.00 |
|---|---|
| Shape | Widebody 16" x 8.0" |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Face | Raw carbon |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb LD with TriFoam edge reinforcement |
| Weight | 7.8–8.2 oz |
| Handle | 5–5.5" (retailer specs vary), 4 1/8" octagonal grip |
| Approval | USAP approved |
Specs from Adidas and retailer listings. Boundary note: $189.00 sits in our $100–200 tier by rule.
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Control that still finishes. Pickleheads scored control 8.5 and power 8. Dinks and drops stay precise, and serves and counters jump with less effort than most control paddles. That combination is the entire reason to buy it.
- Widebody forgiveness. The 8-inch-wide face gives a generous, high-centered sweet spot. Resets and blocks feel effortless, and off-center volleys stay playable.
- Quick in hand. A 9/10 for aerodynamics. Reviewers say it is one of the quickest paddles in its class, easy to speed up for counters without losing control.
- Grit that lasts. After 15+ hours of testing, the raw carbon face showed no fade and no rattle, just minor edge scuffs. The spin stays.
Weaknesses & caveats
- The stock grip has to go. The most consistent complaint: the factory wrap is uncomfortable and owners replace it immediately. The octagonal shape also feels boxy to some hands. A few dollars of overgrip fixes it, but it should not need fixing.
- Good spin, not elite. At 8.5/10 the spin is real but not class-leading. Roll dinks dip late and topspin kicks, yet dedicated spin machines out-grip it.
- Low contact loses steam. The sweet spot sits high and centered. Catch it low on the face and the ball dies. Keep your contact up.
Synthesized from expert scored reviews (Pickleheads, Pickleball Central), video playtests, and retailer owner feedback. How we rank →
Who it's for
Who it's for
- You play controlled pickleball but still attack openings
- Widebody fans who want the biggest sweet spot
- You want premium feel without crossing $200
Who should skip it
- Power hunters — the ATTK 14 is the sibling you want
- You are picky about grip shape — try before you buy
- Elongated loyalists who need the extra reach
Pro usage
Jaume Martinez Vich — Adidas Adipower Pro-EDT, his pro model; the CTRL 16 carries his spec preferences including the longer handle. See the full tracker →
Where to buy
Check price at Pickleball Warehouse →
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← Best paddles $100–200 · Grit & spin explained · Paddle shapes explained
Adipower CTRL 16 FAQs
CTRL vs ATTK — which one?
The CTRL 16 is the widebody control option: bigger sweet spot, softer feel, easier resets. The ATTK 14 is the elongated attacker. Same family, opposite jobs.
Is Adidas legit in pickleball now?
Yes. PPA Tour paddle sponsor, official US launch through Pickleball Central, USAP-approved line. This is a real paddle program, not a licensing cash grab.
Is the grip really that bad?
The stock wrap is the most complained-about part of the paddle. A few dollars of overgrip fixes it, and owners say the paddle itself is great.