Stiga 18K X Hard Adam Axelsson Edition Padel Racket

STIGA calls the X Hard a further development of Adam's signature racket, and says the stiffer construction adds control at higher pace. That points it at players with an offensive mindset who already live at the net, not at someone who needs the racket to supply power. A retailer says the earlier Adam edition is slightly stiffer and more head-heavy than the 18K Hard it is based on, so treat the X Hard as the firm end of the range.

STIGA's Cybershape claims apply: a sweet spot about 20 per cent larger than a round racket's. This is a brand claim.

The plain 18K X Hard Cybershape is the non-signature version, and the softer 18K Hard 2 is the step below. We found no published difference between the signature and plain X Hard beyond the signature branding, so check the listing.

A hard racket benefits from a cushioned grip from the padel grips page, frame tape from the racket protector range and fresh balls from the padel balls range. Court shoes are on the padel shoes page.

Anyone with arm trouble, or who wants a forgiving racket. See the advanced padel rackets page for alternatives, the carbon padel rackets page, and the full padel racket range. Our guide to choosing a padel racket explains hardness.