ZARVO

Racket comparison

Black Crown Gladius 2026 vs Black Crown Gladius Force 2026

The Black Crown Gladius 2026 scores higher for power; the Black Crown Gladius Force 2026 for rebound.

Black Crown Gladius 2026 padel racket

Black Crown

Black Crown Gladius 2026

Black Crown Gladius Force 2026 padel racket

Black Crown

Black Crown Gladius Force 2026

Season
2026
2026
Shape
Tear
Tear
Weight
355 - 370 gr
355 - 370 gr
Touch
Medium-Hard
Medium
Core
Medium Black EVA
Hard Black EVA
Faces
18K Carbon
18K Carbon
Frame
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber
Catalogue rating
8.0/10
8.0/10
Power
8.1/10
7.5/10
Control
8.4/10
8.7/10
Manoeuvrability
7.8/10
8.0/10
Rebound
7.6/10
8.0/10
Sweet spot
8.1/10
7.9/10
Strengths
  • Controlled back-court transitions
  • Stable flat volleys at net
  • Reliable *bandeja* and *víbora*
  • Stable, predictable handling
  • Clean, disciplined ball exit
  • Controlled *bandeja* and *víbora*
Tradeoffs
  • No free power on defense
  • Punishes late off-center contact
  • Demanding on sensitive arms
  • Defense demands proper technique
  • Limited free pop from baseline
  • Overheads need full acceleration

Scores are editorial catalogue ratings out of 10 from the source reviews, not customer reviews. Prices and stock haven’t been checked.

Which suits whom

  • Choose the Black Crown Gladius 2026 if you value power: its catalogue scores are higher (power 8.1 vs 7.5).
  • Choose the Black Crown Gladius Force 2026 if you value rebound: its catalogue scores are higher (rebound 8.0 vs 7.6).
  • The Black Crown Gladius Force 2026 has the softer touch (Medium vs Medium-Hard), which is usually more comfortable and gives easier depth; the firmer Black Crown Gladius 2026 rewards faster swings with more control at pace.

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