Bullpadel Vertex 04 2026: Is This the Ultimate Power Racket?
If you’ve been following professional padel, you’ll know the Bullpadel Vertex line has become synonymous with aggressive, attacking play. The Vertex 04 — now carried forward into the 2025/2026 season — continues to be one of the most sought-after diamond-shaped rackets on the market. Used by the likes of Paquito Navarro and other top professionals, this racket is built for players who want to dominate from the back of the court with devastating smashes and powerful drives.
But is it the right racket for you? In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Bullpadel Vertex 04, from its Xtend Carbon 12K hitting surface to the CustomWeight system that lets you fine-tune the balance. Let’s get into it.
First Impressions & Design
Straight out of the box, the Vertex 04 looks the part. Bullpadel have gone with a bold, angular design that screams aggression. The diamond shape is immediately obvious — this is a racket with a high balance point, designed to generate maximum power on overhead shots.
The build quality is excellent. You can feel the rigidity of the CarbonTube frame construction, which uses 100% carbon for enhanced stability and durability. The textured hitting surface has a satisfying roughness that promises serious spin potential — and it delivers on that promise, as we’ll discuss later.
At 365-375g, it sits in the typical weight range for an advanced racket, though the CustomWeight system means you can tweak this to your liking.
Key Technologies
Xtend Carbon 12K Hitting Surface
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Xtend Carbon 12K face. This premium carbon fibre offers a rigid, responsive hitting surface that transfers energy efficiently from your swing to the ball. The 12K weave provides a firm feel on contact, giving you that satisfying “crack” on clean strikes that lower-grade carbon simply can’t match.
What makes it special is the rough, textured surface treatment. Bullpadel have engineered a gritty finish that grips the ball on contact, allowing you to generate impressive spin on everything from bandeja shots to aggressive topspin smashes.
CurvAktiv Technology
Bullpadel’s CurvAktiv frame design is a clever piece of engineering. The variable cross-section of the frame creates better aerodynamics and improved energy transfer. The twist angle design gives the frame structural rigidity whilst reducing unnecessary material, resulting in a frame that’s stiff where it needs to be and forgiving where it matters.
Air Power System
The Air Power channelling system increases airflow through the frame, reducing drag during your swing. In practical terms, this means faster racket head speed — particularly noticeable when you’re going for aggressive overhead shots or quick volleys at the net.
CustomWeight System
One of the most practical innovations on the Vertex 04 is the CustomWeight system. Located inside the Metalshield bumper protector, this system lets you add or remove 3g aluminium adhesive plates at multiple positions around the racket head. You get five customisation points — four at the top and one in the handle — allowing you to shift the balance higher for more power or lower for better manoeuvrability.
MultiEVA Core
The MultiEVA core uses dual-density foam technology that adapts to different shot types. On softer touches, the foam compresses gently for control and feel. On harder strikes, the denser layers activate to provide a solid platform for power. It’s a well-balanced core that prevents the racket from feeling overly harsh despite the firm carbon face.
Vibration Control: Ease Vibe, Hesacore & Vibradrive
Bullpadel haven’t skimped on comfort technologies either. The combination of Ease Vibe, Hesacore, and Vibradrive systems absorbs up to 49% of impact vibrations. This is crucial for a power racket like this — without proper vibration dampening, the firm carbon face and aggressive balance could lead to arm discomfort over long matches.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shape | Diamond |
| Weight | 365–375g |
| Thickness | 38mm |
| Balance | High (~250mm) |
| Hitting Surface | Xtend Carbon 12K (textured) |
| Core | MultiEVA (dual density) |
| Frame | CarbonTube (100% carbon) |
| Playing Surface Area | 528 cm² |
| Player Level | Expert / Advanced |
| Playing Style | Attacking / Power |
On-Court Performance
Power
Let’s not beat around the bush — this racket absolutely hammers the ball. The combination of diamond shape, high balance, 12K carbon face, and rigid frame construction makes the Vertex 04 one of the most powerful rackets on the market. Smashes leave the racket with serious velocity, and even drives from the baseline carry impressive weight.
If you’re the type of player who looks for every opportunity to attack, this racket rewards that mindset generously. The high sweet spot placement means you get maximum leverage on overhead shots, which is exactly where this racket shines brightest.
Spin
The textured 12K carbon surface is genuinely effective at generating spin. Bandejas come off with lovely bite, and you can impart serious topspin on aggressive shots. The rough surface grabs the ball noticeably more than smooth-faced alternatives, giving you an extra dimension to your attacking game.
Control
Here’s where we need to be honest: this is a power-first racket. Control is decent for what it is, but it’s not going to match a round or teardrop-shaped racket in terms of precision. The high balance and diamond shape naturally sacrifice some manoeuvrability and touch for raw power. If control and placement are your primary concerns, the Vertex Hybrid might be a better bet.
That said, for a diamond-shaped power racket, the Vertex 04 offers surprisingly good feedback and feel. The MultiEVA core helps with softer shots, and you can still pull off delicate touches at the net — it just takes more skill than with a more forgiving shape.
Defence
Defence is the weakest area, as you’d expect from a heavy, head-heavy diamond racket. Quick exchanges at the net can feel challenging, and digging out low balls requires solid technique. If you’re frequently on the back foot during rallies, you’ll feel the weight working against you in defensive situations.
Comfort
Despite being a firm, aggressive racket, the Vertex 04 is surprisingly comfortable for extended play. The triple vibration control system (Ease Vibe, Hesacore, Vibradrive) does an excellent job of filtering out harsh vibrations. I’d still recommend pairing it with a quality overgrip like the Wilson Pro Overgrip for extra cushioning and sweat absorption, along with padel wristbands to keep your hands dry during intense rallies.
Who Is This Racket For?
The Bullpadel Vertex 04 is designed for advanced to expert players who prioritise power and aggression. You’ll get the most out of it if you:
- Have a developed overhead game (smashes, bandejas, viborás)
- Play predominantly from the right side (drive position)
- Generate your own power through technique and swing speed
- Want to finish points rather than extend rallies
- Have experience with diamond-shaped rackets
This is not a beginner’s racket. If you’re still developing your technique, a rounder, more forgiving shape will serve you much better in the long run.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Devastating power — one of the most powerful rackets available
- Excellent spin generation — textured 12K carbon face grips the ball brilliantly
- Premium build quality — CarbonTube frame and top-tier materials throughout
- CustomWeight system — fine-tune the balance to your preference
- Surprisingly comfortable — triple vibration dampening system works well
- Pro-proven — used at the highest level of the sport
Cons
- Not forgiving — demands good technique, especially on off-centre hits
- Limited manoeuvrability — heavy and head-heavy; not ideal for quick defensive exchanges
- Premium price point — you’re paying for top-of-the-line technology
- Not suitable for beginners — intermediate to advanced players only
What to Pair It With
A racket this good deserves proper accessories. Carry it in a Bullpadel racket bag to keep it protected between sessions. Here are our recommendations:
- Overgrips: The Wilson Pro Overgrip is our top choice — excellent absorption and a tacky feel that pairs brilliantly with the Vertex’s aggressive play style.
- Balls: We’d recommend using HEAD Padel Pro balls for optimal performance. They’re the official ball for Premier Padel and offer consistent bounce and durability.
- Racket protector: Given the investment, a quality bumper protector is a worthwhile addition to prevent damage to the carbon frame during wall contact.
Vertex 04 vs Vertex 05 (2026): Should You Upgrade?
Bullpadel have now released the Vertex 05 for 2026, which refines many of the technologies found in the 04. Key changes include:
- The CurvAktiv twist angle increases to 31.6° (an 11° increase) for better energy transfer
- Air resistance reduced by up to 23% for faster swing speed
- Refined 12K carbon weave pattern for improved reactivity
- Simplified CustomWeight system (four positions instead of five)
If you already own the Vertex 04 and it suits your game, there’s no urgent need to upgrade — the improvements are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. However, if you’re buying fresh, the Vertex 05 offers marginal gains across the board.
The Verdict
The Bullpadel Vertex 04 is a seriously impressive power racket that lives up to its professional pedigree. The Xtend Carbon 12K face delivers explosive power and excellent spin, the CarbonTube frame provides rock-solid stability, and the CustomWeight system adds a welcome layer of personalisation.
It demands respect — this isn’t a racket that will paper over technical shortcomings. But if you’ve got the game to match its capabilities, the Vertex 04 will reward your attacking play like few other rackets can.
Rating: 9/10 — A top-tier power racket for advanced players who want to dominate.
