Paquito Navarro’s Dynamic Power Weapon
A decade of Hack evolution reaches its apex. The most aerodynamically advanced power racket Bullpadel has ever created.
💎 Diamond Shape
⚡ Dynamic Power
🎯 Professional Level
There are rackets that define eras, and then there’s the Bullpadel Hack. For over a decade, this has been the beating heart of Bullpadel’s offensive arsenal — the racket that Paquito Navarro trusts when he steps onto the Premier Padel Tour and unleashes those devastating smashes that have made him one of the most feared players on the circuit.
The Bullpadel Hack 04 2026 isn’t just the latest iteration of this legendary line — it’s a complete reimagining of what a power racket can be. Bullpadel has introduced the concept of “dynamic power”, a philosophy that goes beyond simply hitting hard. The Hack 04 is engineered to maximise the speed generated by your movement, transforming kinetic energy into precise, explosive impacts that leave opponents scrambling.
With an RRP of £305.00 (available from around £269.99 at UK retailers), this is a premium weapon aimed squarely at advanced and professional players who demand the absolute best from their equipment. But does it deliver? Let’s find out.
🏛️ Bullpadel Brand Heritage — 30 Years of Padel Obsession
Founded in 1995 and revitalised under Spanish company Aguirre y Cía in 2005, Bullpadel stands apart from its competitors in one crucial way: it’s a padel-only brand. Whilst HEAD, Babolat, and Wilson spread their attention across tennis, squash, and other racket sports, Bullpadel has been laser-focused on padel for three decades.
That singular focus has produced remarkable innovations. Bullpadel pioneered the Air React Channel — the world’s first air channel in a padel racket — and developed exclusive materials like TriCarbon 18K, a carbon fibre composed of 18,000 ultra-fine filaments that you simply won’t find in any other manufacturer’s rackets.
The brand’s connection to professional padel runs deep. Bullpadel has served as the official apparel sponsor of the World Padel Tour and, from 2024, became an official partner of Premier Padel, the sport’s premier professional tour. Their roster of sponsored players reads like a who’s who of padel: Paquito Navarro, Gemma Triay, Alejandra Salazar, Fede Chingotto, and Martín Di Nenno.
Everything Bullpadel produces is informed by constant feedback from these world-class athletes, processed through their in-house Bullpadel Lab R&D facility. The Hack 04 represents the culmination of that process — ten years of refinement from the original Hack through the Hack 02, Hack 03, and now this fourth generation masterpiece.
🏆 Who Is Paquito Navarro? — The King of Power Padel
Francisco “Paquito” Navarro Castillo (born 10 July 1989, Sevilla) is one of the most decorated and entertaining players in the history of professional padel. Known for his explosive attacking style and breathtaking point-ending smashes, Paquito has been at the pinnacle of the sport for well over a decade.
Career Highlights
- 🏆 Multiple World Padel Tour titles across several seasons
- 🥇 Former World No. 1 — reached the summit of professional padel
- 🇪🇸 Spanish national team representative
- 💥 Known as the “King of the Smash” — one of the most powerful hitters in professional padel
- 📊 Consistently ranked in the top 10 throughout his career
- 🤝 Notable partnerships with Martín Di Nenno and Juan Lebrón
Playing Style
Paquito’s game is built on explosive aggression. He’s a right-side player who dominates from the net position, looking to finish points with powerful volleys and overhead smashes that are among the hardest in the professional game. His attacking instincts are matched by surprisingly nimble footwork — he’s not just a basher, but a player who constructs points before delivering the knockout blow.
This playing style demands a racket that can deliver maximum power whilst still providing enough feedback to execute precision volleys and defensive shots. The Hack line has been designed around Paquito’s game for a decade, and the Hack 04 represents the closest alignment yet between player and equipment.
🎨 Design & Aesthetics
The first thing you notice about the Hack 04 2026 is the Total Channel running around the entire frame perimeter. It’s not just a design flourish — it’s a visible declaration of Bullpadel’s aerodynamic intent. The channel creates a distinctive profile that sets the Hack 04 apart from every other racket on the market.
The colourway for 2026 is a sophisticated mix of dark tones with Bullpadel’s signature styling, giving the racket a menacing, purposeful look. The 3D Grain texture on the face features concentric circles that catch the light and hint at the spin-enhancing technology beneath.
Build quality is outstanding. The Carbon Tube frame construction — bidirectional carbon forming the racket’s skeleton — feels rigid and purposeful in hand. The Hesacore honeycomb grip treatment is immediately comfortable, with its ergonomic cells allowing your fingers to settle into a natural, secure position. The Vibradrive handle insert is discreet but you can feel the difference — there’s a reassuring solidity without the harsh vibration you might expect from such a stiff frame.
🏗️ Build Quality Highlights
Frame
100% Carbon Tube (bidirectional)
Finish
3D Grain concentric circles
Grip
Hesacore honeycomb ergonomic
Handle
Vibradrive anti-vibration insert
🔬 Technology Deep Dive — 12 Technologies, One Mission: Dynamic Power
The Hack 04 2026 is arguably the most technologically advanced padel racket on the market. Twelve distinct technologies work in concert to deliver what Bullpadel calls “dynamic power” — the ability to maximise the speed generated by your movement and transform it into devastating impacts.
🌊 Total Channel
The headline innovation. A continuous aerodynamic channel runs around the entire frame perimeter, minimising air resistance and optimising swing speed. This connects to the Air React Channel system, creating an integrated airflow network that makes the racket faster through the air. The channel also improves torsional stability and frame rigidity for better energy transfer.
🔺 Tricore
The redesigned heart of the racket features thickened vectors that reduce vibrations and enhance stability. For 2026, the Air React Channel now runs completely through the Tricore, creating turbulence-free airflow. This improves handling and acceleration, allowing for faster movements and increased power with every stroke.
💨 Air React Channel
The world’s first air channel developed in padel, now in its most advanced form. The Air React Channel reduces air resistance in the racket’s heart area, making it lighter and more agile. Its four structural arms reinforce the frame’s integrity whilst optimising energy return, increasing ball exit speed, and enhancing game reactivity.
🛡️ Ease Vibe
State-of-the-art dampeners integrated into four strategic holes, tested by the Polytechnic University of Madrid and proven to absorb up to 49% of vibrations. Their spring-like geometry allows unique customisation of feel and balance — remove or reposition them to fine-tune your racket between control and power.
⚖️ CustomWeight
Gel-tipped plates weighing 3g each slot into designated positions at the top of the frame. The Hack 04 accommodates up to four weights, enabling up to +22g heavier and a balance change of ±1cm. Customise your “Candela” (firepower) level to match your playing style and physical preferences.
🔬 TriCarbon 18K
Exclusive to Bullpadel, this carbon fibre uses 18,000 ultra-fine filaments arranged in three directions (tridirectional architecture). Unlike 3K (dry, hard) or 12K (uniform stiffness), the 18K’s open weave creates a lightweight layup that optimises face acceleration and snap-back after impact. Pure offensive energy.
🥪 MultiEVA
A “sandwich” core structure with three EVA layers of different densities. Outer layers: high-density EVA for explosive power on hard hits. Inner layer: softer EVA for comfort, control, and vibration reduction on touch shots. The core adapts dynamically to your shot intensity — power when you attack, comfort when you defend.
🕳️ Smart Holes
The new concentric circle hole pattern provides more balanced distribution across the face, greater flexibility, improved ball output, and a larger sweet spot. A subtle but significant upgrade that makes the Hack 04 more forgiving than previous generations.
🌀 3D Grain
A new 3D rough surface featuring concentric circles, designed to generate greater friction on impact. This ensures longer, more precise ball contact for enhanced spin on both groundstrokes and delicate net shots like bandeja and vibora.
🐝 Hesacore
The updated honeycomb grip sleeve features an advanced anti-vibration elastomer that filters and minimises discomfort. Its ergonomic design maximises hand-to-handle contact, reducing strain and injury risk whilst providing a firm, comfortable grip for total control.
📐 Vibradrive
A highly elastic elastomer inserted along the handle’s longitudinal axis, fragmenting the handle to absorb vibrations — especially effective on off-centre impacts where harsh feedback would otherwise transmit to your arm and elbow.
🔧 Carbon Tube
Bidirectional carbon construction forms the frame’s skeleton, providing exceptional strength, rigidity, and stability. Combined with the Total Channel and Tricore, this creates a frame that channels maximum energy into every shot.
🎬 Video Review
Watch the comprehensive on-court review of the Bullpadel Hack 04 2026 from OtroNivelPadel, including comparison with the Hack 04 Hybrid:
And here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison of the Hack 04 vs Hack 04 Hybrid, perfect for deciding which variant suits your game:
🏟️ On-Court Performance
💥 Power & Smashes
This is where the Hack 04 earns its reputation. The combination of Total Channel aerodynamics, high balance point, and TriCarbon 18K face creates a racket that absolutely detonates on overhead smashes. The swing speed advantage from the aerodynamic frame is noticeable from the first hit — the racket accelerates through the air faster than anything I’ve tested from Bullpadel’s previous generations.
The MultiEVA core’s high-density outer layers give a crisp, immediate response on aggressive shots. There’s minimal energy loss — it feels like the racket is actively amplifying your input rather than absorbing it. Flat smashes carry devastating pace, and the 3D Grain texture adds a bite of spin that makes the ball kick awkwardly off the glass.
Power rating: 9.5/10 — genuinely one of the most explosive rackets on the market.
🏐 Net Play & Volleys
Here’s where the Hack 04 surprises. Despite its power-first orientation, the racket performs admirably at the net. The Smart Holes pattern has genuinely expanded the sweet spot compared to the Hack 03, meaning off-centre volleys that would have jarred your arm on the previous model now feel more controlled and comfortable.
The Ease Vibe dampeners and Vibradrive system work together to take the sting out of faster-paced volleys. You can play a reactive volleying game without your arm complaining after a long session. That said, this remains a racket that wants to attack — it’s happiest when you’re punching volleys with intent rather than soft-touching them.
Volley rating: 7.5/10 — solid for a diamond, excellent with the Ease Vibe dampeners installed.
🛡️ Defence & Back-Court
This is the trade-off with any diamond-shaped, high-balance power racket. Defensive lobs and controlled recovery shots from deep require more effort and technique compared to a round or teardrop shape. The weight distribution means you need to actively manage the racket head during fast defensive exchanges.
However, the MultiEVA’s softer inner layer does provide a degree of forgiveness on defensive shots that pure power rackets sometimes lack. When you’re stretched and playing a survival lob, the core absorbs enough energy to give you reasonable control. It’s not a defensive weapon, but it won’t leave you completely exposed either.
Defence rating: 6.5/10 — honest for a pure power diamond; the MultiEVA core helps.
🌀 Spin & Touch
The 3D Grain texture is a genuine upgrade. Bullpadel’s concentric circle rough surface grabs the ball noticeably better than the previous generation’s texture. Bandejas and viboras come off with good spin, and there’s enough control in the touch to execute the occasional chiquita when needed.
The TriCarbon 18K face has a lively feel that helps with spin generation — the snap-back effect from the tridirectional carbon weave means the face recovers quickly after impact, adding natural spin to your shots.
Spin rating: 8/10 — impressive for a power racket; the 3D Grain makes a real difference.
⚡ Hack 04 Range Comparison — Which Hack Is Right for You?
The Hack 04 comes in three variants for 2026, each tuned for a different type of offensive player:
🎯 Who Should Buy the Bullpadel Hack 04 2026?
✅ Perfect For
- Advanced offensive players who live at the net
- Smash enthusiasts who want maximum ball speed
- Right-side players who finish points aggressively
- Strong, technical players with solid fundamentals
- Power-first players upgrading from the Hack 03
- Customisation lovers (CustomWeight + Ease Vibe options)
❌ Not Ideal For
- Beginners — too demanding, needs established technique
- Defensive players — the high balance makes recovery harder
- Players with arm issues — consider the Comfort variant instead
- Control-first players — look at the Neuron 02 or Vertex 05
- All-court generalists — the Hybrid variant suits better
- Budget shoppers — premium pricing above £250
⚔️ vs The Competition — How Does the Hack 04 Stack Up?
Bottom line: The Hack 04 offers the most raw power in this group, matched only by the Babolat Viper JL 3.0. Where it differs is in customisation (CustomWeight + Ease Vibe give you more tuning options than any competitor) and aerodynamics (Total Channel is unique to Bullpadel). If you want maximum power at a slightly lower price point than the HEAD or Babolat, the Hack 04 is the smart choice.
🏋️ Court Drills & Practice Sessions for the Hack 04
Getting the most from the Hack 04 requires adapting your training to leverage its strengths. Here are five targeted drills:
1. The Paquito Smash Drill (10 minutes)
Have your partner feed high lobs from the back court. Position yourself at the net and practice stepping back to execute flat smashes with maximum swing speed. Focus on letting the Total Channel’s aerodynamics do the work — accelerate through the ball rather than muscling it. Aim for the corners. 20 smashes per set, 3 sets.
2. CustomWeight Experimentation Session (15 minutes)
Play with the CustomWeight plates during a warm-up session. Try configurations: no weights, 2 weights at the top, 4 weights at the top. Note how each setup changes the swing feel. Most players find 2 weights (6g extra) hits the sweet spot between added power and manoeuvrability.
3. Dynamic Power Rally Drill (10 minutes)
Engage in controlled rallies where you focus on hitting with acceleration rather than brute force. The Hack 04’s dynamic power concept rewards fast, whipping swing motions over pure arm strength. Count how many “effortless winners” you produce — the racket should feel like it’s multiplying your speed.
4. Spin Serve & Bandeja Practice (10 minutes)
Use the 3D Grain texture to develop spin-heavy serves and bandejas. Practise brushing up and across the ball, letting the concentric circle texture grip the ball. Focus on consistency over power — you’ll find the Hack 04 adds natural power even to spin shots.
5. Defensive Recovery Drill (10 minutes)
Since defence is the Hack 04’s weakest area, deliberately practise defensive situations. Partner smashes at you while you work on controlled lobs and resets. The goal is to learn the racket’s defensive limits and develop muscle memory for the arm management required by the high balance point.
💰 Buying Timeline & Value Guide
📅 When to Buy
- Now (Feb 2026): Full price but full availability. Best selection of stock from UK retailers.
- Spring 2026 (Apr-Jun): Some retailers may offer 10-15% off as stock normalises.
- Summer 2026 (Jul-Sep): Best sale period — look for 20-30% discounts as 2027 collection rumours begin.
- Autumn 2026 (Oct-Dec): Clearance pricing possible but popular sizes may sell out.
💷 Value Analysis
- RRP: £305.00
- Best current price: ~£269.99 (Padel Shack)
- Expected lifespan: 12-18 months with regular play (3x per week)
- Cost per session: ~£1.15-£1.73 (based on 3 sessions/week for 12-18 months)
- Resale value: ~£120-160 after 12 months (Bullpadel holds value well in UK market)
🎁 Bundle Opportunities
Many UK retailers offer free grip tape or a racket cover with purchase. Padel Shack occasionally bundles a free can of balls with Pro-Line rackets. Worth checking at checkout.
🔧 Racket Care & Maintenance — UK-Specific Tips
🌧️ UK Weather Considerations
British weather presents unique challenges for padel rackets. The Hack 04’s TriCarbon 18K face handles temperature fluctuations well, but follow these guidelines:
- Cold weather (below 5°C): Allow the racket to acclimatise for 15-20 minutes before playing. Cold makes the MultiEVA core stiffer, reducing comfort and increasing the risk of microfractures.
- Wet conditions: Always dry the frame and face thoroughly after playing on a damp court. Moisture can seep into the Smart Holes and affect the core over time.
- Storage: Never leave the racket in a car boot overnight, especially in winter. Temperature extremes damage the EVA core.
🔄 Grip & Overgrip
The Hesacore sleeve provides excellent base comfort, but add an overgrip on top for sweat absorption and regular replacement. Change your overgrip every 3-5 sessions. In humid summer conditions, consider a tackier grip like the Bullpadel overgrip or Wilson Pro Overgrip.
🛡️ Frame Protection
At £270+, protecting your investment is worth the effort. A frame protector tape on the top of the racket head will prevent damage from wall and glass scrapes. The Carbon Tube frame is robust but cosmetic damage affects resale value.
🧹 Regular Cleaning
Wipe the 3D Grain face with a slightly damp cloth after each session to maintain its spin-enhancing properties. Dirt and ball fuzz can reduce the texture’s effectiveness over time.
📊 Full Specifications
✅ Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Devastating power — among the most explosive rackets available
- Total Channel aerodynamics — noticeably faster swing speed
- TriCarbon 18K — exclusive face material with incredible snap-back
- CustomWeight system — unmatched personalisation options
- Ease Vibe dampeners — 49% vibration reduction, university-tested
- MultiEVA core — adapts to shot intensity dynamically
- 3D Grain texture — excellent spin enhancement
- Build quality — premium construction throughout
- Three variants — Standard, Hybrid, and Comfort to suit different needs
- Value — cheaper than HEAD Coello Pro and Babolat Viper JL
👎 Cons
- High skill floor — demands advanced technique to control
- Heavy head-feel — high balance can fatigue less fit players
- Limited defence — not built for survival padel
- Stiff response — can feel harsh on mishits despite dampening
- Not on Amazon UK — standard model only from specialist retailers currently
- Premium price — £270+ is a significant investment
🏆 Final Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
out of 5
The Bullpadel Hack 04 2026 is the definitive power racket for 2026. A decade of development reaches its apex with the Total Channel aerodynamic system — a genuine innovation that makes a measurable difference to swing speed and, consequently, power output. Combined with the exclusive TriCarbon 18K face, MultiEVA adaptive core, and Bullpadel’s most comprehensive technology suite to date (twelve technologies working in concert), this is a racket that delivers on every promise it makes.
Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. The Hack 04 demands solid technique, physical fitness, and an aggressive mindset. Beginners and defensive players should look elsewhere. But for advanced and professional offensive players — especially those who play at the net, love to smash, and want a racket that rewards fast, whipping swing motions — this is the best power racket on the market. Paquito Navarro chose it for good reason, and if you share his attacking philosophy, the Hack 04 will make you a more dangerous player.
At around £270 from UK retailers, it’s also more affordable than the HEAD Coello Pro (~£320) and Babolat Viper JL 3.0 (~£300), making it arguably the best value pro-level power racket available. The CustomWeight and Ease Vibe customisation options are the cherry on top — no other manufacturer offers this level of personalisation.
Dynamic power. Decade of evolution. Pure “Candela” on the court. The Hack 04 earns its reputation. 🔥
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bullpadel Hack 04 2026 good for intermediate players?
The Hack 04 is designed for advanced and professional players. Its diamond shape and high balance demand solid technique to control effectively. Intermediate players with aggressive tendencies might manage it, but most would be better served by the Hack 04 Hybrid or Hack 04 Comfort variants which offer more forgiveness.
What is the difference between the Bullpadel Hack 04 and the Vertex 05?
Both are diamond-shaped power rackets, but the Hack 04 prioritises raw explosive power through its Total Channel aerodynamics and higher balance point, whilst the Vertex 05 uses Curvaktiv technology for a more balanced power-control blend. The Hack is Paquito Navarro’s model for maximum attack, whilst the Vertex suits all-court aggressive players who want more versatility.
How does the CustomWeight system work on the Hack 04?
The CustomWeight system uses 3g gel-tipped plates that slot into designated positions at the top of the racket frame. You can install up to four weights, adding up to 22g of extra mass and shifting the balance point by ±1cm. This lets you fine-tune the racket’s power and manoeuvrability to your personal preference.
Is the Bullpadel Hack 04 the same as the old Vertex 04?
No, though there’s some confusion around the naming. The Hack line and Vertex line are separate ranges within Bullpadel. The Hack has always been Paquito Navarro’s signature power racket, whilst the Vertex occupies a power-control position. The Hack 04 2026 is the fourth generation of the Hack series.
What padel balls work best with the Bullpadel Hack 04 2026?
Given the Hack 04’s explosive power output, we recommend balls that provide consistent bounce and good durability. The HEAD Padel Pro, Bullpadel Premium Pro, and Babolat Padel Tour are all excellent choices.
🛒 Where to Buy in the UK
🇬🇧 UK Buying Options
- Amazon UK — Search for Hack 04 (Hybrid variant currently available ~£289)
- Padel Shack — £269.99 (best current price, 5 in stock)
- EverythingPadel — UK specialist retailer
- PDH Sports — Price match guarantee
- Bullpadel Official Store — €319.99 (direct from manufacturer)
📚 Related Reviews
If you’re comparing power rackets for 2026, check out these related reviews on Padel Mad:
- 🐺 Babolat Viper Juan Lebrón 3.0 2026 Review — El Lobo’s signature weapon
- 👑 HEAD Coello Pro 2026 Review — World No.1’s diamond choice
- ⚡ Adidas Metalbone 2026 Review — The iconic power-control hybrid
- 🏗️ HEAD Extreme Pro 2025 Review — A versatile power alternative
- 🎯 Best Padel Rackets 2026 — Our complete roundup
- 🔴 Best Padel Balls 2026 — Match balls tested and ranked
Last updated: February 2026. Prices and availability may vary. Padel Mad is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme, earning from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Affiliate tag: padelmad-21.
