📋 In This Review
Overview: The Bullpadel Vertex 05 2026
Bullpadel has long been one of the most trusted names in professional padel, and the Vertex 05 2026 — the signature racket of Argentine star Juan “El Gato” Tello — represents the brand’s most ambitious attempt yet to build the perfect “total racket.” Where most padel rackets force you to choose between power and control, the Vertex 05 2026 refuses to compromise on either.
This is a racket designed for advanced and professional-level players who demand explosive overhead smashes, pinpoint net volleys, and the kind of consistent baseline defence that wins long rallies. The 2026 edition introduces a raft of new technologies — CurvAktiv frame geometry, an upgraded Air Power aerodynamics system, and a revised Vertex Core — that together produce Bullpadel’s most responsive, fastest, and most comfortable Vertex yet.
Bullpadel Vertex 05 2026
Player: Juan Tello (World Top 5)
Shape: Diamond
Balance: High
Level: Advanced / Professional
Weight: 365–375g (unstrung)
Core: Multi EVA (Triple-Density)
The Vertex line has always been associated with Bullpadel’s elite tier — this is the racket that sits above the versatile Vertex 05 Hybrid and targets players who need maximum offensive bite. Think thunderous vibora shots, aggressive bajas, and volley-dominated net games. If that sounds like your style, read on.
Key Technologies Explained
Bullpadel has packed the Vertex 05 2026 with an impressive suite of proprietary technologies. Here’s what each one does and why it matters on court:
🔧 CurvAktiv Frame
An optimised twisted-frame structure that improves overall stability and responsiveness. The frame’s curvature distributes impact forces more evenly across the face, reducing torsional flex on off-centre hits — you get a cleaner response even when the ball catches the edge of the sweet spot.
💨 Air Power 2.0
Bullpadel claims this revised aerodynamic profile increases swing-through speed by up to 23% compared to the Vertex 04. The channels and perforations in the frame reduce air resistance, which translates to more head speed on smashes and sharper angles on volleys.
🧱 Xtend-Carbon 12K Face
The 12,000-filament carbon fibre weave on the face provides exceptional stiffness and clean energy transfer. Harder faces mean more power transmission on firm shots — the ball leaves the racket faster, with minimal energy lost to flex. Advanced players who love crisp, penetrating drives will feel the difference immediately.
🏗️ Vertex Core (Revised)
An updated internal reinforcement system that improves rigidity and distributes vibration away from the hitting zone. The result is a more solid feel on every shot — less “dead spot” sensation in the middle of the face — and better directional control on precise placement shots.
🌀 Multi EVA Triple-Density Core
This three-zone foam core provides adaptive response: explosive and lively for hard drives, but softer and more controlled for delicate touch shots. Intermediate-hardness EVA sits around a firmer central zone, giving the racket a dual personality — power when you swing hard, feel when you play softly.
📳 Ease Vibe + Vibradrive
A dual vibration-damping system that absorbs up to 49% of vibrations on impact. This is especially important for players who spend hours on court — wrist and elbow fatigue is significantly reduced, making the Vertex 05 2026 a serious option even if you’re coming back from arm niggles.
⚖️ CustomWeight System
Up to 12g of additional weight can be added to customise the balance point. Add weight at the top for more offensive power on smashes; keep it neutral for a more balanced, all-court feel. This level of personalisation is rare in production rackets.
🔩 Hesacore Grip
Bullpadel’s signature hexagonal grip technology reduces hand fatigue, improves vibration absorption at the handle, and maintains a secure grip even in sweaty conditions. Combined with the Vibradrive system, the entire handle assembly is engineered for long-session comfort.
Playing Performance: On-Court Impressions
Power & Attack
The Vertex 05 2026 is, first and foremost, an attacking racket. The diamond shape positions the sweet spot high in the frame, and the stiff Xtend-Carbon 12K face transmits every ounce of energy into the ball. Overhead smashes feel authoritative and penetrating — the combination of Air Power 2.0 swing speed and the rigid face means the ball genuinely accelerates off the strings. Viboras and bajadas leave opponents scrambling when executed well.
For advanced players who like to dominate from above and dictate points at the net, this racket is enormously rewarding. The TopSpin texture on the face also enhances grip on the ball during side-spin shots — chiquitas, slice lobs, and cut volleys all gain a noticeably more aggressive kick.
Control & Defence
This is where the Vertex 05 can be demanding. Diamond-shaped, high-balance rackets are inherently less forgiving on defensive blocks and quick reflex shots near the feet. The stiff face doesn’t absorb pace as readily as a softer round-shaped racket would. However, the Multi EVA triple-density core does help — the intermediate zones cushion the feel on softer shots, and the revised Vertex Core ensures consistent feedback even on defensive pokes.
Baseline defenders who play a primarily reactive game will find this racket challenging. But for advanced players who control the net and initiate offence, the power-to-control balance is exactly right.
Net Play
This is the racket’s greatest strength. At the net, the combination of high balance, rigid face, and Air Power aerodynamics produces volleys with exceptional crispness and depth. Fast-paced exchanges feel instinctive — the racket moves quickly through the hitting zone, and you rarely feel like the ball is absorbing into the frame. Putaway volleys into the corners land with real authority.
Feel & Comfort
The Ease Vibe and Vibradrive combo work impressively well. Even on mis-hits, the sting from a stiff carbon face is substantially reduced — far more than you’d typically expect from a high-performance diamond racket. After two hours of hard hitting, arms stay fresher than with many comparable models. The Hesacore grip adds a subtle but noticeable security blanket on sweaty hands.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Outstanding power on overhead smashes
- Air Power 2.0 dramatically increases swing speed
- Superb vibration damping for a stiff racket
- CustomWeight personalisation is a genuine differentiator
- TopSpin texture adds real bite on spin shots
- Consistent sweet spot across the upper half of the face
- Hesacore grip improves handle comfort noticeably
❌ Cons
- Demanding for players below advanced level
- High balance requires strong wrist technique on defence
- Stiffer feel than hybrid or round alternatives in the range
- Premium price point
- Not ideal for reactive baseline play styles
Who Should Buy the Vertex 05 2026?
The Bullpadel Vertex 05 2026 is built for advanced to professional-level players who primarily attack from the net and rely on aggressive overhead shots to win points. If you:
- Play at club competition level or above
- Prefer a net-dominating, offensive style
- Want maximum power on smashes and viboras
- Need excellent vibration damping despite the stiff construction
- Value racket customisation (CustomWeight)
…then the Vertex 05 2026 deserves serious consideration. However, if you are an intermediate player still developing your net game, the Bullpadel Vertex 05 Hybrid 2026 (our review here) offers a more forgiving alternative with round-to-diamond hybrid geometry, and is a better stepping stone before committing to a full diamond shape.
How the Vertex 05 2026 Compares
| Racket | Shape | Balance | Core | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullpadel Vertex 05 2026 | Diamond | High | Multi EVA | Power & Attack |
| Bullpadel Vertex 05 Hybrid 2026 | Round-Diamond | Medium-High | Multi EVA | Control + Power |
| Bullpadel Hack 04 2026 | Diamond | High | Multi EVA | Power & Spin |
| HEAD Extreme Pro 2026 | Diamond | High | EVA Soft | Spin & Power |
| NOX AT10 Genius 12K 2026 | Diamond | High | Black EVA | Power & Speed |
The Vertex 05 2026 competes directly with the HEAD Extreme Pro 2026 and NOX AT10 Genius 12K 2026 at the premium diamond end of the market. The Vertex 05 edges ahead on vibration damping and customisation; the Extreme Pro offers slightly more spin from its Auxetic 2.0 face; the AT10 is marginally faster through the air. Which is “best” depends entirely on personal style and court position preference.
Court Drills to Maximise the Vertex 05 2026
These drills are specifically designed to exploit the Vertex 05’s strengths — explosive overhead power, TopSpin bite, and net dominance:
🎯 Drill 1: Vibora Pressure Train
Stand at mid-court. Have a feeding partner lob consistently to your forehand shoulder. Focus on swinging through with full Air Power speed — exaggerate the follow-through to the side. Target: 3 sets of 20 reps, aiming for deep landing in opponent’s back corners. The Vertex 05’s diamond shape is made for this shot.
🎯 Drill 2: CrossCourt Volley Box
Two players at the net, two markers creating a small target box in opposite crosscourt corners. Using only forehand and backhand volleys, alternate hitting into each box. The stiff Xtend-Carbon face rewards firm, flat contact — don’t absorb the ball, drive through it. 3 minutes each side.
🎯 Drill 3: TopSpin Bandeja Consistency
Partner throws predictable mid-height lobs. Execute bandeja shots using the TopSpin textured face to brush the ball aggressively. Aim to land in the service box with enough spin to kick low. The TopSpin texture on the Vertex 05 generates noticeably more bite than standard surfaces — 5 sets of 10.
🎯 Drill 4: CustomWeight Power Test
Before your training session, experiment with the CustomWeight system. Set up two configurations: neutral (no extra weight) and maximum (12g added to head). Hit 20 smashes in each configuration. Note which produces more comfortable power — this one session can transform your feel for the racket permanently.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bullpadel |
| Model | Vertex 05 2026 |
| Pro Player | Juan Tello (“El Gato”) |
| Shape | Diamond |
| Balance | High |
| Weight (unstrung) | 365–375g |
| Frame Material | CarbonTube + Xtend-Carbon 12K |
| Core | Multi EVA (Triple-Density, Intermediate) |
| Face Texture | TopSpin (rough-textured finish) |
| Frame Tech | CurvAktiv, Vertex Core (revised) |
| Aerodynamics | Air Power 2.0 (+23% swing speed) |
| Vibration Damping | Ease Vibe + Vibradrive (up to 49% reduction) |
| Grip System | Hesacore hexagonal grip |
| Customisation | CustomWeight (up to +12g) |
| Level | Advanced / Professional |
| Year | 2026 |
Final Verdict
⭐ Our Rating: 9.1 / 10
The Bullpadel Vertex 05 2026 is one of the finest attacking padel rackets available in 2026. It takes everything great about the Vertex 04 — the raw power, the net-game authority, the premium Bullpadel build quality — and improves on it meaningfully: faster through the air, better vibration control, more customisable.
The CurvAktiv frame and revised Vertex Core add genuine on-court benefits that you’ll feel from your first session. The Air Power 2.0 aerodynamic system is a standout feature — not marketing fluff, but a real improvement to swing speed that advanced players will immediately notice on overhead shots.
It won’t suit everyone. Players below advanced level will find the high balance and stiff face demanding, particularly on defensive shots. But for the club competitive player or above who wants to win more points at the net and generate more punch on their overhead game, this is an exceptional choice. Highly recommended.
About Bullpadel
Founded in 1995, Bullpadel is one of the world’s leading padel equipment brands with over two decades of innovation. Based in Spain, the brand sponsors some of the world’s top-ranked players including Juan Tello, Paquito Navarro, and Fernando Belasteguín. Their Vertex line represents the pinnacle of their diamond-shaped racket engineering, while the Hack line (Paquito’s signature) targets explosive power specialists. Bullpadel’s ongoing research into materials science — particularly their Xtend-Carbon technology family — has kept them at the forefront of the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bullpadel Vertex 05 2026 suitable for intermediate players?
The Vertex 05 2026 is designed for advanced to professional players. Its diamond shape and high balance demand strong technical foundations, especially for defensive play. Intermediate players would be better served by the Vertex 05 Hybrid 2026 or Bullpadel Hack 03, which offer more forgiving geometry.
What is the difference between the Vertex 05 and Vertex 05 Hybrid 2026?
The Vertex 05 is a full diamond shape with high balance, designed purely for maximum offensive power. The Vertex 05 Hybrid uses a round-to-diamond transition geometry and medium-high balance, making it more versatile and accessible for players who want control alongside power. The Hybrid is essentially a more approachable version of the same Bullpadel platform.
How does the CustomWeight system work?
The CustomWeight system allows you to add up to 12g of additional weight via small inserts at designated positions in the frame. Adding weight at the top increases head-heaviness for more power on overhead shots; a neutral setup creates a more balanced feel for all-court play. It takes minutes to adjust and genuinely changes how the racket performs.
Is the Vertex 05 2026 good for players with arm problems?
Yes, for a stiff carbon diamond racket, the vibration management on the Vertex 05 2026 is excellent. The Ease Vibe damping system absorbs up to 49% of vibrations, and the Vibradrive handle system adds further protection. Combined with the Hesacore grip, this is one of the more arm-friendly high-performance diamonds on the market. That said, if you have existing arm injuries, always consult a physio before choosing a stiff-faced racket.
Who is Juan Tello and why does he use this racket?
Juan Tello, nicknamed “El Gato” (The Cat), is one of Argentina’s premier padel stars and regularly ranked in the world’s top 5. Known for his acrobatic net play, explosive viboras, and cat-like reflexes at the net, his game perfectly mirrors what the Vertex 05 is built for: speed, power, and net dominance. The racket is co-developed with his input to suit exactly that style of play.
Can I buy the Vertex 05 2026 in the UK?
Yes. The Vertex 05 2026 is available from UK retailers and on Amazon UK. Use the links in this review to find the current best price with the padelmad affiliate tag, which helps support the site at no extra cost to you.
How does the Vertex 05 2026 compare to the NOX AT10 Genius 12K 2026?
Both are premium diamond rackets for advanced players. The Vertex 05 has an edge in vibration damping and customisation (CustomWeight). The NOX AT10 Genius 12K is slightly faster through the air and preferred by players who want maximum raw pace. On balance, both are outstanding — choice often comes down to brand preference and grip feel.
What is the weight of the Bullpadel Vertex 05 2026?
The Vertex 05 2026 weighs between 365g and 375g (unstrung). This is within the standard range for advanced diamond padel rackets. The CustomWeight system means you can push the upper limit further if you prefer more mass on your smashes.
