Drop Shot Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 2025 Review
Lucas Campagnolo’s Signature Weapon — Brazilian Flair Meets Teardrop Power
📋 Table of Contents
- First Impressions
- Lucas Campagnolo: The Player
- Design & Aesthetics
- Technology Deep-Dive
- Video Review
- On-Court Performance
- Court Drills & Practice Routines
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Buy This Racket?
- Competitor Comparisons
- Full Specifications
- Drop Shot Brand Heritage
- Maintenance & Care Guide
- Final Verdict
- Where to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
🎾 First Impressions
The Drop Shot Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 2025 arrives as the crown jewel of Drop Shot’s signature series — the personal weapon of Brazilian sensation Lucas Campagnolo, currently ranked inside the top 30 on the FIP Tour. While many manufacturers create signature rackets that are merely cosmetic rebadges, the Explorer Pro Attack is a purpose-built instrument designed around Campagnolo’s aggressive, right-side playing style that demands both explosive power from the back of the court and clinical precision at the net.
Picking up the Explorer Pro Attack for the first time, you immediately notice the quality of the construction. The vibrant yellow and red colourway with Campagnolo’s signature emblazoned across the face gives it an unmistakable personality. At 360-370 grams, it sits in the standard weight range for a professional-level racket, but the medium-high balance gives it a distinctly head-heavy feel that promises serious punch on overhead shots. The 38mm profile is standard for modern padel rackets, providing a generous hitting zone without feeling unwieldy.
The teardrop shape immediately signals this racket’s dual intentions: it wants to give you control when you need it and explosive power when you attack. Unlike the diamond-shaped Drop Shot Axion Attack 1.0 (Jon Sanz’s signature), the Explorer Pro Attack’s softer geometry offers a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness — reflecting Campagnolo’s all-round game that blends defence and attack seamlessly.

🇧🇷 Lucas Campagnolo: The Player Behind the Racket
Lucas Campagnolo
🎂 Born: 13 June 1995 (Alegrete, Brazil)
📏 Height: 1.79m
🏓 Position: Right side
🤝 2026 Partner: Bautista
🏢 Sponsor: Drop Shot
Lucas Campagnolo is one of the most exciting Brazilian players on the Premier Padel Tour. Born in Alegrete, in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, Campagnolo brings a distinctly South American flair to his game — combining technical precision with explosive athleticism. As a right-side player, he demands a racket that can transition instantly from defensive lobs and controlled wall play to devastating smashes and sharp volleys.
For the 2026 season, Campagnolo partners with Bautista, and their pairing is ranked within the fiercely competitive top 16. His choice of the teardrop-shaped Explorer Pro Attack reflects his versatile approach: he needs power for his aggressive overhead game but equally values control for the intricate point construction that characterises elite-level padel. The Explorer Pro Attack is engineered precisely for this duality.
What makes Campagnolo particularly interesting as a signature athlete is his playing intelligence. He reads the game superbly, positioning himself to create angles that less dynamic players simply cannot. The Explorer Pro Attack’s combination of a large sweet spot and responsive core mirrors this intelligence — it rewards good shot selection with exceptional feedback and devastating results.
🎨 Design & Aesthetics
The Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 2025 is one of the most visually striking rackets in the Drop Shot collection. The primary colour scheme combines a deep, dark base with vivid yellow and red accents — a bold combination that immediately catches the eye on court. Lucas Campagnolo’s signature is prominently featured on the face, adding an authentic premium touch that collectors and fans will appreciate.
The 3D textured surface across the hitting face isn’t just cosmetic. The roughened finish provides additional grip on the ball at the point of contact, enabling players to generate more spin on shots — particularly useful for bandeja, vibora, and topspin lobs. You can feel the texture when you run your fingers across the face, and it makes a tangible difference during play.
The Ergo Pro Protector runs around the frame’s edge — an integrated bumper guard that protects against the inevitable wall and fence impacts. Unlike some aftermarket protectors that add weight and alter balance, the Ergo Pro is factory-fitted and accounted for in the racket’s overall weight distribution. It’s a thoughtful touch that extends the racket’s lifespan without compromising performance.
The grip features Drop Shot’s Cork Cushion technology — a cork underlayer beneath the overgrip that provides natural vibration dampening. The grip diameter is standard, accommodating most hand sizes with room for a single overgrip wrap. The cork also has moisture-absorbing properties, which is particularly welcome during intense matches or in humid conditions.
🔬 Technology Deep-Dive
Drop Shot has loaded the Explorer Pro Attack with their full arsenal of proprietary technologies. Here’s what makes this racket tick:
24K Twill Carbon Face
Premium 24-karat carbon fibre woven in a twill pattern across both faces. This provides an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio, delivering explosive ball speed on contact while maintaining structural integrity over thousands of impacts. The twill weave distributes stress more evenly than unidirectional carbon, reducing the risk of delamination.
EVA Pro High Density Core
The heart of the Explorer Pro Attack uses EVA Pro foam at a higher density than standard EVA. This creates a firmer, more responsive feel with faster ball rebound — ideal for aggressive players who want the ball to leave the face quickly. The trade-off versus softer cores is slightly less vibration absorption, but the Cork Cushion Grip compensates beautifully.
Smart Holes System
Drop Shot’s proprietary hole drilling pattern uses strategically positioned and sized perforations across the face. Rather than a uniform grid, the holes are optimised to maximise the sweet spot area while enhancing spin generation. The variable hole sizing also helps reduce air resistance during fast swings, allowing quicker racket head speed.
Cork Cushion Grip
A natural cork sheet integrated into the grip system acts as a first line of defence against vibrations. Cork is one of nature’s finest vibration dampeners, and its inclusion here protects the wrist and elbow from repetitive impact stress. For players prone to tennis elbow or joint discomfort, this is a genuinely valuable feature.
Power Beam Heart
The bridge area where the handle meets the head (the “heart” or “throat”) is reinforced with Power Beam technology. This stiffens the most structurally vulnerable area of the racket, preventing torsional flex during off-centre hits and providing a more consistent response across the face. It also improves durability — a critical consideration for aggressive players who generate significant ball speed.
Twin Tubular Frame
The frame uses a twin tubular construction — essentially a frame-within-a-frame design that significantly reduces torsional twist on off-centre impacts. When you catch the ball near the edge of the face, the Twin Tubular system helps maintain stability, preventing that uncomfortable twisting sensation and preserving shot accuracy.
Vibra Tech Angles
Geometric optimisations at key stress points in the frame redirect vibrations away from the handle and into the frame structure where they dissipate harmlessly. Combined with the Cork Cushion Grip, this dual vibration management system makes the Explorer Pro Attack one of the most comfortable power rackets in the 2025 generation.
Ergo Pro Protector
A factory-fitted edge protector that guards the frame against impacts with walls, glass, and metal fencing. Unlike stick-on aftermarket protectors, the Ergo Pro is integrated into the racket’s weight distribution, so it doesn’t alter the balance or feel. It extends the racket’s lifespan significantly — particularly important for attacking players who regularly approach the walls.
3D Rough Surface
The face features a three-dimensional textured finish that creates micro-friction between the ball and the racket face. This additional grip generates measurably more spin on every shot — from sliced bandejas to topspin lobs. The texture is subtle enough not to affect durability but pronounced enough to feel the difference in ball bite during play.
🎬 Video Review
Watch this comprehensive on-court review of the Drop Shot Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 2025 to see how it performs in real match situations:
The video highlights the racket’s exceptional control capabilities and the impressive grip provided by the 3D rough surface, confirming our findings during extended on-court testing. Reviewers consistently praise the Explorer Pro Attack as a “surprising all-rounder” that exceeds expectations for a power-oriented teardrop.
🏟️ On-Court Performance
Baseline Play — 9.0/10
From the baseline, the Explorer Pro Attack reveals its true character as a racket that refuses to be pigeonholed. The 24K Twill Carbon faces combined with the EVA Pro High Density core deliver a crisp, responsive feel that rewards clean ball striking with impressive depth and pace. Flat drives and topspin groundstrokes come off the face with authority, and the medium-high balance adds natural weight to your shots without requiring excessive physical effort.
The larger sweet spot (relative to diamond-shaped rackets) is a genuine advantage at the baseline, where you’re often stretching or moving laterally to reach the ball. Off-centre hits that would twist a diamond shape out of alignment are absorbed more gracefully by the teardrop geometry, and the Twin Tubular frame provides additional stability on these less-than-perfect contacts.
Defensive lobs — a crucial weapon in padel — are particularly effective with this racket. The combination of the 3D rough surface for spin and the forgiving sweet spot means you can generate height and backspin even when under pressure, buying time to recover your net position.
Net Play — 8.8/10
At the net, the Explorer Pro Attack performs admirably. Volleys feel clean and controlled, with the firm EVA Pro core providing enough feedback to place the ball precisely. The medium-high balance means it’s slightly slower to redirect than a pure control racket, but the payoff is that your volleys carry more pace — often catching opponents off-guard with the extra speed.
The bandeja and vibora — the overhead “bread and butter” shots of net play — benefit enormously from the 3D rough surface. You can apply significant cut and side-spin, making the ball kick unpredictably off the glass. Campagnolo himself is known for his deceptive overhead game, and you can feel why he chose this racket: it gives you the tools to be creative with spin and placement.
Power & Smashes — 9.2/10
This is where the Explorer Pro Attack earns its “Attack” designation. The medium-high balance shifts mass towards the head, and when you commit to a full overhead smash, the results are devastating. The 24K Twill Carbon face barely flexes on impact, transferring energy directly into the ball for maximum speed. The Power Beam Heart stiffens the throat area, preventing energy loss through frame flex.
What separates this from pure power rackets like the NOX AT10 Genius is that the Explorer Pro Attack allows you to modulate your power shots. You can swing at 80% and still get excellent penetration, or wind up for a full 100% smash when the opportunity presents. This dynamic range is Campagnolo’s calling card — he picks his moments to attack rather than bludgeoning every ball.
Spin Generation — 9.1/10
The combination of the Smart Holes System and the 3D Rough Surface makes this one of the better spin-generating rackets in the 2025 generation. Slice serves kick aggressively, bandejas bite into the glass with satisfying venom, and topspin lobs can be hit with genuine confidence. The spin response is consistent across the face, which isn’t always the case with textured rackets where the effect can be patchy.
Comfort & Vibration — 8.9/10
For a racket with a firm EVA Pro High Density core, the Explorer Pro Attack is surprisingly comfortable. The triple vibration management system — Cork Cushion Grip, Vibra Tech Angles, and Twin Tubular frame — works synergistically to filter out harsh frequencies. After two-hour sessions, there’s noticeably less arm fatigue than with comparable power-focused rackets. Players with mild joint sensitivity should still trial the racket before committing, but the comfort engineering is genuinely impressive.
🎯 Court Drills & Practice Routines
Get the most from your Explorer Pro Attack with these targeted drills designed to exploit its unique characteristics:
🔄 The Campagnolo Transition Drill
Purpose: Master the baseline-to-net transition that defines Campagnolo’s game. Setup: Start at the baseline. Your partner feeds alternating deep lobs and short balls. On deep balls, play a defensive topspin lob and hold position. On short balls, approach the net with a firm drive and finish with a volley. Duration: 3 sets of 10 sequences. Key focus: Feel how the Explorer Pro Attack’s firm core rewards clean contact on approach shots, and how the forgiving sweet spot helps on stretched defensive lobs.
🌀 Spin Variation Overhead Drill
Purpose: Exploit the 3D rough surface for maximum overhead variety. Setup: Position at the net. Partner feeds high lobs. Alternate between: (1) flat smash, (2) sliced bandeja to the glass, (3) vibora with heavy side-spin, (4) topspin “gancho” with wrist roll. Duration: 20 overhead shots in sequence, rotating through all 4 types. Key focus: The textured face generates different spin profiles depending on racket face angle and swing path. Develop muscle memory for each variation.
💥 Power Calibration Drill
Purpose: Learn to modulate power between 60%, 80%, and 100% intensity. Setup: Both players at the baseline. Rally with directed groundstrokes, calling out “60,” “80,” or “100” before each shot. Your partner adjusts their positioning accordingly. Duration: 15 minutes. Key focus: The medium-high balance of the Explorer Pro Attack means even 60% swings carry decent pace. Learn where each intensity level places the ball to develop tactical awareness of your power range.
🎯 Sweet Spot Awareness Drill
Purpose: Map the Explorer Pro Attack’s sweet spot and understand off-centre performance. Setup: Mark three spots on the face with tape — dead centre, 2cm towards the tip, and 2cm towards the bridge. Feed easy balls to yourself and deliberately aim for each mark. Note how the sound, feel, and ball trajectory change. Duration: 5 minutes per zone. Key focus: The teardrop shape offers forgiveness towards the tip that diamond rackets don’t. Understanding your sweet spot geography helps you make better tactical decisions during matches.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Outstanding balance of power and control — genuinely versatile
- 9 integrated technologies working in harmony
- 24K Twill Carbon faces for explosive ball speed
- Triple vibration management (Cork, Vibra Tech, Twin Tubular)
- Smart Holes System enhances spin and sweet spot size
- 3D rough surface generates exceptional spin on overheads
- Larger sweet spot than diamond alternatives
- Stunning visual design with authentic Campagnolo signature
- Factory-fitted Ergo Pro Protector extends lifespan
- Power Beam Heart prevents energy loss through the throat
❌ Cons
- EVA Pro High Density core may feel too firm for touch-oriented players
- Medium-high balance requires adjustment period for lightweight racket users
- Premium price point — not a beginner-friendly investment
- Limited colour options (single colourway)
- Head-heavy feel reduces manoeuvrability in very fast net exchanges
🏷️ Who Should Buy This Racket?
Aggressive All-Rounders
Players who attack when opportunities arise but don’t force the issue. If you build points intelligently and then finish decisively, this is your racket.
Right-Side Players
Following Campagnolo’s lead — right-side players need a racket that handles both forehand volleys and backhand lobs. The Explorer Pro Attack excels at both.
Intermediate-to-Advanced
Players with solid fundamentals looking to add more power and spin to their game. The firm core rewards clean technique but punishes consistently poor contact.
Spin Enthusiasts
If you love generating spin on overheads, serves, and groundstrokes, the 3D rough surface and Smart Holes System will become your best friends.
Diamond-to-Teardrop Transitioners
Players stepping down from pure diamond power rackets who want to retain attacking capability while gaining a larger sweet spot and more control.
Campagnolo Fans
If you follow Lucas Campagnolo’s career and want to play with his exact weapon, this is the authentic article — not a tribute model.
🔄 Competitor Comparisons
Explorer Pro Attack vs Drop Shot Axion Attack 1.0 (Jon Sanz)
The intra-brand comparison that every Drop Shot fan wants to see. Both use 24K Twill Carbon and EVA Pro cores, but the differences are significant:
| Feature | Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 | Axion Attack 1.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Teardrop | Diamond |
| Balance | Medium-High | High |
| Sweet Spot | Larger, more forgiving | Smaller, higher on the face |
| Power | High (versatile) | Very High (committed) |
| Control | Good | Moderate |
| Spin | Excellent (3D surface) | Very Good (3D surface) |
| Comfort | Better (Twin Tubular + Cork) | Good (Anti Twist System) |
| Best For | Versatile attackers | Pure power players |
| Player | Campagnolo (Right) | Jon Sanz (Right) |
Verdict: Choose the Explorer Pro Attack if you want versatility and a larger sweet spot. Choose the Axion Attack if you’re committed to raw power above all else.
Explorer Pro Attack vs Bullpadel Hack 04 2026 (Paquito Navarro)
| Feature | Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 | Bullpadel Hack 04 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Teardrop | Diamond |
| Face Material | 24K Twill Carbon | MultiCarbon HT |
| Core | EVA Pro High Density | Custom EVA |
| Weight | 360-370g | 360-375g |
| Power | High | Very High |
| Control | Good | Moderate |
| Key Tech | Smart Holes + Cork Cushion | Vibradrive + CurveFrame |
| Best For | Intelligent attackers | Aerial dominators |
Verdict: The Hack 04 is for players who live and die by the smash. The Explorer Pro Attack is for players who want equally potent attacking tools but with more defensive stability.
Explorer Pro Attack vs HEAD Extreme Pro 2026
| Feature | Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 | HEAD Extreme Pro 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Teardrop | Diamond |
| Face Material | 24K Twill Carbon | Auxetic 2.0 Carbon |
| Core | EVA Pro High Density | Power Foam |
| Profile | 38mm | 38mm |
| Spin Tech | 3D Rough + Smart Holes | 3D Extreme Spin |
| Vibration | Cork Cushion + Vibra Tech | Auxetic dampening |
| Price Range | £180-220 | £200-260 |
| Best For | Versatile aggressive play | Maximum spin & power |
Verdict: The HEAD Extreme Pro 2026 offers marginally more raw power with its Auxetic 2.0 technology, but the Explorer Pro Attack wins on versatility and comfort. If you value all-round performance over specialised power, the Explorer Pro Attack is the smarter choice.
📊 Full Specifications
| Drop Shot Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 2025 — Complete Specs | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Drop Shot |
| Model | Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 2025 |
| Reference | DP324017 |
| EAN | 8435758306654 |
| Signature Player | Lucas Campagnolo |
| Collection | Drop Shot 2025 |
| Shape | Teardrop |
| Balance | Medium-High |
| Weight | 360-370 grams |
| Profile | 38mm |
| Face Material | Carbon 24K Twill |
| Core | EVA Pro High Density |
| Frame | Carbon (Twin Tubular) |
| Surface | 3D Rough |
| Grip System | Cork Cushion Grip |
| Edge Protector | Ergo Pro Protector (integrated) |
| Technologies | Smart Holes System, Power Beam Heart, Vibra Tech Angles, Twin Tubular, Cork Cushion Grip, 3D Rough Surface, Ergo Pro Protector |
| Playing Style | Power / Attack |
| Level | Advanced |
| Target Gender | Men’s |
| Touch | Hard / Firm |
| Colour | Yellow / Red / Black |
| Country of Design | Spain |
🏛️ Drop Shot Brand Heritage
Drop Shot is a Spanish padel brand that has built an impressive reputation through technical innovation and strategic player partnerships. Founded with a focus on delivering professional-grade equipment at competitive price points, Drop Shot has grown to become one of the most respected names in global padel.
The brand’s partnership strategy focuses on signing dynamic, emerging players who can showcase their rackets at the highest levels of competition. Lucas Campagnolo and Jon Sanz represent the current generation of Drop Shot’s stable — young, technically gifted players who are climbing the rankings and bringing exposure to the brand across Premier Padel events worldwide.
Drop Shot’s technology development programme is centred on three pillars: carbon innovation (the 24K Twill weave that features across their premium range), vibration management (Cork Cushion, Vibra Tech Angles), and durability engineering (Ergo Pro Protector, Twin Tubular frame). These technologies are consistent across the 2025 collection, allowing players to move between models while retaining a familiar feel.
In the UK market, Drop Shot has been gaining ground steadily, with their competitive pricing and genuine tour-level quality attracting players who want premium performance without the price tag of certain Spanish and Austrian rivals. The Explorer Pro Attack represents their current flagship for all-round aggressive play.
🔧 Maintenance & Care Guide
Protect your investment and keep the Explorer Pro Attack performing at its best with these care tips:
🧹 After Every Session
Wipe the face and frame with a slightly damp cloth to remove ball residue and dust. Pay attention to the 3D textured surface — debris trapped in the texture reduces spin generation over time. Dry thoroughly before storing. Check the Ergo Pro Protector for any deep gouges that might expose the frame.
🌡️ Storage
Store at room temperature (15-25°C). Extreme heat (car boots in summer) causes EVA foam to soften permanently, altering the core’s hardness and response. Extreme cold causes the foam to harden excessively, increasing the risk of delamination on impact. A padel bag with thermal lining is the best protection during UK winters.
🎯 Overgrip Replacement
Replace the overgrip every 5-10 sessions, or more frequently in humid conditions. The Cork Cushion underlayer is permanent and doesn’t need replacing — it actually improves slightly with use as the cork compresses to your grip shape. When wrapping the overgrip, start from the butt end and overlap by approximately 3mm for consistent thickness.
🛡️ Protector Check
Inspect the Ergo Pro Protector monthly. If you notice sections lifting or cracking, apply a small amount of cyanoacrylate (super glue) to reseat the protector before the damage spreads. A compromised protector exposes the carbon frame to direct wall impact, which can cause catastrophic structural failure.
📅 Lifespan Expectations
With proper care, expect 12-18 months of optimal performance from the Explorer Pro Attack. The 24K Twill Carbon faces will lose some snap over time as the carbon fibre fatigues from repeated impacts. The EVA Pro core may soften slightly after 6-8 months of heavy use. If you play 3+ times per week, budget for annual replacement to maintain peak performance.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Intelligent Attacker’s Weapon of Choice
The Drop Shot Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 2025 is a masterclass in balanced racket design. In a market saturated with diamond-shaped power weapons that sacrifice control for brute force, Lucas Campagnolo’s signature racket takes a more nuanced approach — and it’s all the better for it.
With 9 integrated technologies working in harmony, a premium 24K Twill Carbon face, and one of the most effective vibration management systems we’ve tested, the Explorer Pro Attack delivers power that you can actually control. It smashes when you want it to, defends when you need it to, and generates spin that makes your overhead game genuinely dangerous.
The EVA Pro High Density core won’t be for everyone — touch players who prefer a softer, more cushioned feel should look elsewhere. But for intermediate-to-advanced players who play an intelligent, aggressive game and want a racket that matches their versatility, the Explorer Pro Attack is outstanding. It’s the racket that does everything well and several things exceptionally.
🎾 A genuine contender for the best teardrop power racket of 2025. Campagnolo chose wisely — and so will you.
🛒 Where to Buy
Ready to play like Campagnolo? Get the Explorer Pro Attack 1.0 2025 today!
Looking for more options? Compare Drop Shot padel rackets
Prefer to try before you buy? Find your nearest padel shop
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions


