The Adidas Drive Black 2026 is a control‑oriented racket clearly aimed at beginners and occasional players who want something easy, comfortable, and forgiving to start growing their game. Simple construction, soft feel, and a round shape make it a very accessible option, especially for players still polishing their technique.

The racket has a round shape, which naturally favors control and security in each shot.
The balance feels neutral to slightly low, so the head does not feel heavy and the racket stays stable during defensive strokes.

This geometry helps keep the sweet spot fairly centered. However, it is not extraordinarily wide. Off‑center hits are tolerated, but you can feel a drop in power and feedback if the ball leaves the central area. For beginners learning to center the ball, that can actually help refine timing.

The full fiberglass layup gives the racket a more flexible and elastic response than a carbon frame. That means less vibration in the arm and a more “trampoline” feel at medium effort.

The EVA Soft Performance core contributes to a medium‑soft feel. The ball sinks in quite a bit, which is pleasant in defence and in slow rallies. The downside is that, at high speeds, the racket lacks the sharp explosiveness of stiffer, more offensive models.

Adidas also uses Structural Reinforcement in the frame, adding reinforcements in key areas to protect against torsion and possible cracks. For an entry‑level racket, that extra stability is welcome, especially for players who occasionally mishit close to the frame.

The Smart Holes Lineal pattern groups the holes in lines of three. This helps maintain a more consistent surface, improving durability and slightly stabilizing the response across the hitting area.

Specifications

Weight: 360g - 375g
Head Shape: Round
Balance: Even
Face: Fibreglass
Core: EVA Soft Performance
Structural Reinforcement: Incorporates carbon reinforcements throughout the frame to improve durability and increase torsion resistance during aggressive shots
Smart Holes Lineal: Hole arrangement reinforces surface to improve durability
Level: Beginner/ Intermediate