For years, choosing a pala came down to a trade-off between power and control. Technical specifications competed with each other, offering compelling arguments on the...  surface nervousness  or  core firmness . The  comfort  was often considered a secondary factor, primarily relevant to veteran or rehabilitation players.

However, padel has changed profoundly. The game has become faster, the rallies more explosive, and the frequency of sessions has skyrocketed. In parallel, the widespread adoption of  ultra-rigid frames  and  high-density foams  It certainly multiplied the power… but it also increased the mechanical stresses on the arm. As a result, the repetition of particularly sharp impacts generates…  micro-vibrations  which travel up the joint, causing premature fatigue and  epicondylitis .

Manufacturers have finally admitted it: a racket that's too hard, exhausting the player, erodes their consistency and hitting speed over the course of sets. Comfort is no longer a compromise reserved for injured players.  it is now established as an essential condition  to perform under the best conditions.

Irrefutable proof that Bullpadel does not treat comfort as a secondary parameter: the range  Cloud  is now officially integrated as a full-fledged series in the Spanish manufacturer's catalogue.
As confirmed by the brand's hierarchy, it is very strategically positioned between the famous premium line  pro-line  (dedicated to the elite and demanding competitors) and the range  Next  (focused on accessibility). A pivotal positioning that allows the Cloud line  to create the perfect bridge  between the demand for high performance and the physical preservation of the player.

It is precisely from this perspective that Bullpadel chose to make a strong statement. To verify if the contract is fulfilled on the track, I decided to review three iconic models from the Spanish brand:  the Hack ,  the Neuron  et  the Vertex , all from the 2026 vintage.

Revisited in version  Cloud These iconic paddles see their behavior on the track  totally   metamorphosis  by modifying  two essential parameters  : the abandonment of rigid carbon in the faces in favor of the coating  ElasticFiber and the introduction of the soft core  CloudEva  in place of the  Multi Eva  sometimes unforgivable.  These strategic adjustments  completely reshuffle the cards.

Given the amount of information and field feedback to share with you, I preferred to divide this test into  two very distinct aspects  :

  •  Part 1 (Today)  : immersion in Cloud technology and testing on the trail of the offensive weapon, the  Vertex 05 W Cloud .
  •  Part 2 (To be continued)  : detailed analysis of the  Hack 04 Hyb and Neuron 02,  followed by the comparative table and the final verdict!

CloudEva and the Cloud ecosystem: real innovation or PR stunt?

At the heart of this redesign, we find the foam  CloudEva It must be acknowledged that the name Cloud (cloud) is an extremely apt word to describe this soft core! Especially since Bullpadel didn't do things by halves: this soft, low-density rubber boasts a superb  color blue , directly visible through each hole in the sieve.

Designed to lengthen the  dwell time  (ball-screen contact time) and smoothing the energy return on impact, it deforms more easily during strikes than a traditional compact foam, offering immediate benefits:

  •  Maximum shock absorption  from the center of the racket.
  •  Enhanced joint comfort  across the entire arm.
  •  An exceptional tolerance  on off-center impacts.

His behavior deliberately favors the  progressiveness  rather than a sudden and explosive dismissal. But a legitimate question arises with each new generation: the appellation  Cloud  Is it a genuine technological advancement or a cleverly orchestrated marketing ploy?

In the world of sports, each manufacturer assigns brand names to its research. Marketing isn't about inventing magic, but about making an engineering process more accessible.  identifiable by the general public .

This is the fundamental nuance to understand:  "Cloud" does not refer to a secret component or a miracle fiber , but one  complete ecosystem . The foam  CloudEva  never works alone. The final result is the fruit of a combined action: the core absorbs the impact deeply, the fiber  ElasticFiber  adds flexibility to the sieve, the Air Power / Air React Channel  stabilizes the structure, the shock absorbers  Ease Vibe  stop the vibrations as soon as they reach the striking surface, the  Vibradrive  filters out residual waves in the handle, and the Hesacore  It releases tension in the forearm.

None of these elements is sufficient on its own, but their  combination  radically changes the sensations on the track.

A response to the evolving needs of practitioners

Beyond the increased speed of the game, it is the very profile of the players and their practice schedule that have driven this equipment shift. Padel is no longer just a Sunday sport: a large majority of enthusiasts now play two, three, or even four sessions per week.

Adding to this high pace is a major biomechanical factor: the massive influx of players from tennis or squash. Transposing a longer, more fluid stroke pattern onto a rigid paddle...  sweetspot  narrow puts extremely aggressive stress on the elbows and shoulders.

For the engineers, the turning point came from this reality on the ground:  The performance of a racket is not measured by its first ten shots, but by its ability to preserve the player after 90 minutes of play. 

The enjoyment of the game, a valuable asset

Contrary to popular belief, a very stiff racket is not necessarily more effective. A racket that quickly tires its user begins to wear down its  execution speed  and  precision  over the course of a match. Conversely, a more forgiving model allows for maintaining a  lucidity  and  consistent level of play  over time.

This arm protection is therefore no longer reserved solely for players with weakened arms: it is now becoming a real necessity.  performance lever .

 Let's be blunt for two minutes:  Many amateur players blindly identify with the heroes of the circuit  Premier Padel They almost all play with ultra-stiff rackets. But don't fall into the trap! If they can tame these exceptional weapons, it's because they possess the technique, physique, and arm strength of a top-level athlete—they're professionals, not you! Stop coveting those punishing rackets.  There is no shame in choosing a more flexible or lighter paddle.  On the contrary, it's the best way to progress faster, to keep having fun and to avoid being penalized for the slightest off-center lapse.

When people talk about impact flexibility, many imagine a simple eraser  Soft EVA  or an anti-vibration insert in the handle. In reality, the behavior of a racket relies on a  multitude of parameters  : the technologies specific to each model, the quality of the resin, the different  weights the number of layers, the frame geometry, the balance, the weight, the foam density… and above all, how all these elements  interact   between them .

This is the unique aspect of the approach.  Cloud  It's not about replacing a single part, but about making several elements work together to create a more effective paddle.  tolerant ,  comfortable  and perfectly mastered in its  responses .

Vibrations, that invisible enemy

When the ball hits the racket, everything happens in milliseconds: the face deforms, the sponge compresses, the fibers work, and then the frame vibrates briefly. Some of this energy is transferred to the ball; the rest is  absorbed  through the structure and propagates  gradually  along the handle to the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder.

These  microvibrations Often imperceptible at first, these factors accumulate over hundreds of strikes. They are the primary cause of  muscle and tendon fatigue . The objective of Bullpadel The goal is obviously not to completely eliminate these vibrations – that would be physically impossible – but to  absorb, distribute and filter them step by step  throughout this journey.

It is precisely in the face of this invisible scourge that the Cloud philosophy brings all its added value.

Three models, one vision

Rather than confining comfort to a single, sluggish racket, Bullpadel made the choice to inject this filtration chain into three of its flagship products  Vertex ,  hack  et  Neuron  without altering their DNA:

  •  The Vertex  retains its offensive power.
  •  The Hack  remains the queen of versatility.
  •  The Neuron  always prioritizes speed of execution.

This is precisely where the different building blocks of Cloud reasoning demonstrate their full relevance:  Each technology plays a role at its own level, but it is their combination that shapes the final behavior of the paddle Cloud does not erase the DNA of these three legends: it simply makes their performance accessible and painless over time.

Let's break down this absorption mechanism together, from the striking surface to the handle!

ElasticFiber: a more forgiving side

It all starts on the striking surface. Where the rigid carbon resists penetration, the ElasticFiber  favors distortion. The recipe? Bullpadel associates  low modulus glass filaments  integrated into a satin weave with an opposite overlay to a  resin epoxy  specially formulated for its  flexibility  increased.

In practical terms, the sieve acts like an elastic membrane upon impact. It absorbs the shock wave at its source and provides a touch of  remarkable  gentleness, multiplying the  tolerance  on off-center shots.

On the track, this elasticity guarantees a  bullet exit  Fluid and effortless, particularly noticeable when not using full arm power. The ball seems to be guided by the strings rather than harshly catapulted off a hard surface. Combined with the core  CloudEva , the  ElasticFiber  It thus perfectly embodies the DNA of the range: absolute comfort and immediate playability.

 Ease Vibe: the customizable shock absorber 

Standard equipment on the  hack  and the  Neuron  but it is perfectly possible to buy them separately to equip the  Vertex 05W , the shock absorbers  Ease Vibe  represent a major advance. Strategically integrated into four holes of the racket, these next-generation components adopt a helical, spring-like geometry.

Validated by rigorous studies of the Polytechnic University of Madrid This system demonstrates an impressive ability to  absorb up to 49% of vibrations  generated with each impact. Beyond this massive filtering, the dampeners offer unique customization: by changing their position from one hole to another, the player can adjust the feel and balance of their racket according to the demands of the match.

 Air React Channel & Air Power: Aerodynamics and Structural Stability 

A vibration propagates more easily when the structure lacks stability. To remedy this, Bullpadel relies on two bridge architectures that have become benchmarks: the pioneering system  Air React Channel  (which equips the  hack ) and its second-generation evolution, the Air Power  (present on the  Neuron  and the  Vertex ).

Where the Air React Channel  rests on a hollow channel and a  multi-branch structure  to increase the rigidity of the core and improve airflow, the Air Power  pushes engineering even further with a  50% wider channel  on the underside.

On the track, the benefit of these hollow structures is twofold:

  •  Tenfold increase in aerodynamics  : air drag is drastically reduced during the swing, which increases agility, lightness and  execution speed  of each strike.
  •  Vibration-resistant stability  A more rigid bridge deforms less upon impact, better controls mechanical stresses, and naturally eliminates...  parasitic vibrations , while maximizing the return of energy to the ball.

 Vibradrive: the internal filter of the handle 

Standard equipment on the  hack  and the  Neuron , the system  Vibradrive  It activates as soon as the shock wave reaches the handle. This device incorporates an elastomer insert designed to absorb a large part of the vibrations before they reach the player's hand.

Its effect is particularly noticeable on off-center shots, when the racket twists more. It obviously doesn't eliminate 100% of the impact, but it significantly reduces the frequencies that are most unpleasant for the joints.

 Hesacore: the last line of defense 

Comfort doesn't depend solely on the racket: how the player holds it also plays a crucial role. Thanks to its characteristic hexagonal shape, the grip  Hesacore  It significantly increases the contact area between the hand and the handle. The grip becomes more natural and requires less clamping force, allowing for greater relaxation of the muscles in the hand, wrist, and forearm.

In other words, the Hesacore doesn't just improve grip: made from a specific elastomer material, it acts as a true  passive filter  which absorbs residual vibrations and blocks the propagation of  "bad vibes"  generated on impact.

A relaxed forearm combined with a shock-absorbing grip promotes a smoother swing, greater comfort, and significantly less fatigue over the course of the rally. On recent versions, Bullpadel announcement, moreover, up to  30% vibration reduction  thanks to the advancements made to silicone.

 Pay attention to the nuance  : if this grip  Hesacore  series team the  hack  and the  Neuron However, it is absent from the  Vertex W  (in order to maintain its lightweight design and offer a more classic grip).

 A philosophy, not a revolution 

None of these technologies alone revolutionizes the behavior of a racket. It is their overall synergy that makes the difference:

  •  ElasticFiber  acts on the flexibility of the face.
  •  CloudEva  modulates the response and cushioning of the foam.
  •  Ease Vibe  (Hack & Neuron) absorbs up to 49% of shocks right from the sieve.
  •  Air React Channel / Air Power  stabilizes the bridge structure.
  •  Vibradrive  (Hack & Neuron) filters out residual vibrations in the handle.
  •  Hesacore  (Hack & Neuron) It releases tension in the forearm.

The Cloud concept is therefore not a miracle formula, but the result of coherent engineering where each component contributes to the same objective: to make the racket more forgiving without making it lose its DNA.

Vertex 05W Cloud: Taming power without losing your soul

For over ten years, the  Vertex  He is the go-to player for left-handed players who like to hit hard. His balance in the air, his assertive character, and his stability have made him the weapon of choice for many.  seasoned competitors  in search of maximum power. However, this personality had a downside: the Vertex was a demanding racket, reserved for players with good technique and significant arm speed.

With the  Vertex Cloud , Bullpadel They didn't try to reinvent everything. The goal? To maintain its offensive character while making it more forgiving and less tiring as the sets progress.

She thus remains true to her  Legendary Vertex Heart , a true visual and technical signature of the range. Thanks to its structure equipped with a  double diagonal reinforcement This specific bridge ideally distributes power throughout the frame to guarantee a  remarkable stability  on hard strikes.

Although  Delfi Brea  evolves on the circuit with the firmer, classic version of the racket (Fibrix/MultiEva), this  Vertex 05 W Cloud  It retains the design and ergonomics while prioritizing flexibility. Originally developed for women's play (W for Woman), it also stands out as a very relevant choice for all male players attracted by its lightness, maneuverability and soft impact.

 Copper elegance 

This pala immediately catches the eye with its superb dress  metallic copper  In shades of bronze and terracotta, which play beautifully with the light. The design is enhanced by the discreet signature of the Argentinian player and by an insert  neon yellow  at the top of the frame which indicates, as on the other two models, its belonging to the category  CloudLine .

At the heart of the sieve, the visual contrast is striking thanks to the  blue moss  visible in the perforations (a poetic nod to the color of the sky and clouds). The whole piece boasts a remarkable finish with a sleek white handle and the much appreciated  fleece strap  for perfect softness on the wrist.

 Power that's easier to harness 

From the very first exchanges, the connection to the classic Vertex is obvious. You get that same feeling of stability characteristic of diamond-shaped rackets and that ability to accelerate the ball significantly when the stroke is committed.

The difference becomes apparent at the moment of impact. Where a traditional Vertex returns energy in a very dry manner, the  Vertex Cloud  offers a more progressive and muted feel; the ball seems to stay a fraction of a second longer on the face, which provides more control without giving the impression of an extremely soft racket.

To complement this mastery, the rough Top Spin finish gives remarkable bite to the sieve, ideal for producing sharp effects with formidable efficiency.

 More tolerant, without becoming permissive 

The Vertex has never been known for being forgiving of mistakes. The Cloud version retains this sporty character, but slightly off-center shots are  less penalizing The vibrations are better controlled, the sensations more consistent, and the foreplay becomes easier to modulate.

Bullpadel did not seek to transform a competition racket into a mass-market model. The  Vertex Cloud  It remains a demanding pala, simply less punishing.

 Better managed fatigue 

It's probably over time that the improvement is most noticeable. After several sets, the arm appears  less in demand  than with a classic Vertex. Repeated impacts generate less unwanted vibration, and powerful shots become less taxing on the forearm and shoulder. This difference isn't necessarily obvious after ten minutes of play, but it becomes increasingly noticeable as the hours go by.

TECH FOCUS — CurvAktiv technology and the famous "31,6°": decoded!

Since we're talking about numbers and symbols on technical data sheets, here's an essential clarification to avoid commercial traps.

At Bullpadel,  The flagship technology is called CurvAktiv . The famous  31,6° (Dynamic Curvature Profiling)  is not an independent concept, but a  precise geometric declination  of this system on the Vertex 05.

 What do these 31,6° actually represent? 

Beware of false friends! This number describes neither the number of carbon filaments (the "K"s), nor the hardness of the EVA foam, nor the angle of the racket when striking the ball. It is about  the inclination of the lateral planes of the frame On the Vertex 05, Bullpadel accentuated the twist of the sides by an additional 11° to achieve a total inclination of 31,6°, creating a  twisted structure with variable cross-section  along the entire length of the profile.

 What is the mechanical benefit on the track? 

The engineers' objective is to obtain an effective framework in all dimensions of the game:

  •  Structural strength & Responsiveness  : this  twisted architecture  locks the frame against the constraints of the strike, offering a more responsive energy return on attacks.
  •  Vibration dissipation  : by varying the thickness and angle of the profile, the racket better distributes shock waves on impact to avoid a touch that is too harsh or punishing.
  •  Aerodynamics increased tenfold by the Coanda effect  This is the great strength of this curvature associated with the system  Air Power In physics, the Coanda effect  This refers to the tendency of airflow to follow a curved surface. The frame's twist thus channels air directly towards the lower channel of the bridge, reducing drag to accelerate swing speed in reflex duels.

 Beware of shortcuts! 

However, we must keep a cool head: on the field, it is physically impossible to isolate the magical effect of the 31,6° angle alone. This behavior is the result of a global ecosystem where this geometry constantly interacts with the playing surface.  ElasticFiber the foam  CloudEva , the system  Air Power  and the balance of the paddle.

More than just a random number, this 31,6° angle reflects a genuine architectural effort designed to make the racket more solid, more responsive and more forgiving in play.

Verdict: Who is this reference aimed at?

La  Vertex Cloud  It doesn't aim to become a comfortable racket at the expense of performance: it aims to make power more  accessible . Bullpadel The brand hasn't altered this iconic model; it has simply made it more...  usable More forgiving, less tiring and perfectly consistent, it retains the essence of what made it successful while becoming much easier to manage on a daily basis.

It therefore primarily targets attackers who favor the diamond format and require a  a real comfort bonus  — with a weight in the head, believe me, much more measured than it seems! It is also the ideal transition for devotees of the classic Vertex wishing to preserve their arm and avoid muscle fatigue, without sacrificing any of their smash power.

To be continued in Part 2!

This first part is now complete!  Vertex 05 W Cloud  has delivered its verdict, but the truth test continues.

See you very soon in the  second part of this mega-test , where we will examine the other two icons of the Madrid brand:

  •  Hack 04 Hyb Cloud  : Paquito Navarro's tried and true classic, revisited.
  •  The Neuron O02 Cloud  : Fede Chingotto's scalpel focused on pure speed.
  •  The big comparative verdict  : the summary table, player profiles and the downsides to know before buying!

Stay tuned, more to come!

Stéphane Penso

Padel fan, Stéphane has become the official tester of the padel planet in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the world of rackets, he is able to scan your equipment from head to toe!

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