Stéphane PENSO deciphers the new Dunlop 2025

In the world of racket sports, Dunlop occupies a special place in my memories. It all started in the early 80s, when I received the tennis racket of my idol at the time, John McEnroe, for my birthday: the Dunlop Max200G. Revolutionary, it was one of the first “medium-sized” rackets, succeeding the “small wooden-sized” rackets. Its sophisticated manufacturing process, using composite injected into a mold, resulted in a high production cost, but it offered exceptional flexibility and ball feel, acclaimed by all, yesterday as today.
A few years later, I turned to squash, again guided by Dunlop. This choice was made almost instinctively, by mimicking a talented young player I saw training at my club. This future champion, Gregory Gaultier (with whom I have been friends for a long time), was loyal to Dunlop, more specifically to the Revelation Tour model – a brand he never left during his illustrious career (punctuated by a world champion title and a world number 1 ranking – an achievement shared by another close friend, Thierry Lincou).
Thus, the Japanese company marked the beginnings of the two sports that mattered to me. Curiously, It's only now that I'm going to try this brand in padel, a few years late. So I'm going to fill this gap by exploring the last three references Galactica 25 from the Pro Series range for a full article.

Regarding its name, the name Galactica evokes connotations related to space, science fiction or advanced technologies, as in the series Battlestar Galactica. It could also symbolize a high-end padel racket, offering performance “cosmic” or “astronomical”, such as superior power or control. This name thus suggests innovation, excellence and a futuristic touch, ideal for standing out in the market.

In terms of design, these three palas share a common characteristic: a matte black background, enhanced with a touch of visual originality – the famous logo distinguished by a different color depending on the side, heads or tails.

Galactica Pro: the ultimate offensive

At the heart of this teardrop-shaped racket is Infinergy®, the world's first Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (E-TPU), developed by BASF combines, thanks to its closed cells, the properties of a TPU with the advantages of a foam. Strategically placed in the frame construction at 9 and 3 o'clock, this revolutionary material (which has been used on Dunlop snowshoes since 2017) generates additional power while providing exceptional feel at impactIts elastic and vibration-damping properties transform every stroke into a precise and comfortable experience.
The Galactica Pro also sports a weave in 16K carbon braided at 45°, which gives the pala increased structural strength and superior performance compared to previous models. This innovation is complemented by a revolutionary hole pattern Control Holes in a unique horizontal, vertical and diagonal configuration, further strengthening the structure while improving control on all shots.
Technology Tri-Max Reinforcement provides 360° structural reinforcement at the deck level, ensuring optimal stability and unparalleled control. The Extra Grip, thanks to its rough surface covering the entire hitting area, facilitates the creation of additional effects, thus reinforcing the control of the shots.
With a fairly pronounced head balance, this racket is aimed at advanced players who do not want to compromise on offensive matters. Very rigid Pro EVA (Hard) foam and the padded wrist strap complete this picture of technical excellence.
Note that the Galactica Pro 24 was recently awarded the prestigious title of best hybrid racket at the World Summit PadelThis award attests that the jury recognized his exceptional qualities, allowing him to stand out in a fierce competition thanks to an optimal balance between control and power.

Focus on Infinergy technology

Infinergy stands out for its exceptional properties derived from its basic material, Elastollan, made from oval-shaped expanded thermoplastic polyurethane beads. With remarkable elongation at break, high tensile strength and strong abrasion resistance, Infinergy offers excellent chemical resistance and high elasticity in all conditions.

Remarkable elasticity : Infinergy is as elastic as rubber, but much lighter. This property allows for a explosive power returning the ball faster and with more force, ideal for offensive shots such as smashes or volleys.
Vibration damping : Thanks to its absorption qualities, it significantly reduces vibrations (up to 37% compared to a standard carbon fiber racket in certain applications), thus providing a increased comfort and reducing arm fatigue, even during long gaming sessions.
Enhanced durability : This material is extremely resistant, both in terms of longevity and stability in the face of temperature variations (from -20°C to over 40°C). This guarantees consistent performance, regardless of climatic conditions.
Light : By optimizing weight, Infinergy contributes to a better maneuverability without sacrificing power or strength.
A unique resilience (that is to say an extraordinary capacity to restore energy).

Galactica Pro LS: the perfect balance

For gamers looking for a more neutral balance while maintaining top-level performance, the Galactica Pro LS represents an ideal option. 5g lighter than its big sister, it nevertheless retains most of the technologies that made the reputation of the Galactica series.
The designation “LS” generally means “light-speed“. It indicates a lighter, more maneuverable version of a given model, designed to offer better speed of movement and increased comfort, often at the expense of some of the raw power compared to the “Pro” versions, targeting players who want a racket that is easier to handle without totally sacrificing offensive performance.

Shared Technologies
The Control Holes perforation pattern, a homogeneous drilling with equally spaced holes across the face of the racket, guarantees optimal stability. The rough Extra Grip finish is also present, although, curiously, it is the least pronounced of the three models.

Technical specifications
With a revised balance and still in a hybrid shape, this racket offers more pronounced handling while maintaining impressive power. The Pro EVA (Hard) foam and the 38 mm profile complete the technical characteristics of this versatile model.

Galactica Lite: Uncompromising gaming fun

Completing the range, the Galactica Lite is aimed at gamers who prioritize playability and comfort without sacrificing performance. With a further 10g weight reduction compared to the LS, it is the lightest of the three, offering optimal maneuverability for extended gaming sessions.

Comfort and Technology
The major difference lies in its foam Soft EVA, which provides exceptional comfort while effectively absorbing vibrations. Despite this focus on comfort, the Galactica Lite makes no compromises on technology, also incorporating premium 16K carbon construction.

An Accessible Model
With its neutral balance and its featherweight, this teardrop model is particularly suitable for intermediate and advanced players looking for a racket combining comfort and performance. The low density rubber, combined with the 16K carbon fibers braided at 45°, offers appreciable tolerance while preserving good power on impact.

Dunlop's 45° technology: innovation at the service of padel
Dunlop is revolutionizing padel with this technology, a major advance that optimizes performance and comfort. Carbon fibers, oriented at 45°, reinforce the rigidity and resistance of the racket while improving responsiveness and stability.
This innovation provides perfect balance, allowing for precise and powerful strikes. It also reduces vibration, limiting fatigue and increasing comfort.

Stake

These three palas, although extremely similar in appearance, offer radically different performance on the field.
The Pro version stands out for its offensive character, thanks to a balanced head, a rigid Hard EVA foam and 16K carbon fiber faces. It is designed to dominate the attack, with impressive responsiveness in volleys and devastating power on decisive smashes (be careful, the sweet spot is very small).
The LS version, meanwhile, while sharing exactly the same technologies as the Pro, focuses on maneuverability with slightly reduced weight and a redesigned balance. It sacrifices a little power in attack, but gains in agility and control, especially in defense.
the Lite version is the ideal compromise: it combines comfort, a wide sweet spot and outstanding handling, while shining in defensive schemes. Although it is the least powerful of the three, it turns out to be the easiest to master and the one that offers the best overall performance.

I was also able to test the new K-Swiss shoes, now distributed by Dunlop. Ultra Short models Padel will soon be the subject of a detailed test to be discovered in Padel Magazine.

Conclusion

The series Galactica 2025 fully embodies the commitment of Dunlop to offer, for many years, products of quality allying proven technologies et innovations ready to prove themselves.
Whether you're looking for power, balance, or comfort, each model is designed to satisfy the most demanding players. With a sleek design and great stability in play, These palas incorporate technologies that effectively absorb vibrations while maintaining a clearly offensive-oriented identity..
The version Pro is aimed at aggressive and technically sharp left-handed players, with its reduced sweet spot, rigid core and head balance, promoting a percussive playing style.
Conversely, the version Small, reduced by 15 grams, provides better balance and additional comfort thanks to soft foamIt will particularly appeal to improving players who want to combine tolerance and the ability to speed up the game without losing control.
Finally, the version LS, which I prefer, presents itself as an almost flawless option. Easier to handle than the Pro and more impactful than the Lite, it shines in all areas of the game without going to extremes, making it perfect for a wide range of players.

A big thank you to Guillaume Jarry, Product & Promotion Manager France at Dunlop Sports, for making these models available and for being available to answer all my questions quickly.

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!