If there's one brand that commands respect on the circuit, it's definitely  Black Crown Far from the glitz and flashy marketing, the Catalan firm built its legend on a simple promise: rackets  indestructible , a playability  extraordinary  and this “touch”  unique  that you won't find anywhere else. For 2026, the brand isn't just dusting off its classics: it's segmenting its offering.  to satisfy everyone .
No fireworks, no empty promises. Just technology.  proven  and a playing philosophy rooted in the  concrete .
The collection offers a clear hierarchy, covering the entire spectrum of play, from absolute control to unbridled power. Here's my verdict after putting these gems through their paces on the track.

 Piton 14: The eternal consecration of control 

We cannot talk about Black Crown without paying homage to the icon, the  Piton This version 14 is a true masterpiece of control that embodies the pure DNA of the brand. From the first strike, the message is clear: maneuverability reigns supreme, although for a round shape, I personally would have appreciated a balance point even slightly lower, firmly anchored in the handle.

The surface in  3K carbon  offers that firm and reassuring feel that purists seek, subtly tempered by technology  Low Density Piton Glass , two layers of fiberglass that provide an extra dose of comfort  without sacrificing  Precision. The core  SC Black EVA  He plays the role of conductor between defense and attack: neither too soft nor too rigid, just enough to link transitions smoothly.  Without ever  lose track of the conversation.

The setting  Aero Carbon He, however, brings a  rigidity  structural, which is felt in every exchange: no unwanted bending, no wasted energy, while the layer  Unicarbon , a  unidirectional carbon fiber Complementing 3K, it further refines the sensation of  precision  by stiffening the racket along the striking axis.

La  Sandspind rough finish  It catches the ball cleanly, allowing the viboras to literally squirt out after the bounce.

In terms of looks, the Piton 14 plays the card of the  elegant sobriety , true to the DNA “classic” of the range. A deep black background reveals the texture of the 3K carbon fiber, topped by the brand's iconic crown, outlined with crisp, silver-grey contours. The bottom of the racket and the bridge feature a glossy pearl-grey finish that adds a touch of light to the overall design. The subtle detail that makes all the difference? The logo. “Piton 14” in bright brown, which breaks up this grey-black duo to give a more aggressive and resolutely modern look.

It's the strategist's ultimate weapon, the one who manages the pace like a game of chess. The Piton 14 is a tool of  pure precision  It's made for the player who patiently constructs their point, maneuvers their opponents with pinpoint accuracy, and finishes with a perfectly placed volley that's their secret. While it may slightly lose the crisp punch characteristic of the Piton line, it remains, above all, the choice of absolute mastery.
 Status: The iconic balance (50% Power / 50% Control). 

 Gladius: the perfect balance of the metronome 

The standard Gladius is, in my opinion, the beating heart of this 2026 collection. Where its big sister the Gladius Forze pushes the dial towards pure power, the Gladius chooses a more universal path for the majority of players.

Its shape  hybrid  This gives it formidable maneuverability, solidly supported by the chassis.  Aero Carbon  which ensures excellent impact resistance and true longevity.
The core  Black EVA Medium  is the true keystone of this model: neither too dry nor too soft, it delivers a perfectly balanced intermediate feel that spares the arm while guaranteeing a very clean ball exit.
The icing on the cake: the optimal striking zone is large enough that it forgives approximate centering, immediately restoring your confidence from the very first balls.

The alliance of the 18K AluCarbon  and  UniCarbon  guarantees crisp responsiveness and exemplary durability, all enhanced by the system  Gladius Core Balance  which refines the handling. And the least we can say is that the result is stunning: the racket is almost forgotten thanks to the successful weight distribution.  This feeling of agility is further enhanced by the streamlined side vents on the deck, just above the handle. This aerodynamic design offers significantly improved air penetration, resulting in a smoother swing and greatly increased responsiveness, especially on reflex shots. 

Finally, the finish  5D ExtraSpin  adds the finishing touch: a very light honeycomb pattern which, while not revolutionary in terms of 'scratching', gives the sieve an undeniable visual appeal.

In terms of design, the Gladius breaks with classic sobriety for a much more dynamic and striking look. The racket asserts its style with a  deep cobalt blue  on the frame, which surrounds a sieve where the weave of the 18K AluCarbon is clearly visible as checkerboard reflections. The imposing  bright orange crown  It brings a real visual punch, highlighted by the very visible Extra Spin texture on the faces. This is a racket that exudes incredible energy and won't go unnoticed in your hands.

In summary, it's the ideal reference for those who want...  softness and comfort  in every phase of the game. The Gladius excels in its ability to make padel simpler: it smooths your defense-attack transitions without ever letting you down, and shines with its tolerance, whether on a well-executed vibora or a slightly late glass exit.
This is the racket that faithfully accompanies you without ever tiring your arm, even after three intense sets.
 Status: The queen of fluidity (45% Power / 55% Control). 

 Gladius Forze: engine, action 

We radically change register with the  Gladius Forze The Forze is the raw, uncompromising version of the series, designed for those who like to dictate the pace and dominate the track. Where the standard Gladius aims for versatility, the Forze fully embraces its offensive character and makes its presence felt from the very first stroke.

The name is not a coincidence.  “Gladius”  refers to the famous Roman gladius, the gladiator's preferred weapon: a short, sharp sword designed for close combat and precision. Adding the extension  “Forze” , Black Crown It changes the nature of the weapon. If the classic gladius is the strategist's sword, the Gladius Forze is the coup de grâce: the weapon of the one who enters the arena to end the match with authority. This name perfectly suits the racket's volcanic red design, which evokes the power of the forge where red-hot iron is forged into a formidable weapon.

Let's talk technology: the combo  Alucarbon 18 K / 3 K  constitutes the foundation of this characteristic rigidity. The structure is straightforward, responsive, explosive. It doesn't lie and it doesn't forgive either: the slightest misalignment is immediately felt. But it's the  Black EVA Hard Core  which makes all the difference compared to its big sister: this drier and more energetic sensation is exactly what the offensive player is looking for who wants to feel each ball as a precise piece of information.

System  Gladius Core Balance  which optimizes overall balance and limits the twisting of the paddle,  ensure that the whole thing is stable.  Just like on the classic Gladius, this device provides that little extra something that changes the game from the very first exchanges.  We immediately sense that  the work on weight distribution is a model of its kind  : this management of the masses is a real  technical prowess  which allows for a combination of flawless stability and agility that seems to almost defy the laws of physics.

In terms of design, the Gladius Forze fully embraces its character with a  intense volcanic red  across the entire frame and sieve. The 18K AluCarbon weave is beautifully highlighted by a deep checkerboard effect beneath the surface, while the imposing  golden crown  The central motif accentuates the regal and powerful aspect of this version. Touches of gold on the deck refine this bold design: a paddle made for those who love chic and impact.

It's the perfect tool for vertical play and transition players seeking pure impact, without unwanted spin or a "trampoline" feel. A purebred competitive racquet that demands impeccable technique to unleash its full aggressive potential.  Power 60%, control 40%  The distribution is clear, and so is the intention.

Both  Gladius  version 2026 scores points with a  fleece strap  Ultra-comfortable and finally a generous sleeve length.  Piton 14 As for the paddle, it seems a bit frozen in time: it retains a classic wrist strap, which is somewhat out of place for a paddle of this caliber. Its handle  shorter  may also be confusing, even though we know that this compact format has been an integral part of the Piton's "control" DNA since its inception.

 At stake: what the numbers don't tell us 

After several weeks of pushing them to their limits, here's what the track really reveals about these three rackets.

La  Piton 14  It defies all preconceptions related to its round shape. Don't be fooled by its "control" profile: above the shoulder, it instantly reveals its competitive DNA. It's not a brute-power cannon, but a precision weapon capable of delivering a real knockout blow as soon as the point is ripe. You finish rallies with an authority you wouldn't necessarily expect from a  circular mold On the rest of the court, it's the absolute queen of the table. Its balance is well-calibrated, perfect for maneuvering in tight spaces, retrieving impossible shots close to the carpet, or placing...  cross lobs  to regain control. His  strike zone  Its generous size forgives minor inaccuracies, and its perfectly controlled weight allows you to play for hours without ever tiring your arm.

My verdict: the Piton 14 is a blend of softness and character. This version felt noticeably more flexible than previous generations; where the old Piton cultivated that rigid and "dry" feel so appealing to purists, the 14 adopts a more enveloping and progressive touch. Some may regret this slight departure from tradition, but improving players will find it a valuable ally. It offers  sensations of control  very high-end without ever brutalizing the game, while remaining a real threat as soon as you decide to accelerate.

La  Gladius  plays the card of quiet strength. Thanks to its core  Medium EVA Black The impact is less harsh than with its big sister, the  Strength But it's just as rewarding. It's the ultimate weapon for building attacks: it allows you to place your volleys with complete confidence and work on your smashes with an excellent mix of speed and control. We're not looking for chaos, we're looking for the opening and the duo.  rubber / carbon fiber It's all about providing the necessary precision to strike where it hurts. It's also particularly forgiving when the game gets tough. Where the Forze demands constant commitment, the classic Gladius is much more lenient: if you're a little late or defending half-heartedly, its  bullet exit  greater flexibility helps to regain depth in the  lobsters  and the re-engagements.

My verdict: the Gladius lives up to its spec sheet on the trail. Neither too stiff nor too soft, it's the most...  versatile  of the three. The players who alternate between  baseline  and climbed to  filet  will feel at ease immediately. It is also the one that reassures the most quickly, from the very first shots, a valuable quality in competition when there is no time to find oneself.

La  Gladius Forze She, however, is clearly the most powerful of the trio. Well-centered impacts, taken with commitment, produce strikes of truly impressive weight. Rigid, responsive, and devilishly precise, she's a pure offensive paddle built for the final blow. Thanks to the combo  18K AluCarbon  et  hard tires The power is immediate, crisp, and unfiltered: you never feel the weight of the ball, you crush it with natural authority. This demanding nature obviously has a downside: it requires total body commitment. A passive arm, and the ball will die in the racket. But as soon as you regain the initiative and move to the net, it transforms into a veritable scalpel.  pressure flights  They are clean, precise, and skim the carpet with surgical efficiency. It won't necessarily be the best friend of players still developing: it demands consistency, of  arm speed and a sufficiently advanced understanding of the game to exploit its full potential.

 To be continued in part 2… 

These first three rackets lay the foundations for an already very convincing 2026 collection.  Black Crown  proves once again that it knows how to speak to all profiles of players, from the beginner to the seasoned competitor, without ever sacrificing its brand identity on the altar of marketing.

In the second part, we will explore the more offensive and technological side of the range, with the  Special Max , the  Special Elite  and  Boss Kore , three rackets that each have something to prove, and that do not disappoint.

Spoiler alert: boss Kore deserves an entire article of her own. But that's for later.

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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