One of the most anticipated palas of 2023 goes to the Penso developer: the new Wilson Bela Pro V2, used by legend Fernando Belasteguin.

A wonderful red

Wilson will have waited more than two years before deploying this new version responding to the sweet name of Bela Pro V2. It was therefore with undisguised joy that I received this racquet, but also with some well-founded fears. Effectively, the first version didn't leave me with such good memories, because of a very high balance and a ridiculous sweet-spot. Did the engineers of the Chicago company take into account the criticisms of the community? This is what we are going to see now!

But above all else, this pala is simply magnificent with a scarlet red that covers 100% of the space. The wrist strap is of premium quality with the always very appreciable sliding/padded combo. The length of the handle is satisfactory, but be careful, I found that it was quite big (at least thicker than average), this could be a hindrance for small hands. Nevertheless, the Grip Shock Shield, combination of proprietary polyurethane and Izo-Zorb alloy provides an excellent combination of grip and cushioning.

As you will have understood, we are dealing with a top-of-the-range pala which benefits from the latest studies of the American brand, knowing that study does not necessarily mean revolution, but quite simply improvement (advancement – ​​compromise – optimization).

It is therefore on a delicate basis that the engineers have set about refining the update. This V2 keeps the DNA of the previous version, with a diamond format, a high balance, and a very hard compound. Imagined and designed by and for “King Bela”, it is always cut out for spirited left players.

Nevertheless, the changes made were very well targeted and the first change was directly noticeable, in this case a much more spacious “punto dulce”. It is clear that this was an essential reform, and I can assure you that in game, the action of decentering a strike is no longer severely penalized. Technology sharp hole must be there for something. For those unfamiliar with it, it's clever hole-positioning technology that improves air penetration and enlarges the sweet-spot.

Second rectification noted, the balance has been revised and it is with an increased feeling of security and tenfold maneuverability that we find ourselves on the fly in the very fast phases of play. Fear has been put away, and when you hit the ball more relaxed, you generally perform better.

Last element to take into account, we are always faced with a globally very rigid pala. It's not a surprise, the world champion with Argentina has always played with very hard sponges, which provide superior performance and allow you to gain precision, when the level of play is there!

And on the track, what does it look like?

After two break-in sessions, I really began to appreciate the specific character of this pala.

On the fly, it's clear and clean, it absolutely does not flinch, we are dealing with rock-solid stability!
Regarding the smashes, it's the timpani: you'll want to hit all the balls at full power, thanks to a foam Eva High Density coupled with Primero Carbon 3K which wreaks havoc. It goes straight, dry, and it is with unfailing delight that you will send the chestnuts with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker.

The viboras are accentuated thanks to the finish Spin Effect on all plans. Indeed, these small relief patterns are always very appreciable when you want to make the balls (and opponents) dizzy. However, you will have to contain your enthusiasm, because with this kind of machine in your hands, you want to hit all the balls and weak spirits will be immediately penalized.

It's still a bit complicated in the defensive phases, because the balance is still quite high and the ball output limited, but the responsiveness of the frame takes over on the game actions where you are cornered.

Conclusion

The giant Wilson, unlike its competitors, has not allowed itself to be drawn into a frantic race for revolution and originality, with the absolute obligation of having to release a “new” model each year. New is a very big word when a majority only upsets certain cosmetic details. It would be wiser for the main players to only change references every two years, so as not to harm the consumer by suggesting that if it's new, it's necessarily better.

Getting back on topic, this Bela Pro V2 is simply magical when you play with it. The responsiveness of the EVA Hard foam combined with the Primero Carbon 3K propels this pala to a legendary level, and I don't mince words.

wilson padel beautiful pro 2023

It will take some getting used to, but after that I can promise you won't be disappointed.
Obviously, this model is aimed at a certain elite who will be able to exploit it to the full, and the rest of the people will have to turn to the more permissive little sisters, namely the Bela Team and Elite.

This racquet is equipped with a unique detachable cap that allows the strap to be detached for cleaning or to put on another one of a different color. It comes with a cover of the most beautiful effect which has zipped pockets (always very appreciable) in order to store valuables.

Wilson-Bela-V2-cover

Thanks to Benoît Valor from Wilson France for sending the pala.

Stéphane Penso

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

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