Black Crown is a family business that was created in 2011. Work, effort and dedication are the three pillars on which the company has consolidated its image in the world of padel. Twelve years after its creation, the brand has imposed itself on an increasingly demanding market thanks to a well-defined philosophy and values. It is a company entirely dedicated to the practice of padel (unlike some multi-sport brands found especially in tennis).

In this file, we are going to discover four models – the Piton 11 and the Hurricane Pro, as well as their soft versions – which each offer very specific characteristics: enough to tip the balance, one side or the other, when of the buying process.

Black Crown Piton 11

Spearhead of the Spanish brand, the mythical Piton 11 has been renewed once again, and there is no doubt that it will still be a bestseller for 2023. The racket does not lose the essence of the previous versions, and it continues with the same round shape and balance in the handle, which gives it excellent maneuverability, giving the player maximum control, extraordinary precision, increased safety in aerial and fast play, and tremendously tamable power.

Cosmetically, the black crown in the center is enveloped in an azure blue coat referring to summer and the deep waters of the Mediterranean. The handle is in the average low level length and the strap, like every year, is of the simplest kind.
Now let's move on to the most important, the eraser. The famous core incorporates 3Xply rubber, which consists of a hard EVA layer on the outside and a soft EVA core on the inside, perfectly combining the advantages of both hardnesses.
It offers a touch hard enough to increase the gravity of the strikes and the accuracy of the shots, but which will marry the balls of low intensity. Its faces are composed of two layers of low density fiberglass covered with a layer of 3K carbon fiber.

With this combination, the bullet exit is total and, at high cadences, it allows you to enjoy generous power and a more shrill sound. As a result, the 3K carbon will bring this touch of robustness and rigidity necessary when it is necessary to finish the stitches with panache.
As for its double tubular frame in 80% carbon fiber, it offers greater resistance to the pala and extends its life.


Finally, the rough SandSpin finish will provide a lot of grip on the viboras and other sliced ​​smashes. Once on the track, we notice from the first strokes that it is a super manageable pala, where what predominates is a clear, clean and fluid swing that makes the game controlled, stable and very pleasant from the start. .

In defense, it is a racket that surprises because of its lightness and the large sweet-spot it deploys, enough to maintain a firm and dynamic defense in all shots that require rubbing the turf.

$But where I was the most amazed was that it has nothing to envy to the power-class palas; the sound is dry, the correction severe, and believe it or not, this piton 11 sends lightning!

Conclusion

The racket padel Black Crown Piton 11 is the most emblematic model of the Catalan brand.
It is a racket designed for advanced players looking for guaranteed control and undeniable power. 3Xply rubber provides seamless responsiveness, increases comfort, and enlarges the sweet-spot. It is the best alternative for the player who likes to prepare the point patiently, since it is one of the best control racquets you can find, offering great precision in off-center hits. Pure versatility, with a feeling of total domination, perfect for technical and precise blows developing incredible power that will allow you to be ultra-striking in the attack phases.

Slightly less aggressive players will turn to the model Soft Drinks which will provide even more flexibility and ball output, elements generally sought after when the technical background is limited.
Comfortable, handy and powerful, it is almost certain that those who set their sights on this model will not be disappointed.

Black Crown Hurricane Pro 2.0

This pala was designed by and for Marta Marrero, former world No. 1, who collaborates with Black Crown for 10 years already. The Hurricane series is characterized by an oversized round shape and medium balance.

Indeed, the Spanish player being a very aggressive left player, her style of play requires having a racquet with a minimum of mass above the bridge in order to be decisive in the phases of frantic play. It is made with 3Xply EVA dual density foam, a rubber that has two different hardnesses in order to take advantage of both advantages at specific times. Indeed, the latter will generate a very good ball exit in slow shots, then stiffen during energetic strikes.

Also covered with three layers of high-durability reinforced fiberglass Low Density Piton Glass, a more elastic and flexible material, it will provide excellent ball output and amplified vibration absorption. This technology consists of placing three layers of fiberglass under the fourth and final layer, which is 12K carbon. This combination brings a lot of power and precision on the offensive level and ensures very good control in the defensive phases. But above all, this superposition of layers guarantees a very appreciable solidity and durability.
The frame is still 2TB AIR carbon fiber at 80%, which implies greater resistance to shocks. The 5D rough finish is still there, and will give you a little boost in the effects.


The XXL handle, which allows a much more efficient and comfortable two-handed backhand, is always a delight to grasp, as is the padded wrist strap.
With a very sweetish look, a duo of pale gray and coral pink, we are the opposite of the 2022 model with its much more fluorescent and flashy colors.

In play, it is a pala with excellent performance during the offensive phases, but which, in terms of handling, will be penalized, despite its round shape, by a fairly present average balance.
On the other hand, this balance is not a burden during the execution of the smashes, it goes quite strong, without being all the same in the top of the “power palas”.
In defense, so in shots with little recoil, the superposition of three layers of fiberglass is sparkling, little effort for a shimmering ball exit.

Conclusion

Attractive racket for those looking for a round shape, with very little vibration, stability, a lot of comfort, a generous sweet-spot and a non-negligible power reserve.
Unfortunately, the proposed color code limits access to men, and that's a shame, because this reference offers a very attractive set of characteristics, and this Hurricane Pro 2.0 was the dream alternative for many undecided. Note that there is an even less rigid non-Pro version with an SC White Eva core, and where the last layer of 12K carbon has been eclipsed, giving way to the aluminized 3K.

Special thanks French Padel Shop (Manu, Fred and Régis) for the loan of the palas.

Don't miss the promo code French Padel Shop:

BLACKCROWN10

Valid until 30/04/2023

Valid on Piton11, Piton 11 soft, Hurricane Pro 2.0 and Hurricane 2.0

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!