Dunlop Gravity 2023 Padel Racket Review

Performance Ratings

• Power: 68/100
• Control: 90/100
• Rebound: 78/100
• Maneuverability: 82/100
• Sweet Spot: 80/100

Specifications

Brand

Dunlop

Shape

Round

Balance

Mid

Surface

Smooth

Hardness

Medium

Core

EVA Soft

Game Level

Professional

Game Type

Control

Year

2023

Expert Review

Quick Verdict

The Dunlop Gravity is a control-first, round-shaped padel racket built for players who construct points rather than end them early. It suits intermediate to advanced players who favor placement over raw pace. Its biggest strength is pinpoint control off the EVA Soft core; its biggest weakness is limited pop on flat smashes.

Introduction

Dunlop's padel range has always leaned toward accessible performance, but the Gravity feels like the brand finally decided to build something for players who actually think about shot construction rather than just swinging hard. Compared to the more power-oriented Inferno line sitting elsewhere in Dunlop's catalog, the Gravity is quieter, more deliberate, and noticeably more forgiving through the mid-court exchanges that decide most amateur and semi-competitive rallies.

This is a round-shaped, Mid-balance racket with a Medium-hardness EVA Soft core and a Smooth glossy surface, and Dunlop pitches it toward professional-level control players rather than baseline bashers. We spent several sessions with it across doubles matches, drilling bandejas, viboras, and defensive lobs from the back glass to see whether the control-oriented billing actually holds up on court. Before diving into pricing or shape geometry, we wanted to know one thing: does a €69.95 racket (down from its original €200 tag) actually play like a genuine professional padel racket, or is that just marketing.

What surprised us most during testing wasn't the control — that was expected from a round shape and soft core — it was how competitive the maneuverability felt at the net despite the Gravity clearly being built for touch over pace.

Performance on the Court

At the Back of the Court (Defense)

Defending from the baseline is where the Gravity's round shape earns its keep. Chasing down heavy smashes hit deep to the backhand corner, we consistently got the racket face square in time thanks to the generous sweet spot spread typical of round geometry.

Low balls and skidding lobs off the back glass felt manageable rather than punishing. The Mid balance meant we weren't fighting the racket's weight distribution mid-scramble, which matters when you're stretched wide and need a clean defensive lob rather than a mishit.

At the Net (Volleys and Smashes)

Punch volleys felt crisp and directable, especially cross-court, where the Smooth surface let us guide the ball rather than just block it. Block volleys against firm smashes held up well — the frame absorbed pace instead of spitting the ball back uncontrolled.

Where the Gravity shows its ceiling is on flat, put-away smashes. Swinging fully through an overhead from the middle of the court, the power just isn't explosive; you get placement, not a knockout blow, which is consistent with its 68/100 power rating.

Spin and Control (Viboras & Bandejas)

This is the racket's clearest strength. On bandejas hit from the right side, the Smooth surface bit into the ball nicely, letting us slice with real intent and keep the ball low after the bounce.

Viboras felt equally controlled — we could open the racket face for extra spin without the ball ballooning long, a direct result of the soft-medium core dampening excess rebound.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The round shape combined with an 80/100 sweet spot rating means off-center contact on defensive shots rarely results in a wasted point.
• Control sits at the top of its performance profile, which we felt directly on bandeja and vibora placement near the sidelines.
• Mid balance keeps the racket quick through transitions from defense to attack without feeling head-heavy on quick net exchanges.
• Medium hardness EVA Soft core reduces vibration on off-center hits, which is noticeable during long defensive rallies against harder-hitting opponents.
• A maneuverability rating of 82/100 translated into genuinely fast racket-face reset speed during rapid volley exchanges at the net.

Cons

• Power output is modest — players relying on flat, aggressive smashes from the left side will find themselves needing extra swing effort to finish points.
• The soft core, while comfortable, means big hitters won't get the trampoline effect they'd find in stiffer, power-oriented frames.
• Rebound at 78/100 is solid but not spectacular, so purely defensive players relying on wall rebounds for pace may need to adjust timing.
• Players with fast, explosive swing styles may find the control bias limits how much they can dictate points outright.

Construction and Materials

The EVA Soft core is the defining material choice here, and it shows immediately in how the racket handles contact. Instead of a hard, reactive pop, you get a softer, more controlled response — ideal for players prioritizing placement over pace.

The Smooth glossy surface pairs well with that core, giving us reliable bite for slice shots during viboras without feeling grabby or inconsistent. Build quality feels solid for a racket now retailing well below its original €200 price point.

At €69.95, the fit and finish punch above the price bracket. There's no rattle, no cheap-feeling flex, and the glossy black-and-white finish has held up well through repeated sessions without visible wear.

If you're evaluating when to replace your padel racket, the Gravity's construction quality suggests it has real longevity left in it even after heavy rotation.

Who Is This Racket For?

The Gravity is best suited to a right-side player who builds points through bandejas, controlled volleys, and cross-court placement rather than trying to end rallies with raw power. All-court players who value consistency over explosiveness will feel most at home here.

Physically, it suits players with moderate-to-fast swing speeds who don't need maximum stiffness to generate pace — the soft core is also kinder on players managing mild elbow or wrist sensitivity. It works well for both recreational players hitting twice a week and competitive players training four-plus times weekly, since the control profile rewards consistent technique rather than punishing occasional mishits.

This is not a racket for the player who loves finishing points with flat, explosive smashes from the left side — the round shape and soft core won't deliver that pop. It is, however, an excellent fit for the patient right-side player who wins points through precise, well-placed bandejas and disciplined net play.

How It Compares

Within Dunlop's own lineup, the Gravity sits clearly on the control side, contrasting with more power-focused models like the Inferno. Against the Dunlop Megamax Green, the Gravity offers noticeably better shot placement on bandejas and viboras, though the Megamax Green edges it out when it comes to raw smash power for players who prioritize finishing points quickly.

Compared with the Drop Shot Furia Control 1.0, another budget-friendly control racket, the Gravity feels more maneuverable at the net during fast volley exchanges, while the Furia Control leans slightly more forgiving on mishits thanks to its own sweet spot design.

In the sub-€100 control racket segment, the Gravity stands out for offering genuinely professional-level control at a fraction of its original price, making it one of the stronger budget round rackets currently available for players who prioritize precision over power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Dunlop Gravity good for professional players?

Yes, particularly for professional-level players who prioritize control and shot construction over outright power. Its 90/100 control rating and round shape suit players who rely on placement, bandejas, and viboras rather than flat, explosive smashes.

Q: Who is the Dunlop Gravity actually best suited for?

It's ideal for a right-side, all-court or defensive-minded player who plays three or more times a week and values consistency over raw pace. Players with moderate swing speeds and those managing mild arm sensitivity will appreciate the softer core response.

Q: How does the Dunlop Gravity compare to Dunlop Megamax Green?

The Gravity offers superior control and touch on bandejas and net play, while the Megamax Green generates more raw power on smashes. Players who finish points with pace should lean toward the Megamax Green; those who construct points should choose the Gravity.

Q: Is the Dunlop Gravity still a good buy in 2026 considering its price and performance?

Absolutely — at its current discounted price, the control performance and build quality significantly outpace what you'd expect from a budget round racket. It remains a strong option for control-focused players, and pairing it with a fresh grip using this grip replacement guide can extend its feel even further.

Final Verdict

The Dunlop Gravity earns its place as one of the more compelling budget round rackets we've tested, largely because it doesn't try to be something it isn't. It leans fully into control, and that commitment pays off in bandejas, viboras, and net exchanges where precision matters more than raw pace.

Power hitters and left-side smashers will hit a ceiling quickly, but that's a deliberate trade-off, not a flaw. If your game depends on court conditions varying seasonally, our seasonal padel racket guide can help you decide if a control-first frame like this fits your climate and playing calendar.

Buy it if you're a control-oriented, right-side or all-court player who wants professional-level precision without paying full price. Skip it if your game revolves around finishing points with explosive, flat smashes from the back of the court.