Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black 2025 Padel Racket Review

Performance Ratings

• Power: 68/100
• Control: 85/100
• Rebound: 72/100
• Maneuverability: 88/100
• Sweet Spot: 80/100

Specifications

Brand

Dunlop

Shape

Teardrop

Balance

Mid

Surface

Smooth

Hardness

Medium

Core

EVA Soft

Game Level

Intermediate

Game Type

Control

Year

2025

Expert Review

Quick Verdict

The Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black is a control-first teardrop racket built for intermediate players who rally more than they smash. Its Mid balance and EVA Soft core make it forgiving and easy to swing, though it lacks the raw pop that advanced attackers crave. At €79.95, it's a genuine bargain.

Introduction

There's a specific sound a racket makes when the core is soft but the frame isn't flimsy — a dull, controlled thud rather than a sharp crack — and that's exactly what greeted us on the first bandeja we hit with the Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black. No rattle, no harsh vibration through the palm, just a clean, muted response that told us Dunlop had prioritized touch over theatrics with this build.

That intention lines up with the spec sheet. This is a teardrop padel racket with Mid balance, a Smooth surface, and an EVA Soft core rated Medium hardness — a combination Dunlop clearly aimed at intermediate players who want a racket that helps construct points rather than end them violently. It sits in the 2025 Infinity Pro line as the accessible, control-oriented option, and in this Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black review we tested it over multiple sessions across doubles matches, drilling volleys, and dedicated defensive footwork drills.

What surprised us most wasn't the control — that was expected given the specs — it was how nimble the racket felt during fast net exchanges, despite carrying a balance point that usually trades some maneuverability for stability.

Performance on the Court

At the Back of the Court (Defense)

Chasing down lobs at the back glass is where the teardrop shape and Mid balance earn their keep. The head doesn't feel sluggish when we needed to change racket angle quickly on a low, skidding ball.

Blocking heavy smashes off the back wall produced a soft, controlled rebound rather than a hot, unpredictable one. We could redirect defensive lobs back deep with reasonable consistency, even under time pressure.

At the Net (Volleys and Smashes)

Punch volleys felt crisp without being explosive — this is not a racket that will bail you out with raw power on a half-hit smash. We had to generate our own pace, which rewarded clean technique over arm speed.

Block volleys against faster opponents stayed stable, and the sweet spot proved wide enough to absorb slightly off-center contact without the ball spraying long.

Spin and Control (Viboras & Bandejas)

The Smooth surface bit into the ball nicely on vibora attempts, letting us impart slice with confidence rather than fighting the frame. Bandejas came out flatter and more directional than aggressive, which suited our setup-and-rebuild style of play.

Topspin lobs off this racket felt controllable rather than dangerous — good for consistency, less so for players hunting a heavy kick.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Teardrop shape combined with Mid balance keeps the racket agile at the net during fast doubles exchanges, matching the strong maneuverability we felt hand-to-hand with opponents.
• EVA Soft core cushions off-center hits, which explains the generous feel we got even when contact drifted toward the frame's edge.
• Smooth surface grips the ball cleanly on slice-heavy shots like vibora and bajada, giving confident direction on defensive-to-offensive transitions.
• Control-oriented DNA translates directly into pinpoint cross-court volleys and reliable lob placement under pressure.
• Priced at €79.95 against an original €240 tag, it delivers intermediate-level performance well above what the current price suggests.

Cons

Construction and Materials

The EVA Soft core is the defining material choice here, and it's doing exactly what soft EVA is meant to do: extend dwell time on contact so the ball sits on the strings a fraction longer for better direction. Combined with the Smooth surface, this gives a tactile, almost "sticky" feel on slice shots that we didn't expect from a racket at this price point.

Build quality feels solid rather than premium — the glossy black finish looks clean on court, and we didn't notice any frame flex or creaking under repeated smash testing. For €79.95, the materials clearly punch above their price bracket, even if the surface finish doesn't have the exotic carbon layups you'd find on flagship Dunlop models.

If you're evaluating whether an older racket in your bag needs retiring, this guide on When to Replace Your Padel Racket: Signs It's Time for an Upgrade is worth a read before committing to any new purchase.

Who Should Buy This Racket?

• Best suited to intermediate players roughly one to three years into regular play who are still building shot consistency rather than chasing maximum power.
• Ideal for players who split time between mid-court and net, favoring construction points, bandejas, and controlled volleys over first-strike aggression.
• Physically, this racket suits players without a fast, whippy swing — the Mid balance and soft core reward controlled technique over brute force.
• Fits players hitting the court one to three times a week who want a racket that's forgiving during long rallies and doesn't punish mishits.
• Skip this if you're an advanced player whose game revolves around finishing points at the net with power smashes — you'll find the power rating limiting.
• Also skip it if you play in cold, damp conditions frequently, since softer EVA cores can feel duller in low temperatures; check our Seasonal Padel Racket Guide: Choosing the Right Racket for Different Conditions before buying if this applies to you.

How It Compares

Within Dunlop's own Infinity Pro range, the G1 Hl Black sits as the control-leaning, budget-accessible entry point, distinct from more power-focused siblings higher in the lineup. Against the broader budget teardrop segment, it holds up well thanks to its unusually wide sweet spot for the price.

Compared to the Softee Phantom, the Dunlop feels noticeably more maneuverable at the net, and our volleys were more consistently on target during head-to-head net drills. The Phantom edges ahead slightly on raw power for players who like to end points early, but sacrifices some of the touch we found on the Dunlop's bandejas.

Against the Softee Jackal, the comparison tightens — the Jackal offers a stiffer, more rebound-heavy response that suits counter-attacking players, while the Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black remains the more forgiving option for players still developing shot precision. If your game leans on placement over pace, the Dunlop is the easier racket to trust in tight rallies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black good for intermediate players?

Yes, it's specifically built for that level. The forgiving EVA Soft core and wide sweet spot mean mishits at the frame's edge don't cost you the point, which matters most while consistency is still developing.

Q: Who is the Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black actually best suited for?

It fits an intermediate player who plays two to three times a week, favors mid-court construction over aggressive net finishing, and values consistent volleys and lobs over raw smash power. Players with a controlled, technical swing will get the most from it.

Q: How does the Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black compare to Softee Phantom?

The Dunlop offers better maneuverability and touch at the net, while the Phantom leans slightly more toward power for players who prioritize finishing points early. For control-focused rallies, we preferred the Dunlop's feel.

Q: Is the Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black still a good buy in 2026 considering its price and performance?

Absolutely — at €79.95 against an original €240 price tag, the control and maneuverability on offer are well beyond what the current price implies. It remains one of the stronger value picks in the budget teardrop category.

Final Verdict

The Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Black earned its place in our rotation as a reliable, low-drama control racket rather than a highlight-reel power tool. Its biggest wins came from the wide sweet spot and Mid balance, which together made defensive scrambles and net exchanges feel manageable rather than stressful.

It won't satisfy players chasing explosive smashes, and advanced attackers will likely outgrow it within a season. But for intermediate players focused on consistency, this racket delivers genuine performance at a price that undercuts most of the competition.

Before your first session, it's worth pairing a fresh grip setup using this Padel Racket Grip Replacement Guide: When and How to Change Your Grip to get the most out of the racket's control profile.

Buy it if you're an intermediate player who wants dependable control, a forgiving sweet spot, and net agility at a bargain price. Skip it if your game is built around power smashes and you need a racket that hits back as hard as you swing.