Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Metal 2025 Padel Racket Review

Performance Ratings

• Power: 68/100
• Control: 82/100
• Rebound: 74/100
• Maneuverability: 85/100
• 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 Metal is a control-first teardrop racket built for intermediate players who rally from mid-court and want forgiveness on off-center hits. Its biggest strength is maneuverability at the net; its biggest weakness is limited pop on flat smashes. At €79.95, it is an easy recommendation for developing players.

Introduction

We expected more punch from a teardrop-shaped racket carrying the "Infinity Pro" name, and on our first few smashes the Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Metal felt almost restrained. That initial hesitation faded fast once we shifted our game plan from hitting through the ball to placing it, because this racket clearly wasn't built to overpower opponents. It was built to out-maneuver them.

Dunlop positioned this 2025 release as an intermediate padel racket for players who are past the beginner phase but not yet chasing diamond-shaped power monsters. The Teardrop shape paired with a Mid balance point puts the sweet spot in a forgiving middle ground, neither buried in the throat nor crammed into the tip. We tested it over several weeks of club sessions and social matches, rotating it through defense, transition, and net play to see where it actually earns its keep.

What surprised us most was how much control we retained on rushed volleys, even when our positioning was late — a trait we didn't expect from a racket at this price point.

Performance on the Court

At the Back of the Court (Defense)

Digging out low balls from the back glass is where the Mid balance earns its reputation. The racket doesn't feel head-heavy when we're stretched wide, so recovering into position for the next shot happens quickly.

On defensive lobs against a smash-happy opponent, we found enough plough-through to clear the net with margin, though it lacks the trampoline effect of stiffer, power-oriented frames. Returning heavy smashes felt secure rather than explosive — the ball comes back controlled, not blistering.

At the Net (Volleys and Smashes)

Block volleys are where this racket shines. Against firm-hit balls at the net, the EVA Soft core absorbs pace well, letting us redirect cleanly into open space instead of fighting the racket face.

Punch volleys carry decent speed for putting the ball away on a short exchange. Smashes, however, require full commitment from the shoulder — this isn't a racket that manufactures power for you, so flat kill shots depend on your own swing speed.

Spin and Control (Viboras & Bandejas)

The Smooth surface bites the ball nicely on bandeja setups, letting us guide depth toward the back corners rather than just slowing the rally down. On vibora attempts, the combination of Teardrop shape and Smooth finish gave us confidence brushing up the back of the ball, generating usable slice without the frame twisting on contact.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Teardrop shape and Mid balance combine for genuinely nimble handling at net, which lines up with what we felt reacting to fast exchanges from the opposing pair.
• Control-oriented EVA Soft core rewards players building shot placement over raw power, particularly on bandejas and cross-court volleys.
• A generous sweet spot forgives mis-hits during fast rallies, saving points that a smaller-face diamond racket would lose.
• Smooth surface finish helps generate spin on vibora and slice shots without needing an aggressive swing.
• At €79.95 against an original €250 price tag, the build quality feels well above what we'd expect at this cost.

Cons

• Power output on flat smashes is modest; players relying on the racket to add pace will be disappointed.
• Rebound speed is average, so quick-fire net exchanges against harder-hitting opponents can feel a step behind.
• Players transitioning from diamond-shaped, power-focused rackets may need a full session or two to adjust their swing timing.
• The Medium hardness offers comfort but isn't ideal for players who prefer a very stiff, high-feedback hitting sensation.

Construction and Materials

The EVA Soft core is the defining material choice here, prioritizing comfort and control over the harder, more reactive foams found in power-focused rackets. On contact, the sensation is muted and controlled rather than crisp and explosive, which tracks with its Control game type classification.

The Smooth surface finish, combined with a Glossy topcoat, gives the face enough bite for spin shots without feeling grabby or inconsistent. Build quality at this price point is genuinely impressive; nothing about the frame feels cut-rate, and the Metal Grey colorway carries a premium look that belies the discounted price.

If you're already invested in this racket long-term, pairing it with a fresh overgrip makes a noticeable difference in feel — our Padel Racket Grip Replacement Guide: When and How to Change Your Grip covers exactly when that switch is worth making.

Who Should Buy This Racket?

This racket suits players roughly one to three years into the sport who have moved past pure survival tennis and are starting to construct points deliberately. If you play from the middle of the court and prioritize consistency over kill shots, the sweet spot and Mid balance will consistently bail you out on mis-hits.

Physically, it suits players with moderate swing speed and no interest in muscling every shot; the Medium hardness is comfortable for arms prone to fatigue or minor elbow discomfort. It's well suited to players hitting the court once or twice a week rather than daily competitive grinders.

Players who should skip this racket: aggressive smashers who build their game around finishing points with raw power, and advanced competitive players who need maximum rebound speed for fast-paced attacking exchanges. Both archetypes will find the power ceiling limiting.

How It Compares

Within Dunlop's own lineup, the Infinity Pro G1 Hl Metal sits as the accessible, control-leaning entry point rather than a flagship power racket, and in the broader budget teardrop segment it competes directly with rackets like the Softee Phantom and Softee Jackal.

Against the Softee Phantom, the Dunlop offers a noticeably larger sweet spot and better maneuverability at net, making it more forgiving for players still refining their volley technique. The Phantom can feel slightly stiffer and more power-biased in comparison, which some intermediate players may actually prefer if they're chasing more pace.

Compared to the Softee Jackal, the Infinity Pro G1 Hl Metal edges ahead in control and spin generation on bandejas and viboras thanks to its Smooth surface, though the Jackal can offer a bit more rebound pop for players who lean on the back wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, it's built specifically for that level. The forgiving sweet spot, Mid balance, and control-oriented EVA Soft core suit players developing consistency and shot placement rather than those chasing maximum power.

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

Players who position themselves mid-court to net, favor placement over power, and play once or twice weekly will get the most from it. It also suits players with moderate swing speed who want a comfortable, arm-friendly frame rather than a stiff power racket.

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

The Dunlop offers a larger, more forgiving sweet spot and feels more maneuverable during quick net exchanges. The Phantom leans slightly more toward power, so the choice comes down to whether you prioritize control or pace.

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

Absolutely, especially at its discounted €79.95 price against an original €250 tag. If your current racket is showing wear or no longer matches your improving technique, it's worth reviewing our When to Replace Your Padel Racket: Signs It's Time for an Upgrade guide before deciding, but as a control-focused intermediate option this racket still holds up well.

Final Verdict

We came away from testing convinced that the Dunlop Infinity Pro G1 Hl Metal earns its spot as a genuinely solid intermediate padel racket, provided you understand what it is and isn't. It's not a smash-hunting weapon, and treating it like one will leave you underwhelmed at the back of the court.

What it does deliver is dependable control, a wide margin for error, and enough maneuverability to compete comfortably at net against faster-swinging opponents. For players building their bandeja and vibora repertoire, that trade-off is worth making.

One more thing worth considering before buying: playing conditions matter more than people admit, and if you split time between indoor and outdoor courts, our Seasonal Padel Racket Guide: Choosing the Right Racket for Different Conditions is worth a read alongside this one.

Buy it if you're an intermediate player who wants a comfortable, control-first teardrop racket at a fraction of its original price. Skip it if your game is built entirely around overpowering opponents from the back of the court.