Prince PRINCE FALCON 2025 Padel Racket Review

Performance Ratings

• Power: 92/100
• Control: 88/100
• Rebound: 85/100
• Maneuverability: 82/100
• Sweet Spot: 79/100

Specifications

Brand

Prince

Shape

Round

Balance

Mid

Surface

Smooth

Hardness

Medium

Core

EVA Soft

Game Level

Advanced

Game Type

Control

Year

2025

Expert Review

Introduction

The Prince PRINCE FALCON hits the ball with a ferocity that catches opponents off guard, yet somehow maintains enough finesse to place that power exactly where you want it. This is Prince's statement piece for advanced players who refuse to choose between explosive offense and surgical precision. In the crowded 2025 midrange market, the PRINCE FALCON distinguishes itself through an unusual combination: a round shape typically associated with control-oriented play, paired with a power rating of 92/100 that rivals diamond-shaped attackers.

We tested the Prince PRINCE FALCON extensively across multiple court sessions, pushing it through aggressive baseline exchanges, rapid-fire net battles, and extended defensive rallies. The racket features a mid balance point, EVA Soft core, and smooth surface finish—all wrapped in an oversize format that expands the hitting zone. Prince built this round padel racket specifically for advanced female players seeking a control-oriented game type without sacrificing offensive punch.

What surprised us most during testing was how the PRINCE FALCON generates tour-level power from a round shape without the typical arm fatigue that plagues many aggressive rackets—though we need to discuss the paddle elbow concerns some players have reported.

Performance on the Court

The Prince PRINCE FALCON reveals its dual personality the moment you step onto court. During our testing sessions, we found this racket excels in scenarios where most players face difficult trade-offs between power and placement.

At the Back of the Court (Defense)

When retrieving heavy smashes from deep positions, the PRINCE FALCON's round shape and mid balance point create exceptional maneuverability for a power-focused racket. We consistently generated high defensive lobs with minimal effort, thanks to the EVA Soft core absorbing impact shock while the oversize format provided forgiveness on off-center contacts. The 82/100 maneuverability rating translates to quick racket preparation when you're scrambling along the back glass.

Low balls presented an interesting challenge. The smooth surface doesn't bite into the ball as aggressively as textured alternatives, requiring slightly more deliberate brushing technique to lift balls from ankle height. However, once you adjust your stroke mechanics, the racket rewards you with consistent depth on defensive returns. We found the sweet spot rating of 79/100 means you need reasonably centered contact when stretched wide, but the oversize format gives you more margin than traditional round rackets.

At the Net (Volleys and Smashes)

This is where the Prince PRINCE FALCON truly earns its reputation as Prince's power flagship. When attacking from the net, the racket generates explosive pace on smashes that feels disproportionate to its round shape. During testing, we repeatedly caught opponents flat-footed with finishing smashes from mid-court positions—the kind of winners typically reserved for diamond-shaped weapons.

Block volleys against hard-driven attacks showcase the racket's control-oriented design. The EVA Soft core dampens incoming power effectively, allowing you to redirect aggressive shots with precision rather than just absorbing them. We noticed particularly strong performance on punch volleys aimed at opponents' feet, where the mid balance point enables quick wrist action without the racket feeling head-heavy. The 88/100 control rating manifests most clearly in these rapid exchanges, where placement matters more than raw power.

Spin and Control (Viboras & Bandejas)

The smooth surface finish creates a specific feel when applying spin that advanced players will either love or find limiting. During bandeja setups, we generated adequate slice to keep balls low and skidding, though the lack of texture means you're relying purely on racket head speed and contact angle. Players accustomed to rough or 3D-textured surfaces will need adjustment time to achieve the same spin levels.

Viboras revealed the racket's true character. The combination of power and control allows you to hit aggressive topspin viboras that dive sharply after crossing the net, yet the round shape provides enough stability to keep these shots inside the court boundaries. We found the rebound rating of 85/100 particularly relevant here—the ball comes off the face with authority but not so explosively that you sacrifice directional control during these delicate touch shots.

Pros and Cons

After extensive court testing, the Prince PRINCE FALCON presents clear advantages and specific limitations that advanced players need to understand before investing.

Pros

• The 92/100 power rating delivers diamond-racket explosiveness from a round shape, allowing aggressive players to finish points with authority while maintaining the control benefits of a round design during extended rallies and defensive situations.
• Mid balance point combined with 82/100 maneuverability creates exceptional racket head speed at the net, enabling quick reactions during rapid volley exchanges and allowing players to generate punch volleys with minimal backswing preparation.
• EVA Soft core provides excellent vibration dampening during hard-hit ball impacts, reducing arm fatigue during long training sessions and tournament play compared to stiffer foam alternatives in this power category.
• Oversize format expands the effective hitting zone significantly, offering forgiveness on slightly off-center contacts during defensive scrambles and allowing players to maintain power even when stretched wide at the net.
• The 88/100 control rating enables precise ball placement on finishing volleys and drop shots, giving advanced players the surgical precision needed to exploit court gaps during constructed points rather than relying solely on power.

Cons

• The smooth surface finish limits maximum spin generation compared to textured alternatives, forcing players who rely heavily on slice bandejas or topspin viboras to adjust their technique or accept reduced spin levels on setup shots.
• Sweet spot rating of 79/100 means the oversize format doesn't deliver the massive forgiveness some players expect, requiring reasonably centered contact especially on defensive lobs from deep court positions to maintain consistent depth.
• Some advanced players report paddle elbow issues during extended use, suggesting the combination of high power output and medium hardness may transmit more shock than players with existing arm sensitivities can comfortably handle.
• The €269.95 price point positions this racket in a competitive midrange segment where several alternatives offer similar performance profiles, making the PRINCE FALCON's value proposition less clear-cut than budget or premium options.

Construction and Materials

The Prince PRINCE FALCON employs a construction approach that prioritizes durability and consistent performance over exotic materials. The EVA Soft core represents a deliberate choice by Prince—softer than the EVA Pro or Memory foams found in premium rackets, but firmer than basic EVA Foam used in entry-level models. During our testing, this medium-density core delivered predictable ball response across varying temperatures and humidity levels, maintaining consistent feel whether we played early morning sessions or under midday sun.

The smooth surface finish uses a traditional construction without 3D textures or rough coatings. This keeps manufacturing costs reasonable while providing a clean, predictable contact feel that advanced players can rely on. We noticed the surface showed minimal wear after multiple sessions, suggesting good durability for the price point. The black and green color scheme uses quality paint application that resisted chipping around the frame edges despite repeated wall contacts.

Build quality feels solid throughout the racket. The frame rigidity supports the high power rating without flexing excessively during hard smashes, while the oversize format doesn't introduce the structural weak points we sometimes see in larger racket heads. At €269.95, the materials represent fair value—you're not getting carbon fiber innovations or aerospace-grade foams, but you are getting a well-constructed racket that will maintain performance characteristics through a full season of regular play. The EVA Soft core should retain its dampening properties longer than cheaper foam alternatives, though players coming from premium rackets with Memory or MultiEVA cores may notice the slightly less refined feel during extended rallies.

Who Is This Racket For?

The Prince PRINCE FALCON targets a specific player archetype: the advanced right-side player who constructs points through aggressive net play but needs control precision to finish those points effectively. This racket excels in the hands of players who split time between attacking from the net and defending from mid-court, using power selectively rather than swinging for winners on every ball. If you play 3-4 times weekly in competitive club matches or regional tournaments, this racket provides the durability and performance consistency your game demands.

Court position matters significantly with this racket. Right-side players who set up points through bandejas and then finish with decisive volleys will appreciate how the mid balance enables quick transitions between setup and attack. The control rating supports the precise cross-court volleys and angled drop shots that right-side players rely on to create openings. Left-side players seeking pure finishing power from the back of the court should look elsewhere—the round shape and control orientation won't deliver the explosive flat smashes that left-side attackers need to end points from deep positions.

Physical profile considerations are critical here. Players with existing arm sensitivities or previous elbow issues should approach cautiously, given the reported paddle elbow concerns from some users. The medium hardness and high power output create more shock transmission than softer, control-focused alternatives. However, players with healthy arms who generate significant racket head speed will find the EVA Soft core provides adequate dampening during normal play. Your swing mechanics matter too—if you use long, looping swings with excessive force, the power output may prove difficult to control consistently.

This racket is definitively NOT for the recreational player who competes once weekly in casual matches. The advanced game level designation is accurate—you need refined technique to harness the power without spraying balls long. Similarly, aggressive baseline grinders who prefer to stay deep and construct points through heavy topspin groundstrokes will find the smooth surface limiting and the round shape insufficiently powerful for their playing style. The PRINCE FALCON rewards players who think tactically, using power as a weapon rather than a default setting.

How It Compares

The Prince PRINCE FALCON occupies an interesting position in both Prince's 2025 lineup and the broader midrange round racket market. Within Prince's range, this sits as the power flagship—no other Prince round racket delivers a 92/100 power rating while maintaining an 88/100 control score. Prince clearly designed this as the option for advanced players who want maximum offense without switching to a diamond shape.

Against the Royal Padel ROYAL PADEL JAPAN PRO 2025, the comparison reveals distinct philosophies. The Japan Pro emphasizes pure control and touch, sacrificing some power output for enhanced feel and spin capability through its textured surface. Players who construct points through precise placement and spin variation will prefer the Japan Pro's approach. The PRINCE FALCON counters with significantly more finishing power and faster ball speed off the racket face, making it superior for players who want to end points decisively once they've created an opening. The Japan Pro suits the patient tactician; the PRINCE FALCON rewards the aggressive opportunist.

The Royal Padel R Ace 2025 presents a closer competitive matchup. Both rackets target advanced players seeking power from round shapes, but the R Ace tilts slightly more toward control with a softer core and lower power output. During our testing, we found the PRINCE FALCON generates noticeably more pace on smashes and finishing volleys, while the R Ace provides marginally better touch on drop shots and defensive lobs. The R Ace also typically retails slightly lower, making it the value choice for players who prioritize control. The PRINCE FALCON justifies its premium through superior power generation and the oversize format's added forgiveness.

In the broader €250-300 round racket segment, the PRINCE FALCON distinguishes itself through the unusual power-control balance. Most competitors force you to choose: high-control rackets like the Bullpadel Vertex or high-power options like certain Adidas models. The PRINCE FALCON's ability to deliver both makes it compelling for versatile players, though specialists who excel in one dimension may find better-optimized alternatives elsewhere in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Prince PRINCE FALCON good for advanced players?

Yes, the Prince PRINCE FALCON is specifically designed for advanced players and performs best in experienced hands. The 92/100 power rating requires refined technique to control consistently, while the 88/100 control score rewards players who can exploit precise placement during constructed points. However, advanced players with existing arm sensitivities should note the reported paddle elbow concerns from some users, suggesting the racket's power output may transmit more shock than softer alternatives.

Q: Who is the Prince PRINCE FALCON actually best suited for?

The PRINCE FALCON excels for advanced right-side players who compete 3-4 times weekly in club or regional tournaments, preferring aggressive net play with tactical point construction over pure baseline power. Physically, you need healthy arms without previous elbow issues, plus the swing mechanics to generate racket head speed without excessive force. This racket rewards players who split time between attacking from the net and defending from mid-court, using the 92/100 power rating selectively to finish points rather than swinging aggressively on every ball.

Q: How does the Prince PRINCE FALCON compare to Royal Padel ROYAL PADEL JAPAN PRO 2025?

The PRINCE FALCON delivers significantly more power (92/100 vs lower power output) and faster ball speed, making it superior for finishing points decisively once you've created openings. The Japan Pro counters with enhanced spin capability through textured surfaces and slightly better touch on delicate shots, suiting patient tacticians who construct points through placement and spin variation. Choose the PRINCE FALCON if you want aggressive finishing power; select the Japan Pro if you prioritize control and spin over raw pace.

Q: Is the Prince PRINCE FALCON still a good buy in 2026 considering its price and performance?

At €269.95, the PRINCE FALCON represents fair value for advanced players seeking the specific power-control combination it delivers, though the competitive midrange market offers strong alternatives. The racket's durability and consistent EVA Soft core performance justify the investment for players competing regularly, but the smooth surface and reported arm comfort issues mean it's not universally suitable. If you match the target player profile—advanced right-side player with healthy arms seeking aggressive net play—the PRINCE FALCON remains competitive in 2026, though budget-conscious players might find similar performance in slightly older models at reduced prices.

Final Verdict

We recommend the Prince PRINCE FALCON for advanced players who refuse to compromise between power and control, particularly right-side competitors who construct points tactically before finishing decisively. This racket succeeds where many alternatives fail: delivering diamond-racket power from a round shape without sacrificing the placement precision that wins tight matches. The combination of 92/100 power and 88/100 control creates a versatile weapon for players who think strategically about when to attack versus when to set up.

Three critical takeaways define this racket. First, the power output is genuine—you can finish points from the net with authority that catches opponents off guard. Second, the round shape and mid balance maintain enough control to place that power precisely, enabling tactical play rather than just aggressive ball-bashing. Third, the reported paddle elbow concerns are real considerations for players with arm sensitivities, making pre-purchase testing essential if you have any injury history.

Buy the Prince PRINCE FALCON if you're an advanced player competing regularly who needs a racket that transitions seamlessly between aggressive net attacks and controlled point construction, and you have healthy arms that can handle the power output during extended sessions. Skip it if you're a left-side baseline grinder seeking pure finishing power, a recreational player without refined technique to harness the 92/100 power rating, or anyone with existing elbow issues who needs maximum vibration dampening above all else.