Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 2024 Padel Racket Review

Performance Ratings

• Power: 72/100
• Control: 78/100
• Rebound: 81/100
• Maneuverability: 70/100
• Sweet Spot: 85/100

Specifications

Brand

Prince

Shape

Teardrop

Balance

Top

Surface

Rough

Hardness

Hard

Core

EVA Soft

Game Level

Advanced

Game Type

Power

Year

2024

Expert Review

Introduction

The Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 delivers something rare at the sub-€50 price point: a genuinely forgiving sweet spot that doesn't sacrifice all your power in the process. After weeks of testing this teardrop-shaped racket across recreational doubles and competitive training sessions, we found ourselves reaching for it more often than expected. Prince built this for the advancing player who's outgrown their first racket but isn't ready to drop €200+ on a premium model, and the 2024 version refines the original with a softer EVA core that absorbs shock better than its predecessor.

What makes the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 stand out in Prince's 2024 lineup is its unusual pairing of a top-heavy balance with an EVA Soft core—most budget rackets in this weight distribution use harder foams to compensate for cheaper materials. The rough surface finish adds spin potential without the aggressive texture that tears up balls after a few sessions. We tested it extensively at the net, from the baseline, and during transition play to see if the 85/100 sweet spot rating held up under pressure.

What surprised us most was how confidently we could attack from the right side without the wrist fatigue that usually comes from top-balanced budget rackets.

Performance on the Court

At the Back of the Court (Defense)

When retrieving deep lobs and handling aggressive smashes from the baseline, the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 feels stable despite its €49.95 price tag. The teardrop shape provides enough mass in the upper third to drive through defensive lobs with pace, sending them deep enough to reset the point. We noticed the top balance requires a slightly fuller swing than a round racket would, but the EVA Soft core cushions the impact when blocking hard smashes back into play.

The 81/100 rebound rating translates to predictable ball response when you're stretched wide and need to flick a passing shot down the line. During fast exchanges where we had to defend multiple smashes in succession, the racket didn't twist in our hand even on off-center contacts. The rough surface grips the ball just enough to add a touch of slice on low defensive returns, helping them stay low and forcing opponents to lift their next shot.

At the Net (Volleys and Smashes)

Attacking from the net is where the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2's top balance becomes an asset rather than a liability. On overhead smashes, the weight distribution generates solid power without requiring perfect technique—we consistently put away mid-court setups even when our footwork was rushed. The hard finish provides crisp feedback on contact, so you know immediately whether you've caught the sweet spot or clipped the edge.

Block volleys against hard-driven shots feel secure and controlled. The racket absorbs pace well enough that we could redirect aggressive attacks with minimal backswing, placing them cross-court or down the middle with accuracy. Punch volleys to finish points carry enough zip to beat opponents at the baseline, though players used to premium rackets will notice slightly less explosive pop on flat winners.

The 85/100 sweet spot rating proves itself during rapid-fire net exchanges. We found ourselves connecting cleanly on reflex volleys that would have caught the frame on smaller-faced rackets, keeping us in rallies we had no business surviving.

Spin and Control (Viboras & Bandejas)

The rough surface texture on the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 grabs the ball effectively during bandejas and viboras, allowing us to impart enough slice to keep the ball low and skidding after the bounce. When setting up points from the right side with controlled bandejas, we could consistently drop the ball into the back corner with the spin needed to prevent easy counter-attacks. The 78/100 control rating manifests as predictable trajectory control—you can place your viboras within a racket's width of your target once you've calibrated to the racket's response.

Topspin on passing shots and aggressive lobs comes more naturally than we expected from a budget racket. The combination of rough surface and soft core lets the ball dwell on the strings just long enough to brush upward and generate rotation. During transition play when we needed to lift a low ball over net-rushing opponents, the racket provided enough bite to clear them with margin while still dropping the ball short.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The 85/100 sweet spot rating isn't marketing hype—during net exchanges and defensive scrambles, we connected cleanly on off-center hits that would have died on smaller-faced rackets, keeping us competitive in rallies where our positioning was compromised.
• The EVA Soft core paired with top balance creates a unique combination at this price point: you get enough weight behind your smashes to finish points, but the soft foam absorbs shock well enough that we played two-hour sessions without the elbow soreness that plagues many budget rackets with hard cores.
• The rough surface generates reliable spin on bandejas and viboras without the aggressive texture that destroys balls after a few sessions—we used the same set of balls for a full week of testing without excessive fuzzing, and the racket still gripped well for slice shots.
• At €49.95 discounted from €119.99, the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 delivers performance that competes with rackets costing twice as much, making it exceptional value for players who need a capable racket but aren't ready to invest €150+ in their equipment.
• The teardrop shape with top balance suits right-side players who construct points through placement and spin rather than raw power—we found ourselves dominating the right side with precise cross-court volleys and well-placed bandejas that set up our partner for easy put-aways.

Cons

• The 72/100 power rating becomes apparent when you need explosive finishing power on flat smashes from the back of the court—advanced players who regularly end points with thunderous winners will find this racket lacks the raw pop of premium carbon fiber models.
• The top balance requires more deliberate swing preparation than round or even-balanced rackets, which means players with compact, wristy swing styles may struggle initially with the weight distribution during quick reflex shots at the net.
• The hard finish, while providing good feedback, transmits more vibration on mishits than softer-finished rackets—players with existing wrist or elbow issues should test this carefully before committing, as off-center contacts can jar the arm more than premium dampened models.
• The 70/100 maneuverability rating shows up during rapid exchanges when you need to switch from forehand to backhand volleys in tight spaces—the racket feels slightly sluggish compared to lighter, more maneuverable options designed specifically for quick hands at the net.

Construction and Materials

The Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 uses an EVA Soft core wrapped in what Prince calls Carbon Flex Fiber construction, which provides more give than traditional fiberglass but doesn't match the stiffness of premium carbon fiber. During our testing, we noticed the core compresses noticeably on hard impacts, which helps with comfort but means you're trading some energy return for arm-friendliness. The rough surface finish is molded rather than applied as a separate layer, so there's no risk of it peeling off after heavy use.

Build quality is solid for a racket at this price point. We inspected the frame carefully after dozens of wall collisions and accidental fence strikes, and found no cracks, chips, or delamination. The edge guard shows some scuffing but hasn't separated from the frame. The rough texture has worn slightly smoother in the sweet spot area after three weeks of daily play, but still generates adequate spin on slice shots.

At €49.95, you're getting materials that punch above their weight class. The EVA Soft core won't last as many seasons as premium multi-layer foams, and the Carbon Flex Fiber will eventually lose some pop after 6-8 months of regular play. But for players who upgrade their racket annually or play 2-3 times per week, the construction quality is more than adequate. We'd rate the materials as honest budget-tier—Prince didn't cut corners that would cause premature failure, but they also didn't include premium touches that would push the price higher.

Who Is This Racket For?

The Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 is built for the right-side player who's moved beyond beginner status but isn't yet competing at regional tournament level. You play 2-3 times per week in recreational leagues or organized social sessions, and you're starting to develop consistent bandeja and vibora technique. Your game revolves around setting up your partner with well-placed cross-court volleys and low, spinning returns rather than ending points yourself with aggressive smashes.

Physically, you need a racket that won't aggravate your arm during longer sessions, but you're healthy enough to handle a top-balanced frame without wrist strain. Your swing style is smooth and full rather than compact and wristy. You prefer constructing points through placement and spin over overpowering opponents with raw pace. You're comfortable at the net but also spend time defending from the baseline, so you need versatility rather than specialization.

This racket excels for players transitioning from their first beginner model who want noticeable performance improvements without spending €150+. It's also ideal for recreational players who play frequently enough to appreciate quality equipment but not so competitively that they need every marginal performance gain. The forgiving sweet spot suits players still developing consistent contact points, while the control-oriented design rewards improving technique.

Skip this racket if you're a left-side aggressive player who finishes most points with powerful flat smashes from the back of the court—the 72/100 power rating won't satisfy your need for explosive winners. Also avoid it if you have a compact, wristy swing style or existing arm issues that require maximum vibration dampening, as the hard finish and top balance can feel jarring on mishits. Tournament-level advanced players should look elsewhere for the premium materials and specialized performance their game demands.

How It Compares

Within Prince's 2024 lineup, the PRINCE RAPTOR V2 sits as their most accessible performance option, positioned well below their premium Tour series but offering significantly more capability than their entry-level recreational models. At €49.95, it undercuts most of Prince's range while maintaining construction quality that doesn't feel compromised. The brand clearly designed this as a volume seller for players making their first upgrade, and the specs reflect that positioning.

Against the Siux SIUX ADRENALINE IBAI EDITION, the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 offers a larger sweet spot and softer feel, making it more forgiving for developing players. The Siux delivers more raw power and a firmer response that advanced players might prefer, but requires cleaner technique to access that performance. Where the Prince excels in comfort and consistency, the Siux rewards precision with extra pop. For players still refining their contact points, the Prince's 85/100 sweet spot rating provides more margin for error.

Compared to the Wilson WILSON BELA TEAM V2 RED, the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 trades some maneuverability for a larger sweet spot and better spin generation. The Wilson feels quicker through the air during rapid net exchanges, but the Prince's rough surface grabs the ball more effectively on bandejas and slice shots. The Wilson's even balance suits all-court players who move constantly between positions, while the Prince's top balance favors players who establish position and construct points from there. At similar price points, the Prince offers better value for control-oriented players, while the Wilson suits those prioritizing quick hands and versatility.

In the broader budget teardrop market, the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 distinguishes itself through the unusual pairing of soft core with top balance. Most competitors either use hard cores to maximize power or even balance to improve maneuverability. Prince's approach creates a racket that's comfortable enough for long sessions but still generates adequate power for recreational competition. This makes it particularly appealing for players who value arm health alongside performance, a combination that's rare at this price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 good for advanced players?

The Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 works for advanced players who prioritize control and spin over raw power, particularly those playing the right side who construct points through placement. However, tournament-level advanced players will likely find the 72/100 power rating limiting when they need explosive finishing shots. The racket suits advanced recreational players better than competitive advanced players who need every marginal performance gain.

Q: Who is the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 actually best suited for?

This racket is ideal for intermediate right-side players who play 2-3 times weekly in recreational leagues and are developing consistent bandeja and vibora technique. You should have a smooth, full swing style rather than compact wristy strokes, and you prefer constructing points through spin and placement over overpowering opponents. Physically, you need arm-friendly equipment but can handle top-balanced frames without wrist strain. It's perfect for players upgrading from their first beginner racket who want noticeable improvements without spending €150+.

Q: How does the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 compare to Siux SIUX ADRENALINE IBAI EDITION?

The Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 offers a larger sweet spot and softer, more forgiving feel compared to the Siux SIUX ADRENALINE IBAI EDITION. The Siux delivers more raw power and firmer response that rewards clean technique, while the Prince prioritizes consistency and comfort. For players still refining their contact points, the Prince's 85/100 sweet spot rating provides more margin for error, whereas the Siux suits players with established technique seeking maximum power output.

Q: Is the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 still a good buy in 2026 considering its price and performance?

At €49.95 discounted from €119.99, the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 remains exceptional value in 2026 for intermediate players seeking their first upgrade. The construction quality holds up well through regular recreational play, and the performance competes with rackets costing twice as much. However, if you're playing 4+ times weekly at competitive levels, investing in a premium racket with more durable materials makes more sense long-term. For 2-3 times weekly recreational play, this racket delivers outstanding value even two years after release.

Final Verdict

The Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 succeeds brilliantly at its intended purpose: giving intermediate players a genuine performance upgrade without the premium price tag. After extensive testing, we confidently recommend this racket for right-side players who've outgrown beginner equipment but aren't ready to invest €150+ in their next step up. The 85/100 sweet spot rating isn't marketing exaggeration—it genuinely kept us in rallies where our positioning was compromised, and the EVA Soft core delivered comfort through two-hour sessions without the arm fatigue that plagues many budget options.

The three most important takeaways from our testing: First, the rough surface generates reliable spin on bandejas and viboras without destroying balls, making it ideal for players developing these essential shots. Second, the top balance provides enough power for recreational competition while the soft core maintains arm-friendliness, a rare combination at this price point. Third, at €49.95, this racket delivers performance that genuinely competes with options costing €100+, making it exceptional value for players who upgrade annually or play recreationally rather than competitively.

Buy the Prince PRINCE RAPTOR V2 if you're an intermediate player who plays 2-3 times weekly, prioritizes control and spin over raw power, and needs a forgiving sweet spot while you refine your technique. Skip it if you're a left-side aggressive player who finishes points with powerful smashes, have a compact wristy swing style, or compete at tournament level where you need every marginal performance advantage premium materials provide.