In the United States, two Bullpadel rackets dominate conversations among advanced and professional players looking for maximum performance in 2026: the Bullpadel Vertex 05 26 and the Bullpadel Hack 04 26. Both are diamond-shaped, tour-level frames designed for aggressive padel, but they deliver power in very different ways.
Table of Contents
This buying guide compares the Vertex 05 and Hack 04 head to head, focusing on on-court feel, power delivery, control, spin and comfort, so you can choose the racket that truly fits your playing style, not just the one with the biggest reputation.
Bullpadel Vertex 05 26: explosive power with refined control
The Bullpadel Vertex 05 26, endorsed by Juan “El Gato” Tello, is designed as a true total-play racket. Its diamond shape is paired with a medium and even balance (around 25.4 cm), which gives it explosive acceleration without feeling overly head heavy.
On court, the Vertex 05 stands out for its combination of power, stability and feel. Technologies such as Curv:Aktiv, Air Power and the Vertex Core double bridge make the racket faster through the air while tightening dispersion on hard swings.
How it plays
- Power: Explosive but controllable. Easy to accelerate without losing precision.
- Control: Larger sweet spot and stable response help on volleys and transitions.
- Spin: Top Spin rough surface delivers reliable bite on slices and overheads.
- Comfort: Ease Vibe, Vibradrive and Multieva reduce harsh vibrations significantly.
The Vertex 05 is ideal for advanced players who want to attack but still rely on touch, defense and consistency during long matches.
Quick look: who are these rackets for?
Bullpadel Vertex 05 26
Explosive but controlled. A diamond shape with a more neutral balance makes it easier to accelerate and defend, ideal for all-court players who want power without losing touch.
Bullpadel Hack 04 26
Pure attack. High balance, a very reactive Tricarbon 18K face and an aerodynamic mold turn fast swings into heavy ball speed for players who live on smashes and offensive play.
Bullpadel Hack 04 26: maximum power for aggressive attackers
The Bullpadel Hack 04 26 is built for one mission: devastating power. With a high balance (around 26.4 cm) and a more head heavy diamond mold, this racket turns swing speed into brutal ball pace.
Its aerodynamic Total Channel, combined with TriCore and Air React Channel, keeps the frame stable even at extreme speed. The Tricarbon 18K face delivers a crisp, explosive rebound that advanced attackers love.
How it plays
- Power: Elite level, match ending pace, especially on smashes and viboras.
- Control: More demanding and best when you swing clean and commit to the shot.
- Spin: Aggressive 3D Grain texture loads heavy topspin and cut.
- Comfort: Surprisingly well managed thanks to Ease Vibe, Vibradrive and Hesacore.
The Hack 04 is best for professional or very advanced players who play fast, hit hard and want the racket to amplify their aggression.
On-court comparison: what really changes?
Maneuverability and balance
The Vertex 05 feels quicker to prepare and easier to handle in defense due to its more neutral balance. The Hack 04 feels heavier in the head, which boosts smash power but demands earlier preparation.
Power delivery
Hack 04 produces more raw, immediate power. Vertex 05 delivers slightly less peak power but makes it easier to control depth and direction across different game situations.
Control and forgiveness
Vertex 05 offers a bigger margin for error thanks to its sweet spot and frame stability. Hack 04 is precise but punishes off-center hits more clearly.
Comfort over long matches
Both rackets feature advanced vibration dampening, but Vertex 05 generally feels more forgiving during extended sessions or consecutive match days.
Specs snapshot: Vertex 05 26 vs Hack 04 26
| Aspect | Vertex 05 26 | Hack 04 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Game style | All-court and versatile | Power and attack |
| Shape | Diamond | Diamond |
| Balance | Medium and even (around 25.4 cm) | High and head heavy (around 26.4 cm) |
| Face | X-Tend Carbon 12K | Tricarbon 18K |
| Core | Multieva (three layer) | Multieva (three layer) |
| Power / Control | 95 / 90 | 100 / 85 |
| Best for | Attackers who want control and comfort | Pure power strikers |
Which one should you buy?
- Buy the Bullpadel Vertex 05 26 if: you want explosive power with better control, a larger sweet spot and a smoother feel that stays comfortable over long matches.
- Buy the Bullpadel Hack 04 26 if: your game is built around smashes, aggressive overheads and maximum pace and you are comfortable with a more demanding, head heavy racket.
Bottom line: Vertex 05 is the smarter all-court power choice. Hack 04 is the ultimate weapon for relentless attackers.
If you want to see where Vertex and Hack sit within the full 2026 lineup, including Neuron, Xplo and more, check out our main overview: Bullpadel padel rackets 2026 – full collection guide .
FAQs: Vertex 05 26 vs Hack 04 26
Is the Hack 04 too demanding for most players?
For intermediate players, yes. The Hack 04 is best suited to advanced or professional players who swing fast and hit cleanly. Less experienced players may find it unforgiving, especially on defense and in rushed situations.
Does the Vertex 05 still offer enough power for smashes?
Absolutely. While it is more controlled than the Hack 04, the Vertex 05 still delivers elite level power thanks to its diamond mold, Multieva core and aerodynamic frame. The difference is that it is easier to manage depth and placement across the whole match.
Which racket is more comfortable for frequent play?
The Vertex 05 generally feels more forgiving over long sessions thanks to its vibration filtering and balanced setup, which makes it a safer choice for frequent players or those who play multiple matches in a row.
Can I customize both rackets?
Yes. Both models are compatible with Bullpadel’s Custom Weight system, which allows you to fine tune balance and swing weight to your preference. This means you can make the Vertex 05 a bit more aggressive or slightly soften the feel of the Hack 04 depending on how you set them up.
