The Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8 is the hybrid in Varlion’s Bourne line — a frame that keeps much of the Bourne diamond’s attacking punch in a more forgiving, manageable shape, for strong players who find a full diamond too demanding.
The Bourne is Varlion’s power line. Where the Bourne Summum is a pure diamond, the Hexagon 8.8 takes a hybrid shape that blends power and control — a bridge for advanced players who want the Bourne’s character with a slightly larger, more usable sweet spot.
This review covers its build, specs and on-court feel, and who it’s for. See also our best Varlion padel rackets guide, or browse all our padel gear reviews.
Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8 at a glance
Why it wins: A hybrid that keeps much of the Bourne’s punch in a slightly more manageable package — power with a touch more control. (~$280)
- Hybrid — power + control
- Carbon faces
- Slightly more forgiving
- For strong attackers
Main features of the Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8
The Bourne Hexagon 8.8 brings power-line aggression with more forgiveness:
- Hybrid shape — power with more control than a diamond
- Carbon construction with a head-leaning balance
- Hexagon frame geometry for rigidity
- Rough surface for spin
- Premium, made-in-Spain build
Specification of the Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8
Here are the full specs of the Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8:
- Shape: Hybrid
- Weight: ~365–375 g
- Balance: Medium-high
- Core: EVA
- Faces: Carbon
- Player level: Advanced
- Type of play: Power / control hybrid
- Pro: —
Our review of the Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8
The Bourne Hexagon 8.8 is the smart middle path in Varlion’s power range. The hybrid shape keeps a big share of the Bourne diamond’s punch on the smash, but the sweet spot is a touch larger and more forgiving, so it is easier to live with than a full diamond while still rewarding aggression.
It is still an advanced-leaning racket that wants good technique, but for a strong player who wants the Bourne’s power with a bit more control, it is a well-judged compromise.
Pros
- Strong attacking power
- More forgiving than a pure diamond
- Good spin grip
- Premium Varlion build
Cons
- Still demands an advanced level
- Premium price
- Not a control-first frame
Who is the Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8 for?
The Bourne Hexagon is for advanced players who want the Bourne’s power in a more manageable hybrid. For all-out power go for the diamond Bourne Summum; for control, the LW Summum.
How the Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8 plays
On smashes it’s strong — close to the Bourne diamond’s pace.
On control and defence the hybrid shape is more forgiving than a diamond, though it still favours attack.
Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8 vs the alternatives
It’s the hybrid bridge between the pure-power Bourne Summum and the all-round Maxima Summum in Varlion’s range.
Is the Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8 worth it?
For an advanced attacker who finds a full diamond too demanding, the Bourne Hexagon is worth it — you get most of the power with more forgiveness. Control players should look at the LW line instead.
Conclusion
The Varlion Bourne Hexagon 8.8 is power made a little more manageable — the hybrid shape keeps the Bourne’s attacking punch but with a more forgiving sweet spot. It’s still an advanced frame, but for a strong player who wants Varlion power without a pure diamond’s demands, it’s a smart pick.
A manageable power hybrid. Compare it in our advanced padel rackets guide and the full best padel rackets roundup.
Lucas Sánchez is the founder of SimplePadel. Born and raised in Spain, Lucas has been living in the US and UK for the last 20 years and currently calls Miami his home. While he’s never played professionally, the dream is still alive.
Lucas loves nothing more than playing (and talking) about padel, and he considers himself lucky to have a wife and family that share his love for the game.