The ACA Bahia 2 is ACA’s versatile teardrop: a 12K carbon face, a 100% carbon frame, a high-density EVA Fusion core and a medium balance at 360–375 g. The listing aims it at intermediate and advanced players and describes it as comfortable from defense to volleys, the bandeja and the vibora.
It is the cheaper sibling of the ACA Atrium Pro, and it showed about $210 on the US listing at the time of writing. This review covers the build, the specs, how it should play, how it differs from the Atrium Pro and who should buy it.
See also our best ACA padel rackets guide, or browse all our padel gear reviews.
ACA Bahia 2 at a glance
Why it wins: ACA’s 12K teardrop for intermediate to advanced players: a 100% carbon frame, EVA Fusion core and Hexa 3D texture at 360–375 g with a medium balance. (~$210)
- Teardrop shape with a medium balance
- 12K carbon face and a 100% carbon frame
- EVA Fusion core and Hexa 3D texture
- 360–375 g, rated 9.5/10 for control and 9.0/10 for power
Main features of the ACA Bahia 2
The Bahia 2 is built as an all-round racket:
- Teardrop shape with a medium balance and, according to the listing, an expansive sweet spot
- 12K carbon face, a woven carbon that the listing says gives impact resistance, stiffness and powerful shot output
- 100% carbon frame for rigidity and durability
- EVA Fusion core, described as a high-density core that absorbs vibration and delivers a crisp touch and ball exit
- Hexa 3D texture, a hexagonal surface finish aimed at spin, slices and placement
- An upgraded string grip, and a 360–375 g weight range printed on the face next to the words mid balance and tear shape
Specification of the ACA Bahia 2
Here are the full specs of the ACA Bahia 2:
- Shape: Teardrop
- Weight: 360–375 g
- Balance: Medium
- Core: EVA Fusion (high density)
- Face: 12K carbon
- Frame: 100% carbon
- Surface: Hexa 3D texture
- Listing ratings: control 9.5/10, power 9.0/10
- Player level: Intermediate to advanced (listing)
- Type of play: All-round
Our review of the ACA Bahia 2
The Bahia 2 is the more balanced of ACA’s two teardrops on paper. The listing rates control at 9.5 out of 10 and power at 9.0, a touch less power than the Atrium Pro’s 9.5, and it says the racket is exceptional in every facet of play. A 12K face is stiff, but it is a step down from the 18K on the Atrium Pro.
The medium balance and the teardrop shape are what make it an all-rounder. The listing says the sweet spot is expansive and that the racket suits defense, volleys, the bandeja and the vibora equally, which is the usual pitch for a medium-balance teardrop. Hexa 3D adds texture for spin and slices.
We have not played it ourselves, so this is an assessment of the listing and the markings on the face. On paper it suits an intermediate player moving up to carbon, or an advanced player who wants a versatile racket that does not punish mishits as hard as a diamond.
Pros
- Versatile medium-balance teardrop
- 12K carbon face with a 100% carbon frame
- Control rated 9.5/10 on the listing
- About $70 less than the Atrium Pro
Cons
- The listing came from a resale offer at the time of writing, so condition needs checking
- A stiff 12K face gives little comfort on off-center hits
- Weight range spans 15 g
- Very little independent information on ACA rackets
Who is the ACA Bahia 2 for?
The Bahia 2 suits intermediate players who want a first carbon teardrop and advanced players who want a versatile, medium-balance racket. It also suits players who liked the ACA Wave 2 but want a more attacking shape.
Who the ACA Bahia 2 is not for
Skip it if you are new to padel or if you want a soft, forgiving feel. The round ACA Wave 2 or the fibreglass ACA Roqueta 2 is a gentler choice, and players who want a diamond should look at the ACA Palladium.
What to know before you buy the ACA Bahia 2
Weight and balance
The listing gives 360–375 g and a medium balance, and the markings printed on the face read 360 g to 375 g, mid balance and tear shape. The 15 g spread means two units can feel different.
Bahia 2 versus Atrium Pro
Both are ACA teardrops with a medium balance, an EVA Fusion core and a 360–375 g weight range. The Bahia 2 has a 12K face and Hexa 3D texture, and the Atrium Pro has an 18K face and ACA 3D texture for about $70 more.
Price and condition
The US listing showed $210.50 and was in stock at the time of writing, but it came from a resale offer, which can mean a used or open-box racket. Check the condition and the seller before you buy.
How the ACA Bahia 2 plays
Volleys: A medium balance and a stiff 12K face should give a stable, direct response at the net.
Smashes and the vibora: The listing names both shots, and the 12K face supplies the power. Our guides to the vibora and the bandeja cover the technique.
Defense: A teardrop with a medium balance is a reasonable defensive shape, and the listing rates control highly.
Spin: The Hexa 3D texture is aimed at spin, slices and placement.
ACA Bahia 2 vs the alternatives
Inside ACA, the Atrium Pro is the 18K teardrop, the Palladium is the diamond with a high balance and the Wave 2 is the round control racket. Outside ACA, the Siux Electra Elite and the Wilson Blade V4 (~$252) are comparable teardrops. Our best rackets for intermediate players guide compares the wider field.
Is the ACA Bahia 2 worth it?
At about $210, the Bahia 2 is fair value for a 12K all-round teardrop, although it costs more than ACA’s Roqueta 2 and Wave 2 and the listing came from a resale offer. It is worth it if the condition is good and you want a medium-balance carbon teardrop.
Conclusion
The ACA Bahia 2 is a versatile 12K carbon teardrop with an EVA Fusion core and a medium balance. Its strengths are the all-round shape and the price next to the Atrium Pro. Its weaknesses are the stiff face and a listing with limited seller information.
Choose it if you want ACA’s all-round teardrop. If you want more carbon, see the Atrium Pro, and browse our best padel rackets roundup for every level.
Frequently asked questions about the ACA Bahia 2
How does the ACA Bahia 2 compare with the pricier Atrium Pro?
Both are teardrops with a medium balance and an EVA Fusion core. The Bahia 2 has a 12K carbon face and showed about $210, and the Atrium Pro has an 18K face and costs about $280.
How heavy is the ACA Bahia 2?
The listing gives 360–375 g with a medium balance, and the markings on the face say the same.
Is the ACA Bahia 2 good for intermediate players?
Yes. The listing targets intermediate to advanced players and rates control at 9.5 out of 10. Our intermediate racket guide lists other options.
What does the EVA Fusion core do on the Bahia 2?
The listing describes a high-density core that absorbs impact vibration to reduce arm strain while giving a crisp touch and explosive ball exit.
What is Hexa 3D texture?
It is a hexagonal 3D surface finish on the face. The listing says it maximizes ball contact grip for sharp spins, slices and controlled placement.
Is the ACA Bahia 2 a power racket?
Not primarily. The listing rates control at 9.5 out of 10 and power at 9.0, and a teardrop with a medium balance is an all-rounder.
Is the ACA Bahia 2 sold new?
The US listing showed a resale offer at the time of writing, which can mean a used or open-box racket. Check the condition and the seller on the page.
Is the ACA Bahia 2 worth about $210?
Yes if the condition is good and you want a 12K all-round teardrop. The Atrium Pro costs about $70 more for an 18K face.
Isabella Torres is originally from Madrid, Spain, and has been playing Padel as a semi-professional for the past five years. After completing her education as a journalist, she discovered her true passion in life was writing about Padel.
She loves staying up late watching intense rallies on YouTube, and is excited to share her knowledge about the sport with SimplePadel’s readers.