The Dunlop FX Pro is the top racket of Dunlop’s FX series: a diamond with a 12K special-weave carbon face, a hard-density Pro EVA core, a weight of 370 g and a high balance of 268 mm. Dunlop aims it at advanced players and describes it as designed for ultimate power, precision and control.
The US listing showed $269.95 and a single unit at the time of writing, below Dunlop’s UK list price of 299.99 euros. This review covers the build, the specs, how it should play, how it differs from the FX Team, who should buy it and what to buy if it sells out.
See also our best Dunlop padel rackets guide, or browse all our padel gear reviews.
Dunlop FX Pro at a glance
Why it wins: Dunlop’s power diamond: a 12K carbon face, a hard Pro EVA core, 370 g and a high balance of 268 mm, with Force Bridge and VibroShield. (~$270)
- Diamond shape and a high balance of 268 mm
- 12K special-weave carbon face and a hard-density Pro EVA core
- 370 g with a 38 mm profile
- Force Bridge, Sonic Core Infinergy and VibroShield
Main features of the Dunlop FX Pro
The FX Pro is built to hit hard and to protect the arm:
- Diamond shape with a high balance of 268 mm, for head weight on overheads
- 12K carbon special-weave face, which the listing says creates a rigid exterior that maximizes energy transfer
- Pro EVA core in a hard density
- Force Bridge reinforcement in the heart of the racket, which the listing says minimizes twisting on high-impact shots
- Sonic Core Infinergy by BASF, which Dunlop says adds rebound and deadens harsh vibration, plus VibroShield anti-vibration technology
- SpinBoost and Power Holes, an aerodynamic hole pattern with a rough finish for spin
Specification of the Dunlop FX Pro
Here are the full specs of the Dunlop FX Pro:
- Shape: Diamond
- Weight: 370 g (13.5 oz)
- Balance: High, 268 mm
- Beam thickness: 38 mm
- Core: Pro EVA, hard density
- Face: 12K special-weave carbon
- Frame: Carbon
- Level: Advanced
- Series: FX, premium
- Type of play: Power
Our review of the Dunlop FX Pro
The FX Pro is a conventional power diamond with some modern extras. A 268 mm balance, a 370 g weight and a hard-density core are the usual recipe for smashes and the vibora, and the 12K face is the stiff, direct carbon that goes with it. Force Bridge is the structural reinforcement in the heart of the racket, and the listing says it limits twisting when the ball is hit hard.
The comfort features matter on a hard racket. Sonic Core Infinergy is an insert that Dunlop says adds rebound while deadening harsh vibration, and VibroShield is an extra anti-vibration layer that the listing says protects the wrist and elbow during long matches. We cannot verify either claim.
We have not played it ourselves, so this is an assessment of Dunlop’s spec sheet and the US listing. On paper it suits a strong advanced attacker, and it is priced below several diamonds we cover.
Pros
- High balance and a 12K face for power
- Force Bridge and VibroShield aimed at stability and comfort
- US price below Dunlop’s UK list price
- Advanced spec under $270
Cons
- A hard core and a high balance are demanding on the arm
- 370 g is heavy for lighter players
- Only one unit on the US listing at the time of writing
- Limited independent information on Dunlop’s padel range
Who is the Dunlop FX Pro for?
The FX Pro suits strong advanced players who finish points with smashes and the vibora, and who want a diamond from a brand with a long racket heritage. It also suits players who like a rough, spin-friendly finish.
Who the Dunlop FX Pro is not for
Skip it if you are new to padel, if your arm is sensitive or if you defend from the back of the court. A hard, head-heavy diamond is demanding, and our tennis elbow racket guide lists softer options. Intermediates should look at the Dunlop FX Team.
What to know before you buy the Dunlop FX Pro
Weight and balance
The US listing gives 370 g (13.5 oz) and a high balance of 268 mm with a 38 mm profile. Dunlop’s UK page lists 370 g and a high balance.
FX Pro versus FX Team
Both are FX-series diamonds with Force Bridge, SpinBoost and Power Holes. The FX Pro has a 12K face, a hard Pro EVA core and a high balance at about $270, and the FX Team is the intermediate version at 365 g with an even balance.
Price and stock
The US listing showed $269.95 and a single unit at the time of writing. Dunlop’s UK site lists the FX Pro at 299.99 euros, so check the current offer and the similar rackets below.
How the Dunlop FX Pro plays
Smashes and the vibora: The high balance and the stiff 12K face give a direct response. Our guides to the kick smash and the vibora cover the technique.
Volleys: Force Bridge should keep the head stable on hard volleys.
Defense: A hard, head-heavy diamond is never the easiest racket to defend with.
Spin: SpinBoost and the rough finish add traction for the bandeja and topspin.
Dunlop FX Pro vs the alternatives
Inside Dunlop, the FX Team is the intermediate diamond and the Galactica Pro is the hybrid. Outside Dunlop, the Head Extreme Motion (~$255) and the Wilson Defy Pro V1 (~$349) are comparable diamonds. Our best rackets for advanced players guide compares the wider field.
For a lighter hybrid from Dunlop, see the Galactica Lite, Team and Pro LS.
Similar rackets if the Dunlop FX Pro sells out
The US listing was down to a single unit at the time of writing, so here are the closest alternatives:
- Head Extreme Motion: a 360 g diamond with a 270 mm balance at about $255
- Wilson Defy Pro V1: a 370 g diamond with a 265 mm balance and a 15K face at about $349
- Bullpadel Xplo: a geometric-head power racket with a 12K face at about $236
- Dunlop Galactica Pro: a 370 g hybrid with a 16K face in the same brand
Is the Dunlop FX Pro worth it?
At about $270, the FX Pro is fair value for an advanced power diamond, and it costs less than the Wilson Defy Pro V1 while matching its weight. It is worth it if you want a hard, head-heavy racket and the single unit is still listed.
Conclusion
The Dunlop FX Pro is a hard, head-heavy diamond with a 12K face, Force Bridge and VibroShield. Its strengths are the power, the structure and the price. Its weaknesses are the demanding feel and the single unit left.
Choose it if you attack and want a Dunlop diamond. If it sells out, use the similar rackets above, and browse our best padel rackets roundup for every level.
Frequently asked questions about the Dunlop FX Pro
How heavy is the Dunlop FX Pro?
The listing gives 370 g (13.5 oz) with a high balance of 268 mm and a 38 mm profile.
Is the Dunlop FX Pro a power racket?
Yes. Dunlop describes it as designed for ultimate power, precision and control, and the diamond shape, the high balance and the 12K face are built for attacking shots.
What is the difference between the Dunlop FX Pro and the FX Team?
The FX Pro has a 12K face, a hard Pro EVA core and a high balance. The FX Team is the intermediate version at 365 g with an even balance.
What is Force Bridge on a Dunlop racket?
The listing describes it as a specialized reinforcement in the heart of the racket that minimizes twisting on high-impact shots.
What does VibroShield do?
The listing describes it as an extra anti-vibration layer designed to filter out arm fatigue and protect the wrist and elbow during long matches.
Can an intermediate player use the Dunlop FX Pro?
Usually not. Dunlop targets advanced players, the core is hard and the balance is high. Intermediates will be more comfortable on a racket from our intermediate racket guide.
Is the Dunlop FX Pro hard on the arm?
It can be, although Dunlop adds Sonic Core Infinergy and VibroShield. Our tennis elbow racket guide lists rackets chosen for comfort first.
Is the Dunlop FX Pro worth about $270?
Yes for an advanced attacker who wants a hard diamond, because it costs less than several diamonds we cover and less than Dunlop’s UK list price.
Kevin Anderson is a Content Writer for SimplePadel. He joined the company during summer 2022. For SimplePadel, he spealizes in testing rackets and writes a lot of our padel racket reviews.
Kevin loves to own the net position and considers himself an attacking-minded player. He often claims that he has the reach of a monkey – thanks to his 6’5″ stature. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and following the USPA closely.