The Dunlop FX Team is the intermediate racket of Dunlop’s FX series: a diamond with a Pro EVA core, a weight of 365 g, Force Bridge for stability and SpinBoost and Power Holes for spin and accuracy. Dunlop describes it as a balance of power, control and precision, and it showed about $163 on the US listing.
It sits below the Dunlop FX Pro in the range, and the US listing was down to a single unit at the time of writing. This review covers the build, the specs, how it should play, 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 Team at a glance
Why it wins: Dunlop’s intermediate diamond: a 365 g Pro EVA racket with Force Bridge, SpinBoost and Power Holes, at about $163 on the US listing. (~$163)
- Diamond shape at 365 g
- Pro EVA core and a graphite frame
- Force Bridge, SpinBoost and Power Holes
- Intermediate level, about $163
Main features of the Dunlop FX Team
The FX Team is built as a step into diamond rackets:
- Diamond shape, which puts the sweet spot higher in the head for power
- Pro EVA core, which Dunlop says gives enhanced feel and responsiveness
- Force Bridge reinforcement, which Dunlop says gives increased stability for powerful shots
- SpinBoost, which Dunlop says improves spin and ball control
- Power Holes drilling, which Dunlop says gives greater shot accuracy
- 38 mm profile and a graphite main material, according to Dunlop and the US listing
Specification of the Dunlop FX Team
Here are the full specs of the Dunlop FX Team:
- Shape: Diamond
- Weight: 365 g
- Balance: Even per Dunlop, medium per the US listing
- Beam thickness: 38 mm
- Core: Pro EVA
- Frame: Graphite / carbon
- Level: Intermediate
- Series: FX, midrange
- Type of play: All-around power
Our review of the Dunlop FX Team
The FX Team is the diamond for a player who wants some power without the weight and stiffness of a pro racket. At 365 g with a Pro EVA core, it is 5 g lighter than the FX Pro, and Dunlop gives it an even balance, where the FX Pro is high. That makes it easier to swing, although the US listing calls the balance medium, so check the feel.
Force Bridge, SpinBoost and Power Holes carry over from the FX Pro, and Dunlop’s description is about consistency and stability in every rally. The face material is not given in the sources we read, which is the main unknown.
We have not played it ourselves, so this is an assessment of Dunlop’s spec sheet and the US listing. On paper it suits an intermediate player stepping up to a diamond, and it costs about $107 less than the FX Pro.
Pros
- Intermediate-friendly diamond at 365 g
- Force Bridge for stability
- About $107 less than the FX Pro
- Dunlop lists an even balance
Cons
- The sources do not give the face material
- Dunlop and the US listing disagree on balance
- Only one unit on the US listing at the time of writing
- The listing title carries a different product name from Dunlop’s page
Who is the Dunlop FX Team for?
The FX Team suits intermediate players who want to try a diamond, and all-round players who want some power with an even balance. It also suits players who like a textured, spin-friendly finish.
Who the Dunlop FX Team is not for
Skip it if you are new to padel or if you want a forgiving round racket. A diamond is less forgiving on mishits, and the beginner racket guide lists easier options. Advanced attackers will want the FX Pro.
What to know before you buy the Dunlop FX Team
Weight and balance
Dunlop lists 365 g and an even balance. The US listing gives 365 g, a medium balance and a 38 mm profile.
Listing name
The US listing title reads Padelbad Racquet 26 FX Team with a model code, which differs from Dunlop’s own page, although the shape, weight and core match the FX Team specs on Dunlop’s site.
Price and stock
The US listing showed $162.79 and a single unit at the time of writing. Dunlop’s UK site lists the FX Team at 199.99 euros and the FX Pro at 299.99 euros.
How the Dunlop FX Team plays
Volleys and blocks: An even balance and Force Bridge should give a stable face at the net.
Smashes and the bandeja: A diamond gives some extra power on overheads. Our guides to the bandeja and the kick smash cover the technique.
Defense: A diamond is not a defensive shape, although the even balance helps.
Spin: SpinBoost and the rough finish are aimed at spin.
Dunlop FX Team vs the alternatives
Inside Dunlop, the FX Pro is the advanced diamond and the Galactica Team is the intermediate hybrid. Outside Dunlop, the Head Coello Team and the Wilson Defy LS are comparable diamonds. Our best rackets for intermediate players guide compares the wider field.
Similar rackets if the Dunlop FX Team sells out
The US listing was down to a single unit at the time of writing, so here are the closest alternatives:
- Head Coello Team: a fibreglass-faced diamond with Power Foam at about $230
- Wilson Defy LS: a 355 g diamond with a Comfort Flex face at about $259
- Dunlop Galactica Team: the intermediate hybrid in the same brand
Is the Dunlop FX Team worth it?
At about $163, the FX Team is fair value for an intermediate diamond, and it showed a lower price than the Coello Team and the Wilson Defy LS. It is worth it if you want Dunlop’s Force Bridge structure and the even balance.
Conclusion
The Dunlop FX Team is an intermediate diamond with a Pro EVA core, Force Bridge and a textured finish. Its strengths are the weight, the structure and the price next to the FX Pro. Its weaknesses are the missing face material and the single unit left.
Choose it if you want a first diamond from Dunlop. 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 Team
How heavy is the Dunlop FX Team?
Dunlop lists 365 g with an even balance. The US listing gives 365 g and a medium balance.
Is the Dunlop FX Team good for intermediate players?
Yes. Dunlop lists it as an intermediate racket in the midrange FX line, and our intermediate racket guide lists other options.
How does the Dunlop FX Team compare with the pricier FX Pro?
The FX Team is a 365 g intermediate diamond with an even balance. The FX Pro is a 370 g advanced diamond with a high balance, a 12K face and a hard core.
What are Power Holes on a Dunlop racket?
Dunlop describes them as a hole layout that gives greater shot accuracy. The FX Pro listing calls them an aerodynamic hole pattern.
Is the Dunlop FX Team a power racket?
It leans toward power because it is a diamond, although the even balance and the intermediate level make it gentler than the FX Pro.
Why is the listing called Padelbad Racquet 26 FX Team?
That is the title on the US listing. The shape, weight and core match Dunlop’s FX Team specs, but Dunlop’s own page uses the name FX Team.
Is the Dunlop FX Team hard on the arm?
Less than the FX Pro, although a diamond is firmer than a round racket. Our tennis elbow racket guide lists rackets chosen for comfort first.
Is the Dunlop FX Team worth about $163?
Yes for an intermediate player who wants a first diamond with an even balance, and it showed a lower price than the Coello Team and the Wilson Defy LS.
Patricia Nguyen is a former pickleball player who joined SimplePadel as a Content Writer in late 2022. She lives in Texas with her two dogs and is an avid fan of the sport. Her favorite player is Ale Galán, whom she believes to be the best defensive padel player that ever played the game.