The Dunlop Galactica Lite is the lightest of the newer Galactica rackets: a 16K carbon hybrid with a Soft EVA core at 350 g, aimed by Dunlop at advanced players. This review covers it together with the Dunlop Galactica Team, a 365 g hybrid for intermediate players, and the Dunlop Galactica Pro LS, a 16K carbon hybrid with a Pro EVA core at 365 g.
They sit beside the Dunlop Galactica Pro, which is the heavier, 370 g version with a higher balance. This review covers the build, the specs, how each should play, how they differ and who should buy which, and the US listings were down to two or three units each at the time of writing.
See also our best Dunlop padel rackets guide, or browse all our padel gear reviews.
Dunlop Galactica Lite at a glance
Why it wins: The lighter Galactica rackets: the Lite and Pro LS are 16K carbon hybrids at 350–365 g for advanced players, and the Team is the intermediate version. (~$145)
- Galactica Lite: 16K carbon hybrid, 350 g, Soft EVA
- Galactica Team: intermediate hybrid, 365 g, Pro EVA
- Galactica Pro LS: 16K carbon hybrid, 365 g, Pro EVA
- Tri-Max reinforcement, Control Holes and Extra Grip finish
Main features of the Dunlop Galactica Lite
The Galactica range shares a structure and differs in weight, core and carbon:
- Hybrid head shape on all three, which Dunlop describes as a balance of power and control
- 16K carbon on the Lite and Pro LS, which Dunlop calls super-premium construction for maximum consistency, and a premium carbon of unstated weave on the Team
- Tri-Max reinforcement for stability and control, with a 45 degree face lay-up on the Pro LS
- Control Holes drilling pattern for precision and an Extra Grip rough finish for spin
- Soft EVA core on the Lite and Pro EVA core on the Team and Pro LS
- Sonic Core Infinergy by BASF on the Lite and Pro LS, which Dunlop says adds rebound and absorbs vibration
Specification of the Dunlop Galactica Lite
Here are the full specs of the Dunlop Galactica Lite:
- Galactica Lite: hybrid, 350 g, medium balance, Soft EVA, 16K carbon, advanced
- Galactica Team: hybrid, 365 g, medium balance, Pro EVA, premium carbon, intermediate
- Galactica Pro LS: hybrid, 365 g, medium balance, Pro EVA, 16K carbon, advanced
- Frame: Graphite with a glassfibre layer, per Dunlop
- Reinforcement: Tri-Max
- Surface: Extra Grip rough finish
- Holes: Control Holes
Our review of the Dunlop Galactica Lite
The Galactica Lite, Team and Pro LS make a clear ladder. The Lite is the lightest and the softest, with a Soft EVA core at 350 g. The Team keeps the hybrid shape and the Tri-Max structure but drops to a premium carbon of unstated weave for the intermediate level. The Pro LS pairs the 16K face with a Pro EVA core at 365 g, which Dunlop positions as the lighter alternative to the Galactica Pro.
Dunlop’s own descriptions stress stability, control and spin. Tri-Max is the structural reinforcement, Control Holes and Extra Grip are the drilling and the surface, and Sonic Core Infinergy is an insert that Dunlop says adds rebound and damps vibration. The shape is a hybrid, which Dunlop’s Nanomax pages describe as merging the control of a round racket with the punch of a teardrop.
We have not played any of them ourselves, so this is an assessment of Dunlop’s spec sheets and the US listings. The listings and Dunlop differ on the Lite and the Pro LS: Dunlop lists 350 g and 365 g with a medium balance, and the US listings say 355 g and 365 g with an even balance.
Pros
- Three weights and levels in one family
- 16K carbon and Tri-Max on the Lite and Pro LS
- The Lite combines 16K carbon with a 350 g weight
- US prices for the Lite and Team sit below Dunlop’s UK list prices
Cons
- Dunlop and the US listings disagree on balance for the Lite and Pro LS
- The Pro LS costs more than the heavier Galactica Pro on the US listings
- Stock is down to two or three units per racket
- Limited independent information on Dunlop’s padel range
Who is the Dunlop Galactica Lite for?
The Galactica Lite suits advanced players who want a light, stiff hybrid, the Team suits intermediates who want the same platform in a less stiff build, and the Pro LS suits advanced players who find the Galactica Pro too head-heavy. All three suit players who like a textured, spin-friendly finish.
Who the Dunlop Galactica Lite is not for
Skip them if you are new to padel or if you want a soft, forgiving feel. A 16K face is firm, and our tennis elbow racket guide lists softer options. Players who want maximum head weight should look at the Galactica Pro or a diamond.
What to know before you buy the Dunlop Galactica Lite
Lite, Team or Pro LS
The Lite is the 350 g racket with the Soft EVA core, the Dunlop Galactica Team is the 365 g intermediate racket and the Dunlop Galactica Pro LS is the 365 g racket with the Pro EVA core. The Galactica Pro, at 370 g with a high balance, is the heaviest.
Weight and balance
Dunlop lists a medium balance for all three, with 350 g, 365 g and 365 g. The US listings give 355 g and an even balance for the Lite and 365 g and an even balance for the Pro LS, so confirm the figure on the listing you are buying.
Price and stock
The US listings showed $144.99 for the Lite with 2 left, $144.79 for the Team with 3 left and $269.00 for the Pro LS with 2 left. Dunlop’s UK site lists the Lite at 229.99 euros, the Team at 179.99 euros and the Pro LS at 249.99 euros, and the listing names carry the V25 label, so the US offers may be older colorways.
How the Dunlop Galactica Lite plays
Volleys and blocks: The lower weights and the medium balance should give quick hands at the net, especially on the 350 g Lite.
Smashes and the vibora: A 16K face and Tri-Max give a stiff, stable response. Our guides to the kick smash and the vibora cover the technique.
Defense: The hybrid shape and the medium balance are workable from the back of the court, and the Soft EVA core on the Lite is the gentlest of the three.
Spin: The Extra Grip finish is aimed at spin on the bandeja and sliced shots.
Dunlop Galactica Lite vs the alternatives
Inside Dunlop, the Galactica Pro is the 370 g version and the FX Pro is the diamond. Outside Dunlop, the Head Speed Pro (~$280) and the Wilson Blade V4 (~$252) are comparable hybrids and teardrops. Our best rackets for advanced players guide compares the wider field.
Similar rackets if the Dunlop Galactica Lite sells out
The US listings were down to two or three units each at the time of writing, so here are the closest alternatives:
- Dunlop Galactica Pro: the 370 g, high-balance version in the same family
- Head Speed Pro: a 370 g teardrop with a hybrid woven face at about $280
- Wilson Blade V4: a 365 g teardrop with a 267 mm balance at about $252
- Nox EA10 Ventus Hybrid: a teardrop with a 12K Xtrem face at about $345
Is the Dunlop Galactica Lite worth it?
At about $145, the Lite and the Team are fair value for a 16K or premium carbon hybrid, and both cost less than Dunlop’s UK list prices. The Pro LS, at about $269, is harder to justify when the Galactica Pro costs less on the US listings. Check the stock and the colorway before you buy.
Conclusion
The Dunlop Galactica Lite, Team and Pro LS are light, textured hybrids with Tri-Max reinforcement and Control Holes. Their strengths are the choice of weight and level and the US price of the Lite and Team. Their weaknesses are the conflicting balance data and thin stock.
Choose the Lite for the lowest weight, the Team for an intermediate version and the Pro LS for a 365 g racket with a Pro EVA core. If they sell out, use the similar rackets above, and browse our best padel rackets roundup for every level.
Frequently asked questions about the Dunlop Galactica Lite
What is the difference between the Dunlop Galactica Lite, Team and Pro LS?
The Lite is a 350 g hybrid with a Soft EVA core and a 16K face. The Dunlop Galactica Team is a 365 g intermediate racket with a Pro EVA core, and the Dunlop Galactica Pro LS is a 365 g racket with a 16K face and a Pro EVA core.
How heavy is the Dunlop Galactica Lite?
Dunlop lists 350 g with a medium balance. The US listing says 355 g and an even balance, so confirm the figure on the listing you are buying.
Is the Dunlop Galactica Lite good for intermediate players?
A strong intermediate can use it, although Dunlop targets advanced players and the 16K face is firm. The Galactica Team is Dunlop’s intermediate version, and our intermediate racket guide lists other options.
What is Tri-Max reinforcement on a Dunlop racket?
Dunlop describes it as a structural reinforcement that increases stability and control. The Pro LS also has a 45 degree face lay-up.
What is Sonic Core Infinergy?
It is a material from BASF that Dunlop uses in the Lite and the Pro LS. Dunlop says it boosts rebound for more power and absorbs vibration for comfort.
How does the Dunlop Galactica Lite compare with the Galactica Pro?
The Galactica Pro is heavier, at 370 g, with a high balance and a Pro EVA core, and our Galactica Pro review covers it. The Lite is 350 g with a Soft EVA core.
What is a hybrid shape on a Dunlop racket?
Dunlop describes it as merging the control of a round racket with the punch of a teardrop. It sits between a round and a diamond head.
Is the Dunlop Galactica Lite worth about $145?
Yes for an advanced player who wants a light 16K hybrid, because the price is below Dunlop’s UK list price. Check the colorway and the stock first.
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.