The Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 is the control version of Dunlop’s Rapid line: a graphite frame, an EVA core, a 38 mm profile, a weight of 360 g (12.7 oz) and a medium balance in a black and gold finish. The US listing places it in the Dunlop Performance Series and aims it at beginners and occasional players, and it costs about $79.
It is the sibling of the teardrop Dunlop Rapid Power, and the US listing showed three units left at the time of writing. This review covers the build, the specs, the shape question, 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 Rapid Control 4.0 at a glance
Why it wins: Dunlop’s control-minded beginner racket: a 360 g graphite-framed racket with a 38 mm profile, a medium balance and an EVA core, in black and gold, for about $79. (~$79)
- Round per the spec list, hybrid per the feature text
- Graphite frame and an EVA core
- 360 g with a medium balance
- Dunlop Performance Series, about $79
Main features of the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0
The Rapid Control 4.0 is built to be comfortable and easy to place:
- Graphite frame, which the listing ties to durability
- EVA core, with no density given in the listing
- Hybrid head shape in the feature text, which the listing says gives extra comfort and a wide sweet spot
- Round head shape in the specification list, which contradicts the feature text
- 38 mm (1.5 inch) profile and a medium balance
- 360 g (12.7 oz) weight for beginners and occasional players
Specification of the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0
Here are the full specs of the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0:
- Shape: Round per the specification list, hybrid per the feature text
- Weight: 360 g (12.7 oz)
- Balance: Medium
- Beam thickness: 38 mm
- Core: EVA
- Frame: Graphite
- Series: Dunlop Performance
- Level: Beginner and occasional players
- Type of play: Comfort, wide sweet spot
Our review of the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0
The Rapid Control 4.0 is a simple entry racket. The listing promises extra comfort and a wide sweet spot, which is the standard pitch for a round or hybrid head with an EVA core, and the graphite frame is there for durability. The 38 mm profile and the medium balance are the usual beginner numbers.
The shape is the one inconsistency. The feature text calls the head hybrid, and the specification list calls it round. In practice the difference between a round and a hybrid beginner racket is small, but it is worth checking the listing photo before you buy.
We have not played it ourselves, so this is an assessment of the US listing. On paper it suits a player who wants a low-cost, comfortable racket for occasional play, and it is one of the cheapest Dunlop rackets we cover.
Pros
- About $79
- Graphite frame for durability
- Medium balance and a wide sweet spot
- Three units in stock at the time of writing
Cons
- The listing contradicts itself on the shape
- The listing gives no core density or face material
- Limited power and feedback for improving players
- Limited independent information
Who is the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 for?
The Rapid Control 4.0 suits beginners and occasional players who want an inexpensive, comfortable racket, and players who want a cheap second racket for friends and guests.
Who the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 is not for
Skip it if you want power or a carbon face, or if you are already improving. The Dunlop Nanomax has a hybrid shape and the listings are more detailed, and our intermediate racket guide lists rackets for improving players.
What to know before you buy the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0
Shape
The feature text calls the head hybrid and the specification list calls it round. The two terms are close for an entry racket, so check the listing photo.
Rapid Control versus Rapid Power
Our Rapid Power review covers a teardrop at 365 g with a medium balance and a Pro EVA core. The Rapid Control 4.0 is a round or hybrid racket at 360 g with a medium balance.
Price and stock
The US listing showed $79.00 and three units at the time of writing, so it is worth checking the current offer.
How the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 plays
Volleys and blocks: A wide sweet spot and a medium balance give a forgiving response at the net.
Defense and lobs: A round or hybrid head is easy to place from the back of the court.
Smashes: Power is limited, so technique matters. Our guide to the kick smash covers a shot that beginners can learn on any frame.
Spin: The listing does not describe the surface, so expect modest spin.
Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 vs the alternatives
Inside Dunlop, the Rapid Power is the teardrop version, the Megamax is the round entry racket and the Nanomax is the hybrid. Outside Dunlop, the Varlion LW Hexagon 8.8 (~$85) and the Head Vibe (~$110) are cheap beginner rackets. Our best rackets for beginners guide compares the wider field.
Similar rackets if the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 sells out
The US listing was down to three units at the time of writing, so here are the closest alternatives:
- Dunlop Megamax: a round entry racket from the same brand, with the Green at about $60
- Bullpadel Indiga W: a round SoftEVA racket with a low balance at about $110
- Head Vibe: an oversized beginner teardrop at about $110
- Varlion LW Hexagon 8.8: a soft, round starter racket at about $85
Is the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 worth it?
At about $79, the Rapid Control 4.0 is a fair price for an inexpensive beginner racket, although the Megamax Green costs less. It is worth it if you like the black and gold finish and the listing shows stock.
Conclusion
The Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 is a low-cost, comfortable beginner racket with a graphite frame and a medium balance. Its strengths are the price and the wide sweet spot. Its weaknesses are the contradictory shape label and the limited detail.
Choose it if you want an inexpensive Dunlop for occasional play. 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 Rapid Control 4.0
Is the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 a good racket for beginners?
Yes. The listing aims it at beginners and occasional players, with a graphite frame, an EVA core, a medium balance and a wide sweet spot.
How heavy is the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0?
The listing gives 360 g (12.7 oz) with a medium balance and a 38 mm (1.5 inch) profile.
Is the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 round or hybrid?
The listing is inconsistent. The feature text says hybrid, and the specification list says round. Check the listing photo before you buy.
What is the difference between the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 and the Rapid Power?
The Rapid Power is a teardrop at 365 g with a Pro EVA core, and the Rapid Control 4.0 is a round or hybrid racket at 360 g.
What is the Dunlop Performance Series?
It is the series name on the US listing for the Rapid Control 4.0. The listing does not explain it further.
Can an intermediate player use the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0?
It is built for beginners and occasional players, so an improving player will want more response. The Nanomax or a racket from our intermediate racket guide is a better step.
Is the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 still in Dunlop’s current range?
We did not find it on Dunlop’s UK padel racket page, so it may be an older model. The US listing showed stock at the time of writing.
Is the Dunlop Rapid Control 4.0 worth about $79?
Yes for a first or occasional-use racket, although the Megamax Green costs about $19 less.
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.