The Wilson Bela V3 is the middle racket of Wilson’s Bela V3 range: a 365 g teardrop with a 3K carbon face, a Power Foam core, a Duo Grid hole pattern and a Stability Channel. The range also includes the flagship Bela Pro V3 at 370 g and the lighter Bela LS V3 at 355 g, and this review covers the V3 and the LS V3.
Wilson aims the Bela range at competitive players, including players who cross over from tennis or pickleball. This review covers the build, the specs, how the V3 and the LS V3 should play, how they differ from the Pro V3 and who should buy which.
See also our best Wilson padel rackets guide, or browse all our padel gear reviews.
Wilson Bela V3 at a glance
Why it wins: The mid-weight Bela: a 365 g teardrop with a 3K carbon face, Power Foam, a Duo Grid hole pattern and a Stability Channel, below the Bela Pro V3 in Wilson’s range. (~$349)
- Teardrop shape with Power Foam core
- 3K carbon face and Spin2 texture
- Duo Grid pattern and Sharp Hole technology
- 365 g, with a lighter LS V3 at 355 g
Main features of the Wilson Bela V3
The Bela V3 is built around hole design and stability:
- Teardrop shape in all three Bela V3 rackets, according to Wilson’s own comparison
- 3K carbon face on the Bela V3 for a crisp, stable response and strong ball exit
- Power Foam core in the whole range
- Duo Grid hole pattern, which Wilson says varies the hole layout with larger upper holes for power and tighter lower holes for spin and control
- Sharp Hole technology, which Wilson says stabilizes the face on contact, plus Stability Channel and V-Bridge structural features
- Spin2 micro-textured surface, and a Sublime grip
Specification of the Wilson Bela V3
Here are the full specs of the Wilson Bela V3:
- Shape: Teardrop (all three)
- Bela V3 weight: 365 g, 3K carbon face
- Bela LS V3 weight: 355 g
- Bela Pro V3 weight: 370 g
- Core: Power Foam
- Surface: Spin2 texture
- Hole pattern: Duo Grid with Sharp Hole technology
- Structure: Stability Channel and V-Bridge
- Grip size: Size 2 (4 1/4 inches)
- Player level: Competitive
- Type of play: All-court power and control
Our review of the Wilson Bela V3
The Bela V3 is a power-leaning teardrop with a stable structure. A teardrop with Power Foam and a 3K carbon face is the standard recipe for a racket that gives good ball exit without the harshness of a stiffer diamond, and Wilson lists a Stability Channel and a V-Bridge among its structural features.
The Duo Grid pattern is the headline feature. Wilson describes larger holes in the upper part of the face for power on overheads and smashes, and tighter holes lower down for bite on spin and defensive volleys, and Sharp Hole technology is aimed at directional accuracy and forgiveness on off-center hits.
We have not played any of them ourselves, so this is an assessment of Wilson’s spec sheet and descriptions. On paper the Bela V3 is a slightly lighter, slightly cheaper version of the Bela Pro V3, and the LS V3 is the lightest and gentlest of the three.
Pros
- Stable teardrop with Power Foam and a 3K carbon face
- Duo Grid pattern adds power up top and bite lower down
- Lighter than the Bela Pro V3 at 365 g
- LS V3 offers a 355 g version
Cons
- Expensive, at about $349 for the V3 in the US
- LS V3 stock is thin, with 2 left at the time of writing
- Weight and balance need checking for feel
- No published balance figure in the material we read
Who is the Wilson Bela V3 for?
The Bela V3 suits competitive players who want a stable, all-court teardrop from Wilson, and players who like the Bela Pro V3 but want a little less weight. The LS V3 suits players who want the same platform at 355 g.
Who the Wilson Bela V3 is not for
Skip it if you are new to padel or if you want a control-first round racket, where the Wilson Endure is the better fit. Players on a budget can find cheaper teardrops, and our intermediate racket guide lists several.
What to know before you buy the Wilson Bela V3
Bela Pro V3, Bela V3 or Bela LS V3
Wilson’s table lists the Bela Pro V3 at 370 g with C2 tubular construction and a Shock Shield grip, the Bela V3 at 365 g and the Wilson Bela LS V3 at 355 g, both with a Stability Channel and a Sublime grip. The LS V3 listing also names ComfortFlex, a weight-distribution and handle-shape feature aimed at reducing arm fatigue. The V3 showed about $349 and the LS V3 about $299 at the time of writing, against about $399 for our Bela Pro V3 page.
Weight and balance
Wilson lists the weights but, in the material we read, no balance in millimeters, so check how the racket feels in your hand before you commit.
Shape note
Wilson’s own collection table lists all three Bela V3 rackets as teardrops, and that table is the source we use for the shapes. Our Bela Pro V3 review and some listings call the Pro V3 round, so check the current listing before you rely on the shape.
How the Wilson Bela V3 plays
Smashes and overheads: The Duo Grid pattern and the Power Foam core are designed for power on overheads. Our guides to the kick smash and the bandeja cover the technique.
Volleys: Wilson says Sharp Hole technology stabilizes the face on contact, which should help blocks and punched volleys.
Defense: A teardrop gives a reasonable sweet spot, and the tighter lower holes are designed to add control on defensive plays.
Spin: The Spin2 texture adds grip for slices and heavier topspin.
Wilson Bela V3 vs the alternatives
Inside Wilson, the Bela Pro V3 is the flagship, the Blade V4 is the all-court teardrop at about $252 and the Defy Pro V1 is the power diamond at about $349. Outside Wilson, the Head Speed Pro (~$280) and the Nox EA10 Ventus Hybrid (~$345) are comparable teardrops. Our best rackets for advanced players guide compares the wider field.
Is the Wilson Bela V3 worth it?
At about $349 for the V3 and $299 for the LS V3, the Bela rackets are expensive, and the Blade V4 offers a similar all-court teardrop for less. They are worth it for a competitive player who wants the Bela platform, and the LS V3 is the value choice of the range.
Conclusion
The Wilson Bela V3 is a stable, power-leaning teardrop with a 3K carbon face, Power Foam and a Duo Grid pattern. Its strengths are stability, hole design and a range of weights. Its weaknesses are the price and limited information on balance.
Choose it if you want a Bela that is a little lighter than the Pro V3. If you want something cheaper, see the Blade V4, and browse our best padel rackets roundup for every level.
Frequently asked questions about the Wilson Bela V3
What is the difference between the Wilson Bela V3, the Bela Pro V3 and the Bela LS V3?
Wilson lists the Pro V3 at 370 g, the V3 at 365 g with a 3K carbon face and the Wilson Bela LS V3 at 355 g. All three are teardrops with a Power Foam core and a Duo Grid pattern.
How heavy is the Wilson Bela V3?
Wilson lists 365 g for the Bela V3 and 355 g for the Bela LS V3. The material we read gives no balance in millimeters.
Is the Wilson Bela V3 good for intermediate players?
For strong intermediates who want a quality teardrop. Wilson aims the Bela range at competitive players, and cheaper options exist in our intermediate racket guide.
How does the Duo Grid hole layout on the Bela V3 work?
Duo Grid is Wilson’s hole layout. Wilson says larger holes in the upper part of the face give power on overheads and smashes, and tighter holes lower down add bite for spin and control.
What is Spin2 texture?
Spin2 is a micro-textured surface on the Bela face. Wilson says it grips the ball for longer on contact, generating heavier spin and sharper angles without extra effort.
Is the Wilson Bela V3 a power racket?
It leans toward power. Wilson designs the upper holes for power on overheads, and the teardrop shape, the Power Foam core and the 3K carbon face all add ball speed.
Is the Bela V3 good for players from tennis or pickleball?
Wilson says so. Its listing describes the Bela rackets as suited to players who transition from tennis or pickleball, with a crisp carbon response and a stable structure.
Is the Wilson Bela V3 worth about $349?
Only for a competitive player who wants the Bela platform. The Wilson Blade V4 offers a similar all-court teardrop for less, and the LS V3 is cheaper at about $299.
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.