Bullpadel
XPLO ATM
A head-heavy geometric powerhouse that rewards aggressive, technically sound players who want to impose pace from anywhere on the court.
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Full spec breakdown
Listing checked at publish date
Highlights
What makes this racket stand out
Geometric Shape frame widens at 2 and 10 o'clock to push the sweet spot higher and increase contact area to 535 cm² — more margin on overhead attacks than a standard teardrop
MultiEVA three-layer core delivers fast, decisive rebound on explosive shots while the softer inner layer takes the edge off slower exchanges — not a one-trick power sponge
Custom Weight system lets you add 3, 6, or 9 grams to the head, meaning the balance can be tuned well beyond its already high factory setting for players who want even more overhead momentum
The feel
How it's built to play, by shape, core and construction — rated low / mid / high rather than on a false 1–10 scale. Higher isn't always better; it depends on the game you want.
Balance — where the weight sits
Even
Handle / low
Head / high
The spec sheet
Weight
365–375g
Year
2025
Shape
Teardrop
Level
Professional
Style
Power
Balance
High
Core
MULTIEVA
Face
X TEND CARBON 12K
Thickness (mm)
38
Our verdict
What the shape, core and construction tell us about how this racket is built to play.
The short version
The XPLO ATM suits the left-side attacker or powerful all-court player who wants the widest possible contact window at head height without committing fully to a diamond — the Geometric Shape earns its place here by genuinely extending the effective smash zone rather than just marketing a different mould. The Custom Weight system is a real differentiator for players who want to dial in the balance themselves, though anyone adding the full 9 grams to the head should have their elbow checked first. This is not a racket for players still building technique — the high balance and carbon face will expose every mis-hit.
Strengths
Advanced to professional players who play from the left side and finish points with overhead smashes, bandejas, and high-pace volleys
Technically consistent all-court attackers who generate their own pace and want a racket that amplifies rather than compensates
Keep in mind
Players with elbow or shoulder sensitivity — the high balance, EVA core, and stiff carbon face combine to transmit significant vibration, and the Custom Weight system only increases that risk if weight is added
How it's built to play
The XPLO ATM is a limited-edition version of Bullpadel's most aggressive racket, dressed in Atlético de Madrid's red and white but functionally identical to the standard XPLO line in every spec that matters. The Geometric Shape — wider than a conventional teardrop at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions — pushes the sweet spot higher into the head and expands the contact surface to 535 cm². That combination of elevated balance and enlarged hitting zone is what separates this from a standard diamond: it asks for the same attacking intent but offers a slightly more forgiving contact window on balls that aren't perfectly centred.
The X-Tend Carbon 12K face is a biaxial weave of 12,000-filament carbon fibre — a more open, lighter laminate than the tighter 3K construction you find on control-oriented carbon rackets. That openness means the face snaps back faster after impact, releasing stored energy into the ball rather than absorbing it, which is the mechanism behind the explosive exit speed XPLO is built around. The Carbon Tube frame — 100% bidirectional carbon around the perimeter — adds torsional rigidity so the frame doesn't flex or twist when you connect at pace, keeping shots straight under load. Inside, the MultiEVA sandwich puts two high-density EVA outer layers around a softer inner core: the outer layers generate quick, decisive rebound on smashes and attacking volleys, while the inner layer absorbs residual vibration on softer defensive touches — a genuinely useful distinction at this level of play rather than just a spec-sheet talking point. Air Power enlarges the throat channels by 50% over the standard Air React Channel, reducing swing drag by a claimed 23.5%; whether that number holds in match conditions, the swing does feel noticeably unimpeded for a racket this heavy.
In the back two-thirds of the court the XPLO ATM does exactly what its spec profile promises: overhead smashes and high volleys carry real authority, and the Geometric Core's double diagonal reinforcement in the upper heart keeps the frame from twisting when you catch a ball slightly off the centreline. The Wave System introduces a degree of frame flex that works in favour of defensive touches and low-speed exchanges — the racket doesn't feel like a plank at the feet, which is a genuine risk with full carbon, high-balance builds at this weight. Where you feel the limitation is on balls below your waist in the net area — the high balance makes quick wrist adjustments slower than a medium or low-balance teardrop, and the 535 cm² face, while wide, concentrates its energy transfer high, so half-volleys at speed require deliberate positioning rather than reactive improvisation. The VibaDrive rubber insert in the handle and the Hesacore honeycomb grip both do measurable work on vibration management — the racket is not arm-friendly in absolute terms given the high balance and stiff carbon construction, but it's less aggressive on the forearm than an equivalent diamond without those features.
FAQ
How does the XPLO ATM compare to the standard Bullpadel XPLO PP26?
The core specs — Geometric Shape, X-Tend Carbon 12K face, MultiEVA core, high balance — are identical between the XPLO ATM and the XPLO PP26. The ATM is a limited-edition cosmetic version with Atlético de Madrid branding, typically priced lower than the PP26 (€299.99 vs €379.99). If you're comparing purely on performance, you're buying the same racket. The PP26 may include minor incremental tuning Bullpadel makes during a production run, but no publicly listed spec differences separate them. Buy the ATM if the price difference matters; buy the PP26 if you want the latest production iteration.
Should I choose the XPLO ATM or the Bullpadel Vertex 05 at a similar level?
The Vertex 05 is a diamond shape with an even higher balance point, built specifically for overhead-finishing left-side play. The XPLO ATM uses Bullpadel's Geometric Shape — wider contact area, slightly more forgiving on off-centre smashes — which makes it the more versatile of the two if you play both sides or want margin on mishits. Choose the Vertex 05 if your game is almost exclusively left-side overhead attack and your technique is consistent enough to exploit a small sweet spot. Choose the XPLO ATM if you want the same attacking power with a larger effective hitting zone and the ability to tune weight via Custom Weight.
Is the XPLO ATM suitable for players with elbow or shoulder problems?
Not recommended. The XPLO ATM combines four of the five high-risk factors for lateral epicondylitis: high balance, EVA core, stiff carbon face, and medium-heavy weight (up to 375g). VibaDrive and Hesacore grip do reduce vibration transmission meaningfully, but they don't offset the fundamental stress profile of a head-heavy carbon racket. If you have existing elbow sensitivity, a low-balance teardrop or round racket with fiberglass face and soft foam core is a significantly safer choice. Return to the XPLO when your arm is fully recovered and your technique is consistent.
What does the Custom Weight system actually change on the XPLO ATM?
The Custom Weight system on the XPLO ATM is redesigned specifically for the Geometric Shape — you can add 3, 6, or 9 grams of mass redistributed toward the top of the head via interchangeable protector plates and handle cap inserts. Adding weight to the head increases the swing momentum on overheads and smashes — useful if you feel the stock racket lacks punch on finishing shots. The trade-off is a slower swing arc on reactive net play and increased vibration load on the arm. The stock balance at ~265mm is already high; adding 9 grams shifts it toward diamond territory. Start at 3g and test before going further.
What is the Geometric Shape and how is it different from a standard teardrop?
A standard teardrop narrows progressively from the handle throat upward to a rounded head. Bullpadel's Geometric Shape widens the frame at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions — the sides of the upper face — creating a 535 cm² contact area versus the 480–500 cm² typical of conventional teardrop frames. That extra width means the effective sweet spot is both higher (like a diamond) and broader (like a round), giving attackers more margin on overhead shots that don't land perfectly centred. The downside: the wider frame slightly increases drag compared to a narrow teardrop, which is why Air Power's enlarged throat channels are particularly important on this racket.
Made for elbow-conscious players.
A head-heavy geometric powerhouse that rewards aggressive, technically sound players who want to impose pace from anywhere on the court.
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