BLACK CROWN · 2026
Black Crown Gladius 2026
specs and who it suits
The Black Crown Gladius 2026 is a teardrop padel racket with a medium-hard-feel Medium Black EVA core, weighing 355 to 370 g with medium balance. It plays as a control racket and lists at €200 RRP. Our match engine rates it best for intermediate right-side players, at 83 out of 98.
- Teardrop
- 355 to 370 g
- Medium balance
- €200 RRP
- 2026 season
WHO IT SUITS
Who the Black Crown Gladius 2026
is right for
Our match engine scores every racket for six player types, the same engine as the AI racket finder. 98 is the ceiling. The rank is its position among all rackets for that player.
| Player | Score /98 | Verdict | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 68 | Poor fit | #502 of 862 |
| Intermediate all-rounder | 85 | Workable | #536 of 1214 |
| Intermediate, left side | 81 | Workable | #544 of 1214 |
| Intermediate, right side | 83 | Workable | #406 of 1214 |
| Advanced attacker | 78 | Workable | #555 of 1214 |
| Elbow or arm trouble | 64 | Poor fit | #933 of 1165 |
SPECIFICATIONS
Black Crown Gladius 2026
specs
Manufacturer specifications. Price is the euro RRP; UK street prices are usually lower.
| Spec | Black Crown Gladius 2026 |
|---|---|
| Shape | Teardrop |
| Weight | 355 to 370 g |
| Balance | Medium |
| Core | Medium Black EVA |
| Feel | Medium-Hard |
| Face | 18K Carbon |
| Frame | Carbon fiber |
| Playing style | Control |
| Season | 2026 |
| RRP | €200 (premium band) |
OUR READING
What the specs
mean on court
On the numbers, the Black Crown Gladius 2026 is a niche pick: it is not in the top fifth of rackets for any of our six player types. It is a weaker choice for beginners and players with elbow or arm trouble.
A teardrop head is the middle ground: a little more reach and power than a round frame, a bigger sweet spot than a diamond. The harder core rewards a fast, clean swing with pace and precision, and punishes late contact.
These scores assume the answers of a typical player of each type. The free racket finder scores it for your own answers, and the Padel AI app goes further: film one match and it scores your real technique, then re-ranks all 1,418 rackets for the way you actually play. Compare the rest of the range on our Black Crown rackets page.
ALTERNATIVES
Rackets similar
to the Black Crown Gladius 2026
The closest current rackets in our catalogue by shape, feel, weight, price and how they play.
| Racket | Shape | Weight | Feel | RRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vibora Black Mamba Elite 3K 2.0 2025 | Teardrop | 350 to 370 g | Medium-Hard | €230 |
| Enebe Response 3K EVO 2026 | Teardrop | 355 to 370 g | Medium-Hard | €229 |
| Black Crown Patron Xtrem 2025 | Teardrop | 355 to 370 g | Medium-Hard | €260 |
| Nox AT10 Pro Cup Hard 2025 | Teardrop | 360 to 375 g | Medium-Hard | €175 |
| Enebe Aerox 7.1 V2 2025 | Teardrop | 355 to 370 g | Medium | €189 |
| Black Crown Gladius Force 2026 | Teardrop | 355 to 370 g | Medium | €200 |
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Check it against
1,417 other rackets
Seven questions. If this racket fits you, it will show up in your top five.
7 questions · 1,418 rackets · free
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Answer seven questions about your level, your side of the court, what you want more of and your budget. The finder scores every racket in the catalogue and shows your five best matches.
FAQ
Questions about the
Black Crown Gladius 2026
Is the Black Crown Gladius 2026 good for beginners?
It scores 68 out of 98 for a beginner in our match engine, which is poor fit, ranking #502 of 862 eligible rackets. A rounder, softer racket will forgive more while your timing develops.
Is the Black Crown Gladius 2026 a power or a control racket?
It plays as a control racket. The teardrop shape and medium balance sit between round and diamond, trading a little forgiveness for some extra power.
How heavy is the Black Crown Gladius 2026?
The manufacturer lists it at 355 to 370 g. Most padel rackets sit between 350 and 375 g; this one is in the middle of that range.
Is the Black Crown Gladius 2026 good for tennis elbow?
For a player with arm trouble it scores 64 out of 98, poor fit. A softer core would absorb more of the impact. See a physio if the pain persists.
How much does the Black Crown Gladius 2026 cost?
The recommended retail price is €200. UK shops usually sell below RRP, and the price drops further once the next season's model arrives.
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