PadelGuru analysis
Verdict
Fernando Belasteguín’s Wilson Bela Pro V3 is a strong recommendation for advanced attacking players looking for the liveliest, most forgiving version in this line: the ball comes off the face much faster than on its predecessors, making both defense and the smash easier without demanding such strict technique. The trade-off for that extra rebound is less precision when the pace picks up, and swinging it across three sets still takes physical conditioning, so look elsewhere if you prioritize a light feel or total control against fast balls.
- Best for
- Advanced attacking players who want generous ball exit and accessible power without a stiff feel.
- Not for
- Players who tire quickly with heavy rackets or want pinpoint accuracy when hitting flat at top speed.
Strengths
- High ball exit at low and medium pace with a compact swing
- Easy to generate ball speed on the x3 smash
- Pronounced dual texture that bites hard on spin
- More comfortable and forgiving than previous versions
Weaknesses
- High weight wears on the arm as the match goes on
- Gives up control at high pace due to the bouncy core
- Feels dead outside the sweet spot and sends some vibration to the hand
01 Back of the court: free-flowing defense that demands fitness
Defending slow balls is much easier than with earlier editions of this line. The Power Foam core delivers high ball exit that sends returns deep with a compact swing, helping you dig balls out of the corners when stretched or rallying at medium pace.
Its mass sets the limit from the baseline. While the medium-high 265 mm balance lets you move it smoothly early on, its 365 to 375 g weight takes a toll on your forearm during long rallies in a third set.
02 Volley: better sliced than flat
At the net, it rewards players who shape the ball with spin rather than flat hitters. On block volleys and medium-pace exchanges it offers a clean, deep touch, but when opponents crank up the speed its lively nature takes over: hit a flat, hard volley and the rebound launches the ball too far, costing you accuracy. Shots drop into the court much more reliably when you slice under the ball and let the racket’s own mass add the weight.
03 Overheads: heavy spin and an accessible x3 smash
Up high, it makes the most of its pronounced 3D textured and sandy finish. On bandejas and viboras hit at controlled speed, the ball comes off deep with minimal effort and grabs heavy spin; you just need to hold back a bit when swinging hard so the rebound doesn’t send the ball into the back glass.
On the smash, it multiplies ball speed without requiring an elite arm. It shines brightest on the x3 smash, which is much easier to pull off than with previous editions, though on flat smashes it gives up a touch of crisp punch compared to the original Bela.
04 Feel and comfort: lively center, firmer edges
The 24K Carbon face paired with the core delivers a medium stiffness with a lively response as long as you catch its standard sweet spot. When contact drifts toward the edges, the face feels deader and passes some vibration to the hand. The handle measures 12.5 cm long and comes slightly thicker than usual out of the box, a handy detail to keep in mind when deciding how many overgrips to wrap.
Frequently asked questions
- What racket does Fernando Belasteguín use?
- Fernando Belasteguín plays with the Bela Pro V3, an attacking hybrid racket built for advanced players that combines a medium feel with high ball exit.
- How does the Bela Pro V3 differ from previous versions?
- It plays slightly softer, responds with much more bounce, and asks less of your technique. You get easier depth from the back and simpler x3 smashes, at the cost of some of the high-speed control that earlier editions offered.
- Is the Bela Pro V3 too heavy for defending?
- At 365 to 375 g, its hybrid shape keeps it from feeling clunky early on, but it requires a strong arm and the weight catches up with you over long matches.
- What is the handle like on the Bela Pro V3?
- The grip is 12.5 cm long and comes slightly thicker from the factory than most other brands, which is worth factoring in before adding overgrips.