New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X V3 Review
By Cody Bidlow | SprintingWorkouts.com
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X V3 is New Balance’s newest elite sprint spike designed for events from 60m to 400m. It replaces the New Balance SuperComp SD-X and introduces a more aggressive carbon plate along with additional FuelCell foam.
With top-tier spikes like the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 and Adidas Prime SP4 dominating the sprint spike market, the PWR-X V3 is New Balance’s attempt to deliver comparable propulsion while improving stability and heel protection.
After multiple sprint sessions in these spikes, here is how they perform.
Quick Verdict
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X V3 is one of the most stable carbon-plated sprint spikes currently available. It combines a very stiff plate with meaningful heel cushioning, making it a strong alternative to the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 for sprinters who want similar propulsion with a more planted feel.
Best for: Experienced sprinters racing 60m–400m
Strengths: Stability, heel lockdown, plate stiffness
Weaknesses: Requires break-in period, may feel overly stiff for beginners
How I Tested the PWR-X V3
I tested the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X V3 during several sprint sessions across multiple weeks.
Testing included:
- Block starts
- Acceleration runs (20–40m)
- Flying sprints (30m)
- Max-velocity sprinting
All sessions were performed on a standard outdoor track surface.
During testing I ran a 2.91 flying 30 meter sprint wearing these spikes. This provided a good evaluation of the spike’s stiffness, stability, and energy return during maximal velocity sprinting.
Because sprint spikes often change feel after several sessions, I also evaluated the break-in process and how the carbon plate and FuelCell foam behaved over time.
Fit
The PWR-X V3 fits snug and secure, which is exactly what you want in a sprint spike.
The heel cup is particularly impressive. It locks the heel in place without slipping, even during aggressive block starts. Among the spikes I’ve worn, it’s one of the best heel lockdown systems available.
The toe box provides enough room to avoid crowding without feeling loose. Sizing runs true to size but slightly snug, so athletes between sizes may want to consider going half a size up.
The upper is thin and breathable with minimal stretch. Instead of feeling soft or sock-like, it provides structural tension, which helps stabilize the foot during high-speed ground contacts while remaining extremely lightweight.
For athletes who notice their foot sliding forward during acceleration, heel-lock lacing can further improve security.
Stiffness and Ride
The PWR-X V3 is very stiff, placing it in the same category as spikes like the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 and Adidas Prime SP4.
The spike features a full-length external carbon fiber plate combined with Energy Arc technology, and that plate is immediately noticeable during sprinting. Out of the box, the shoe feels rigid and highly responsive, with the plate dominating the ride.
Despite the visible amount of FuelCell foam, the initial sensation is firmer than expected. After several sessions, the foam begins contributing more rebound and the spike settles into a sweet spot where the ride feels both rigid and elastic rather than harsh.
Athletes who prefer very stiff sprint spikes will likely appreciate this balance between plate propulsion and foam rebound.
Break-In Period
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X V3 feels extremely stiff during the first session.
After two to three workouts, the FuelCell foam begins contributing more noticeably and the ride becomes smoother and more responsive. Most athletes should expect the spike to feel fully broken in after roughly 30–60 minutes of total sprinting use.
Heel Cushioning
One of the most distinctive features of the PWR-X V3 is the amount of cushioning under the heel.
Many sprint spikes provide little to no rearfoot protection, but this model includes a meaningful layer of FuelCell foam beneath the calcaneus. While sprinters primarily contact the ground on the forefoot, heel taps do occur, particularly during upright sprinting and the later stages of a race.
Spikes with minimal cushioning can gradually stress the heel and Achilles region. The additional foam in the PWR-X V3 noticeably reduces that impact.
Beyond comfort, the foam also contributes to energy return during maximal velocity sprinting. During flying sprints, the ground contact felt elastic — almost as if the track was helping cycle the leg back upward rather than forcing the athlete to actively drive it.
Stability
Stability is another area where the PWR-X V3 performs well.
Earlier versions of the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly were known for feeling slightly unstable through the forefoot due to their air pod design. While the Maxfly 2 improved this, the PWR-X V3 still feels more planted and predictable underfoot.
Compared with the Puma evoSPEED Sprint NITRO Elite, which aggressively pushes athletes onto their toes, the New Balance spike maintains a more neutral forefoot posture. You still receive strong propulsion from the plate, but without feeling forced into a specific foot position.
The result is a spike that feels aggressive yet controlled, particularly during maximal velocity sprinting.
PWR-X V3 vs Maxfly 2
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X V3 and Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 are two of the most popular elite sprint spikes currently available.
| Feature | PWR-X V3 | Maxfly 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | More planted | Slightly less stable |
| Cushioning | More heel foam | More forefoot bounce |
| Ride | Very stiff and structured | Slightly softer and springier |
Sprinters who value stability and structure may prefer the PWR-X V3, while athletes who prefer a springier forefoot feel may gravitate toward the Maxfly.
How It Compares to the SD-X
For several seasons, the New Balance SuperComp SD-X has been New Balance’s primary sprint spike.
The PWR-X V3 represents a clear progression with:
- A stiffer carbon plate
- More midsole foam
- Improved heel lockdown
Overall, it delivers a more aggressive and responsive ride.
That said, the SD-X still has value in a spike rotation. After breaking in, it tends to feel softer and more forgiving, which can make it useful for early-season training sessions. The PWR-X V3 feels better suited for race days and high-intensity workouts.
Pros
- Excellent heel lockdown
- Very stable forefoot compared to many super spikes
- Strong carbon plate propulsion
- Meaningful heel cushioning (rare in sprint spikes)
Cons
- Very stiff out of the box
- Requires a short break-in period
- May feel too aggressive for newer sprinters
Who Should Buy These
The PWR-X V3 is best suited for experienced sprinters already comfortable in stiff, carbon-plated spikes.
Athletes currently using spikes like the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2, Adidas Prime SP4, or Puma evoSPEED Sprint NITRO Elite will likely adapt quickly and may appreciate the additional stability the PWR-X V3 provides.
Athletes newer to sprint spikes may prefer starting with a more forgiving model such as the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp MD-X, Adidas Finesse, or Nike Rival Sprint.
Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best For | 60m–400m, hurdles |
| Midsole | FuelCell foam |
| Plate | Full-length external carbon fiber with Energy Arc |
| Pins | 6 built-in |
| Upper | Lightweight woven mesh with toe drag protection |
| Fit | True to size (snug); half size up if between sizes |
| Experience Level | Intermediate to advanced |
Bottom Line
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X V3 earns a place among the top sprint spikes currently available.
It combines excellent heel lockdown, strong stability, and high plate stiffness, while the FuelCell foam adds enough rebound to keep the ride energetic rather than punishing.
For sprinters looking for a spike that blends carbon-plated aggression with improved stability, the PWR-X V3 is a serious contender.
About the Author
Cody Bidlow is a sprint coach and athlete who has been involved in track and field for over 15 years. For more sprint training content, follow ATHLETE.X on YouTube and Instagram or visit SprintingWorkouts.com for training programs and coaching consultations.
SprintingWorkouts.com contains affiliate links which help support the cost of purchasing spikes for testing and review.