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The French brand Babolat, renowned in the world of racket sports, stays true to its values by delivering new releases every year that delight regulars. 2023 is no exception, and the manufacturer has not held back on innovations and redesign for your favourite rackets. Let's take a tour of this year's new Babolat rackets.
The Viper range: something new for the pros!
In the high-end category from Babolat, there are exciting updates! The various Viper models have all been redesigned both inside and out to suit every player.
The Air Viper: lightness combined with rigidity
With its teardrop shape, the Air Viper is one of the lightest high-end rackets on the market! Indeed, despite its numerous onboard technologies, this pala weighs only 355 grams (with a tolerance of +/- 10 grams). But make no mistake, it is carbon that is used in the Air Viper. Very rigid (16K), it provides excellent responsiveness along with a solid dose of explosiveness. Keep in mind, however, the vibrations such density can cause, despite the presence of an X-EVA foam featuring multiple layers of different densities.
The Counter Viper: control at its highest level
Staying within the Viper range, we now look at the Counter Viper, the control racket. Featuring a 3K carbon frame, the carbon's hardness complements its low density to make the pala both precise and comfortable. Its EVA Soft foam between the faces enhances ball control. Manoeuvrability is also boosted thanks to its round shape and its balance towards the handle.
The Technical Viper: pure power
After control, power. This time, we move over to the red side with the Technical. A racket strongly focused on power with its 12K carbon frame, its diamond shape and head-heavy balance give the pala unique explosiveness. Mainly recommended for experienced players as it is quite demanding, it can be devastating when properly mastered.
Technical Viper Juan Lebron Edition: El Lobo's racket!
For the new collection, Babolat wanted to do things in a big way. And for that, they released the Juan Lebron Technical Viper limited edition. Partnered with the brand since 2016, the Andalusian player has gone through many adventures with his favourite equipment supplier to reach the world number 1 spot he has held for several years now. It was therefore time to make this partnership flourish with a brand new pala. And safe to say, the bet paid off.
Beyond the technical features that are very close to the Technical Viper, the racket used by the Spanish player on the circuit, extensive work has gone into the shape and styling. Say goodbye to bubble wrap and hello to the red box enclosing the racket, turning it into a true collector's item. Inside this box, you will find two removable wrist straps to customise your racket in addition to the racket itself. The pala design features a wolf, Lebron's totem animal, in shades of blue and red. Certain elements like the racket's name are glossy, giving it an aggressive yet premium style. Dazzle your opponents on court and unleash the animal within you!
It is also worth noting that all rackets in this new range feature a detachable, washable wrist strap. This means better hygiene as well as more customisation. The handle has also been lengthened to allow for two-handed backhands. Beyond style, innovations like these make Babolat one of the most influential brands on the market.
The Veron range: to progress with complete peace of mind
Babolat has also offered its various models across the Veron range so that every player can have a racket tailored to their level and playing style.
Air Veron: versatility at all costs
In the Veron range, the Air model is certainly the most complete. With its teardrop shape and its balance centred in the middle of the face, power and control are well balanced. The inclusion of low-density carbon (3K) provides responsiveness on the ball, ideal for volleys. And finally, the classic feature of the Air model: the weight. Indeed, just like on the Viper, only 355 grams for this racket, making it one of the lightest in its category.
Counter Veron: to counter everything?
To complete the Veron range, the Counter model is naturally on hand. With its round shape and soft foam, this is a control-oriented racket suited to players who want precision along with optimal playing comfort. The main difference from its big sister, the Counter Viper, is the fibreglass and carbon blend faces instead of full carbon. This frame gives the pala more flexibility and makes shots even more comfortable.
Technical Veron: Be explosive in all circumstances!
Finally, the Technical Veron is the explosive racket in the range, but make no mistake: unlike the Viper, it features characteristics that make it a more well-rounded racket with added control. Still featuring a diamond shape, the foam is nevertheless softer and the carbon density is lower. Aimed at powerful intermediate or advanced players, the Tech Veron is here to give you balanced power!
The Vertuo range: where accessibility is the key word
For the final and most accessible range, Babolat has also made its 3 models available in different versions. Recommended for beginners or intermediate players, these palas are ideal for those progressing while developing their own playing style!
Counter Vertuo: to master every ball
Let's start again with the Counter Vertuo, a racket that (as you know by now) focuses on control and manoeuvrability. With its round shape, you will have no trouble mastering it, even if it is your very first racket. Featuring fibreglass faces and fairly soft foam, everything is designed to return as many balls as possible and avoid frustrating early errors.
Air Vertuo: Power and lightness
The Air Vertuo stands out from the others through its lightness (like the other Air models) and its Black EVA foam, which guarantees both power and playing comfort. The fibreglass faces help maintain ball control while providing tolerance at impact. At 345 grams, the Air Vertuo is a versatile racket that will satisfy the widest range of players.
Technical Vertuo: smooth explosiveness
The Technical range also gets its Vertuo model. The power aspect is well represented with the diamond shape and the weight distributed towards the racket head, helping generate explosiveness on overheads and smashes in particular. But don't worry, this pala is well suited to beginners. Made with fibreglass that adds flexibility at impact, the control aspect is also very much present to counterbalance the power and make it a racket suitable for beginners.
The Gaming range: for a smooth start
If the Vertuo models are not forgiving enough or simply out of budget, Babolat wanted to create an additional range to please as many players as possible. Here are a few models from this range.
Babolat Storm: to choose your playing style as effectively as possible
The Babolat Storm is one of the best rackets for starting padel. Why? Highly forgiving with its fibreglass, it helps minimise unforced errors and avoids early frustration. It is also very versatile: with its teardrop shape, it features a sweetspot centred in the middle of the racket. Ideal for beginner players who do not yet know which playing style to adopt. The other rackets in this range are also available to help you find the racket that suits you best. Check out the Babolat Contact, Reveal and Reflex available on Esprit Padel Shop!
Babolat Viper Junior: for the future of padel!
What better way to become a future padel champion than developing your game with the very best? The French brand has also thought of budding champions and developed a Viper Junior, ideal for young talents looking to improve! With an optimised weight (between 290 and 310 grams) and a reduced thickness (34mm instead of 38mm), we recommend these rackets for children and young teenagers under 13.
For the new year, the Lyon-based brand has pulled out all the stops to offer new rackets that match players' expectations. New technologies, new designs—Babolat has spoiled us with its new collection. Find all these rackets on our site!
